When your loved one is no longer able to care for themselves or live on their own, you start thinking about the best options for them regarding their elderly care. You can place them in assisted living, which is where they receive care in an assisted living facility, or you can have them receive elderly care at home or where they are currently living. Which is best?

In the end, it all comes down to what your loved one ultimately needs or desires. Either option can be a good one, but deciding which is best between assisted living or elderly care comes down to the following things.

How independent is your elderly loved one?

How independent is your loved one? Can they get along on their own and just need mild supervision? Are they still driving or running errands and tending to their yard with little interference? Or is your loved one largely confined to their bed or in need of constant supervision due to dementia or medical issues? Can your loved one get around their home with assistance? Is it handicapped accessible or elderly-friendly?

If your loved one can still be at home largely unassisted, then you can hire elderly care to tend to their needs on an as-needed basis. However, if your loved one is in need of near-constant care, then you might want to consider assisted living.

How does your loved one live currently?

Does your loved one live alone, or do they have a family member or spouse who lives with them to give them constant care? Does your loved one have pets at home that they would have a hard time getting into assisted living, or do they have the ability to transition into this type of housing with ease?

If your loved one can or does live alone, then they can continue to do so with some modifications and the addition of elderly care as needed. If your loved one cannot live alone, or they have someone living with them but another arrangement may be best, then consider assisted living for their care.

There are many reasons to consider assisted living as a solution to your aging loved one's needs. There are also reasons to consider elderly care at home on an as-needed or more consistent basis. Discuss your concerns with your loved one and their primary doctor to help you make the decision that is best for their ongoing care. Contact an assisted living center for more information.