Assisted Living vs. Home Care

Home Care: Helping Seniors Age in Place

In-home care allows older adults to receive help with daily activities while remaining in a familiar, comfortable setting. Care can range from a few hours a week to full-time assistance, depending on your needs.

You’ve created a life for yourself in your home, so you probably want to stay there for as long as possible — as many older adults do. You want to keep your routine and sleep in your own bed. Home care allows for just that. You stay at home, and the professionals come to you. How long they stay and how they help depends on your specific needs. They can assist with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene assistance, meal prep, medication reminders, companionship, transportation, emergency call systems and more.

In-home care varies widely. One person — or sometimes several — visit regularly. The options usually fall into three categories:

• Skilled medical care
• Nonmedical personal care
• Neurological disorder or dementia home care

If you require medical attention such as shots or therapy, you’ll need skilled medical care. These professionals include physicians, physician’s assistants, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and home health aides under the direction of a physician.

Need help with IADLs? Turn to nonmedical personal care. These professionals help with cooking, shopping, laundry and companionship. The choices include personal care attendants, homemakers, companions and home health aides. Family members may be able to help with this part too. Assistance with ADLs, including bathing, dressing and toileting, are also options for people who need more assistance.

Neurological disorder or dementia home care services are for older adults who have progressive disorders such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or a form of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease). People in the mild to moderate stages will need at least part-time help, especially if no one else is living in their home. Depending on how far the condition has progressed, 24-hour monitoring may be the safest option. Be sure to look for a certified dementia care manager.

Expert Insights

From Dr. Abby Altman, Ph.D., Geropsychologist

One of my clients with early stage Parkinson’s used to say, “My coffee tastes better in my own kitchen.” That simple sentiment really stuck with me. For him, starting each day in his familiar space was grounding. With help from an in-home caregiver, he was able to manage symptoms without disrupting the rhythm of his life — including that cherished morning cup.

Families that need a temporary break from caregiving can hire a respite care worker too. These professionals help with chores, errands, meal prep and personal hygiene. Their goal is to keep your loved one as safe and comfortable as possible.

Assisted Living Facilities: Helping Seniors Live Independently Away from Home

With assisted living, older adults move into a staffed facility. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) offer shared or private rooms in a community of older adults. The room might have a kitchen, or it might just be a bedroom and bathroom. It’s a lot different from a nursing home, since you won’t have constant supervision or medical treatment, but 24-hour personal assistance is available. Caregivers help with bathing, dressing, medication management, meal services and transportation as needed. Housekeeping, laundry, physical therapy and memory care may cost extra.

You may know ALFs by another name, such as residential care facilities, adult care homes or retirement homes. For more information about ALFs and who they are best for, watch our video below.

Comparing Assisted Living and In-Home Care

Cost of Assisted Living vs. Home Care

Don’t let the average costs scare you away. How much you pay depends on where you live and what you need help with. For full-time care, assisted living is the cheapest on average. As of 2024, the median cost of assisted living was $5,511 per month, which typically includes a private room and core services. The typical range is somewhere between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, or $36,000 and $72,000 per year. Some ALFs charge a separate move-in fee or a fee for specialized services.

You may think in-home care would be cheaper, but that’s not always the case. Part-time care is generally less expensive, but full-time care can cost much more. The hourly price can reach up to $40 per hour. How much you pay depends on insurance, veteran’s benefits, services and location. A home health aide costs an average of $6,481 per month for 40 or more hours of care. That does not include personal living expenses, and costs such as trash, sewer, property taxes, mortgage payments, water and electricity can add up.

When family members act as caregivers, in-home care is the cheapest option by far.

Social Opportunities

Being social is essential for good health. Living alone makes you more prone to social isolation, which, in turn, can lead to depression. Luckily, both types of care can help prevent social isolation and depression.

In-home caretakers offer companionship. You might play cards together, talk about the news, do daily crafts or practice memory activities. Some may help with transportation, going to the movies, catching up with friends or attending religious activities together. Staying in the same neighborhood keeps friends and regular activities close by. Plus, you can still enjoy family get-togethers at home, where everyone already feels comfortable.

When you hear the phrase “assisted living,” you may initially think of bingo, holiday parties and group outings — and you’re not wrong! In an ALF, you live near your peers, sort of like back in your college days. There are shared meals, organized social events, art classes and group trips. With so many people nearby, it’s easy to connect with others and fulfill social needs.

Expert Insights

From Dr. Abby Altman, Ph.D., Geropsychologist

When a retired teacher moved into an assisted living community, he was withdrawn at first. But within weeks, he was leading trivia nights and helping others learn English. “It feels like I’ve found my purpose again,” he once told me. I’ve seen this spark so many times. When seniors connect with peers, their mood, cognition and sense of self often bloom.

