The High Cost of Living at Home

Assisted living and home care are the two common ways to take care of an elderly family member who needs special attention. However, choosing between these two options is often stressful and overwhelming because they both have perceived benefits and downsides. According to a recent study, 52% of people turning age 65 will require some form of long-term care services in their lifetimes. This dry statistic makes it seem like the older you get, the more inevitable it becomes that you will require a dedicated care facility.

A community preference survey by the AARP revealed that out of four adults aged 50, three preferred to age at home. However, some came to love the idea of assisted living despite often resisting it at first.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living facilities provide personalized care to older adults who might need assistance with with day to day activities. Some services available at assisted living communities include;

• Meal services
• Medication management
• Social activities
• Housekeeping and laundry services

Benefits of Assisted living

According to Michelle Aweshah, regional sales director at a Place for Mom, the fear of change makes older adults want to stay at home. However, the elderly can find a home in assisted living communities over time. Aweshah says that one may feel independent staying at home, but if they cannot engage in day-to-day activities like driving or visiting friends, they may feel isolated or depressed. Being independent can decrease the quality and longevity of life. The good thing about assisted living facilities is that they provide games, nutritious foods, transportation, and social activities.

Some other benefits include;

• Concierge services
• Daily activities
• Beauty salons and barber rooms
• Movie theaters
• Gyms

Most assisted living facilities offer both short-term and long-term care depending on the needs of the senior elderly. Many communities allow you to terminate your stay at any time, provided you give a 30-day notice. Assisted living facilities have skilled and experienced staff members to ensure the well-being and safety of residents both day and night. They also have nurses and mobile services for therapy services, physician appointments, and much more.

Cost of Assisted Living

Though it’s difficult to ultimately put a price on the cost of your well being, there are many things you should seriously consider. The Elms Senior Living environment provides for the key pillars of health and wellness and in turn, supports a more favorable financial outcome by managing the risk factors that contribute to decline such as poor nutrition, fall risks and most importantly socialization. This significantly reduces the higher possibility of needing more costly nursing home care. The familiar wisdom of prevention is true in Senior living.

Most Seniors we speak with would like to live in their homes for as long as possible. We would highly recommend that you seriously consider the expenses associated with home ownership, such as:

• Mortgage Payments
• Homeowners Insurance
• Real Estate Taxes
• Home Heating Costs
• Replacement, Maintenance and care of Furnace and Air Conditioning Systems
• Lawn Care (For 10 years, approximately $25,000, according to The-Lawn-Advisor.com)
• Replacement Windows for an average home ($11,000, according to CostVsValue.com)
• Roof Replacement for an average home (Approximately $20,000, according to CostVsValue.com)

What is Home Care?

Home care provides transportation, companionship, and daily assistance for the elderly seniors living at home. However, nursing isn’t among the home care services.

Home care services include;

• Housekeeping
• Grooming
• Meal preparation
• Bathing
• Dressing

Benefits of home-care

• Help with daily tasks; In-home caregivers assist with light housekeeping, meal preparation, and cleaning.
• Companionship; Home care provides a one-on-one companionship through activities like playing games, reading aloud, and engaging in active conversations.
• Customized elderly home care; in-home caregivers provide customized services based on your needs and lifestyle.

What are Home Care Costs?

The costs of home care services vary depending on the home care agency, your location, staff salaries, among other things.

According to Genworth, the US’s cost of home care services was approximately $4,576 per month as of 2020. If you’re considering home care services, you need to evaluate additional charges, including maintenance repairs, groceries, and utilities.

Life at The Elms (Boutique Senior Living!)

We speak with Seniors and families every day about their concerns, fears and hesitations when the time comes to consider joining a Senior living community. We are here to assure you that life at The Elms has many health and financial benefits. Our Senior community is fun, safe, supportive and most of all will make your daily life considerably more comfortable!

There are many misconceptions about the health and wellness benefits of a boutique hotel-style community like The Elms. Here are a few health benefits that you will enjoy as a resident:

Companionship: The Elms is a vibrant and socially active home. There are many weekly events and opportunities to meet other residents and socialize. This includes organized trips, such as foliage and seaside tours and daily local trips around our beautiful community.

Support System (if needed): Help with the little things, such as bathing and dressing. Reminders about the day’s schedule and activities options. If you aren’t able to drive yourself, drivers are available to get you to your appointment on time. If you need help, someone is always there to respond.

Meals & Nutrition: Our award-winning gourmet kitchen staff will delight you with their culinary prowess, catered to your specific dietary needs.

Medication Assistance (if needed): Highly trained, friendly, personable, caring and dedicated nursing staff on call 24 hours a day.

Low Impact Exercise: Feel like getting up and moving around (safely)? We’ve got you covered!

Did you know, the leading cause of senior injuries is falling? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2016 that in a given year about 25 percent of Americans age 65+ fall, and that falling is the leading cause of Senior injury. At The Elms, we can help make sure that your eye-wear prescriptions are up-to-date and all of our hallways are wide and free of obstacles.

Sometimes it’s the little things that matter. The Elms will always go that extra distance to ensure our residents are happy. For example, our drivers Tim and Lou often take residents on their individual errands or appointments and sometimes even pick up items and deliver them straight to your door. That’s boutique…it’s what The Elms is all about and is the personal service residents who live here enjoy.

The Elms and its surroundings are beautiful. The newly redesigned dining room is elegant, light, bright and NEW. Residents are proud to enjoy such surroundings and conversations are energetic and gleeful. Life at The Elms is good!

Assisted Living vs. Home Care: Which is Best for My Loved One?

Home care might be a good choice as long as you’re able to provide your loved one with the support and care that they need to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Assisted living offers many benefits, both in terms of social activities and support for daily needs as well as financial considerations.

Want to learn about the benefits of Assisted and Independent Living? Schedule a Tour of The Elms Today!

Since you have found The Elms online, why not schedule a tour right now by calling (401) 596-4630 or sending an email. We would love to show you all of the wonderful amenities and activities that residents throughout our campus enjoy everyday.