When loved ones and their families consider whether assisted living or receiving care at home would be best, the decision often includes evaluating the benefits and fees of each option.
The cost of assisted living and home care agencies can vary widely. Depending on the quality of amenities, the level of services required and even the geographic location, it’s always best to contact each community and agency for a specific budget number.
What’s needed to live a high-quality retirement lifestyle
But along with comparing the cost and value of each option, it’s essential to recognize that an enriched and full life requires more than the basics of shelter, food and safety. While everyone’s list might be unique, the following features provide a good foundation when budgeting senior care expenses:
- Accessible and comfortable residence
- Privacy and independence
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Activities and social events
- Opportunities to make new friends
- Healthy dining options
- Exercises and fitness classes
- Volunteering or other opportunities to live with purpose
- Transportation alternatives
- Safe and secure home and neighborhood
Creating a budget for senior living services and reconciling available finances is straightforward. You’ll find most of the above items available and included in the monthly cost of assisted living but you’ll want to verify with each community. To create a fair comparison, budget for these same services separately when calculating at-home costs.
Comparing assisted living options
Another consideration when comparing costs and value is the type of assisted living that would be best for your loved one. For instance, Prairie City Landing differs from many communities by providing spacious apartment homes with full-sized amenities, adventurous activities, several choices in dining and beautiful outdoor spaces.
But what also sets us apart is how we define assisted living. Families and loved ones may discover that many assisted living communities require residents to move into a dedicated building to receive their services. For residents who have already moved into an independent living community, this can mean moving once again – and disrupting their daily lives and routines.
However, at Prairie City Landing, we created assisted living as a service to be delivered. In most cases our residents, who are enjoying life in their full-sized apartments, won’t need to move* because they now require a helping hand. We will discreetly bring what is needed to them in their home. Residents appreciate avoiding the disruption – and the opportunity to continue being surrounded by the familiarity of a compassionate staff, wonderful friends and participating in activities that bring meaning and joy to their lives.
Download our complimentary guide,
Staying Home vs. Senior Living.
The true cost of assisted living vs. remaining at home
While it’s important for families to calculate and budget finances for a loved one’s senior living expenses, recognizing what can be gained or lost by choosing assisted living or remaining at home may be more influential in supporting a high quality of life.
1. The cost of loneliness and isolation
Your loved one may find it more challenging to meet new people, participate in activities or interact socially when living at home.
At Prairie City Landing, meeting your neighbors and other residents at our many social events and welcoming common areas is simple. Friendships are easily made and nurtured here.
2. The cost of boredom and inactivity
If remaining at home, will your loved one have access to stimulating and fun activities that will keep them engaged? Or will they spend many hours alone?
At Prairie City Landing, our Events and Adventures team goes beyond the conventional to offer unique and extraordinary options – many suggested by our own residents.
3. The cost of losing independence
When continually relying on family and friends for help with basic daily tasks, feelings of dependency grow. Lost independence significantly impacts a positive sense of self.
At Prairie City Landing, we always support our residents to remain as independent as possible. And since we provide assistance discreetly in the privacy of their apartment, they continue to live with privacy, dignity and respect.
4. The cost of compromise
Compromise is usually required when remaining at home. A handy son may not be a good cook, or a loving spouse might no longer drive.
At Prairie City Landing, we hire only the best and provide expertise in every area, including adventures, dining, fitness and assistance.
5. The cost of caregiving gaps
The financial cost of full-time care at home is prohibitive for most, so family members will need to step up and fill in the gaps. Is this solution workable for your loved one?
At Prairie City Landing, assistance is available around the clock, weekends and holidays included, providing peace of mind that help is always available.
6. The cost to the family
Providing at-home care and attention can add stress to family members already navigating child responsibilities and careers. Loved ones may also feel like they’re a burden.
At Prairie City Landing, we are the primary caregivers, allowing adult children to take a break from the 24/7 angst over a parent’s well-being. Loved ones also appreciate the self-reliance.
7. The cost of worry and anxiety
Older adults often become focused on falling or other injuries. They may lose a little of their nerve when it comes to adventures or activities and find remaining at home easier.
At Prairie City Landing, we’ve discovered that group activities, enthusiasm and encouragement often convince residents to try something new.
8. The cost of losing familiar roles
Family relationships are greatly affected if a loved one receives care at home. Many sons and daughters discover the more they do, the more they’re depended on, as they become more caregiver and less family member.
At Prairie City Landing, we provide everything needed – except the irreplaceable relationships with family. Our attention allows adult children and their loved ones to return to familiar roles and spend time enjoying each other instead of caregiving.
Discover Life at Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing
We created Prairie City Landing to support our residents to live their best lives possible. Our community’s design, residences, activities and amenities are all focused on helping to connect, engage and create an enriched life.
If you’re searching for senior living that is different from the rest, we hope you will consider Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing. We invite you to download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living. Contact us to speak to an advisor, or schedule your tour of Prairie City Landing today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
*Independent living residents residing on the 3rd floor are required to be ambulatory. Should they become non-ambulatory, they would have to move to a 1st or 2nd floor apartment.