Safety

No matter where you live, you want to be safe. Assisted living communities were created to keep older adults safe, and they have accessible senior-friendly housing, security and 24-hour personal care services.

Aging at home is safe too. It may just take some extra effort. Installing a medical alert system is one option. It puts help within reach if you or your loved one lives alone. Other modifications, such as widening doorways, putting in stair lifts, purchasing medication-reminder technology and using GPS tracking devices, can also help make the home safer.

Convenience

A big perk of in-home care is its convenience. No one has to move, sell their house or break their routine. You or your loved one can sleep in your own bed and enjoy familiarity. There are also no rules to follow, such as a ban on pets or quiet hours you must adhere to, as there may be in an assisted living community.

Moving — no matter where you’re going — is often inconvenient. You have to pack up your stuff and sell your home, and then find a new routine and start over. That can be cause for worry. If there’s not adequate care in your town, you or your loved one may have to relocate and move farther away from your family. There are, however, still plenty of perks with ALFs, such as creating friendships, delicious meals and activities that are readily available.

Senior living communities also provide structure, since facilities are designed for older adults with varying levels of independence, which may be a better option for some seniors. Services in communities are comprehensive; residents can receive all of their care and support in one location, which is very convenient.

Quality of Life

If you’re like 90 percent of older adults, you probably want to live in your own home. You’ll feel happier with in-home care because you’re doing what you want. Plus, your home is yours. It’s comfortable and familiar, which helps when it comes to coping with illness or recovery. In-home dementia patients take nearly 50 percent fewer trips to the doctor. Living at home eases their stress and anxiety. Home care is also tailored to the individual’s needs, so you receive personalized care designed just for you.

ALFs offer happiness, too, but it takes some getting used to. Meeting new people, finding a new routine and adjusting to community life can cause stress and anxiety. Missing family and friends is also tough for both seniors and their families, but moving to an ALF can also be exciting. You will fulfill your social needs and have fewer worries, such as fewer bills and maintenance to keep up with.

Choosing What's Right for You

Spend time considering whether home care or assisted living is right for you or your loved one. Both have similar goals: helping older adults age while staying as independent as possible. The most important thing is that you choose what will keep everyone happy, healthy and safe without breaking the bank.

Care.com offers an excellent step-by-step guide to choosing the right option for your needs.

1. Assess your care needs
   • What tasks does your parent or loved one need help with, and how often do they need support?
   • Are they able to live alone safely, or do they need care available 24/7?
   • Do they need memory care support?
2. Evaluate social preferences
   • Does your loved one enjoy social activities and community, or do they prefer the familiarity and solitude of home?
3. Consider your budget
   • How much can you afford to spend on care?
   • Compare costs for in-home caregivers with costs at a senior living community.
4. Think about location and accessibility 
   • Is the senior’s home equipped for aging in place? For instance, is it wheelchair accessible?
   • How close is the nearest senior living facility to loved ones?
5. Try a few options
   • Trial respite care or a short-term stay in an ALF to see if it’s a good fit.
6. Involve your loved one
   • Ensure that your loved one feels heard. Talk about their preferences and any concerns to ensure that they find a place where they’ll be comfortable and happy.

We also spoke with Erin Nicholson, a senior care adviser for Care.com, for tips on choosing the right type of care and overcoming previous assumptions about care seniors may receive.

“One of the most challenging aspects of this process is addressing assumptions about what different care options provide,” said Nicholson, who has a master’s in social work. “I recommend beginning by discussing your loved one’s expectations for both in-home care and assisted living. They may, for example, believe that one option is significantly more expensive than the other or assume they’ll need to share a room in an assisted living community. Use this conversation to guide your research, focusing on either validating or clarifying their perceptions.”

Expert Insights

From Dr. Abby Altman, Ph.D., Geropsychologist

I once worked with a woman named Helen (name changed) and her daughter, who were trying to figure out whether home care or assisted living made more sense after Helen had a fall. They were both feeling overwhelmed — Helen wanted to stay home, and her daughter was worried about her safety. We talked through Helen’s daily routine, her goals and what kind of support might ease the strain on both of them. In the end, they brought in a part-time caregiver and added a few simple home modifications. “I feel like myself again,” Helen told me a few months later, “and my daughter finally stopped hovering!” Sometimes the right support just brings everyone a little peace of mind.

After deciding what’s best, you can begin your search for a qualified caregiver or facility. Look through our provider directory or call us on our helpline. We’re happy to help you find the best care in your area today.