This guide explores the difference between home health and assisted living and offers some tips for helping you make the choice that's best for you or your loved one.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a level of residential care that offers support for adults who need some help with daily tasks but want to maintain independence. Residents in assisted living communities typically live in private suites or apartments. They have access to on-site help as needed but otherwise live their day according to their own schedule and preferences.

Within an assisted living community, you can get help with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing. Clinical assistance with medications and chronic disease management is also usually available, and residents have access to meals, social activities and community amenities. These vary in each location but can include options such as gardens to walk in, libraries to enjoy and media or exercise rooms.

What Is Home Health?

Home health refers to certain medical services provided to a person in their own home. These services are usually offered by clinical and allied health professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists. Aides may also provide services, such as help with bathing.

Home health care is often short-term, acting as a stepping stone between other levels of care. For example, someone who's undergone surgery in a hospital may have home health care temporarily while they recover.

Long-term home health is sometimes used to help individuals manage chronic health conditions or remain in a home with a family caregiver. For example, an older adult who needs medical support for nutrition may have home health support for that even while remaining at home with an adult child as their caregiver.

Assisted Living vs. Home Health: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Assisted Living

Home Health

Level of Service

24-7 staff available

Varies according to need, but professional support is part-time or only via intermittent visits

Service Options

Personal care, meals, housekeeping, social activities, exercise programs, transportation and more

Medical care (nursing), physical and occupational therapy, some personal care

Amenities

Varies, with options such as dining rooms, gardens, libraries, fitness rooms, activity rooms, social hours, salons and media rooms

None provided

Family Caregiver Involvement

Minimal, though staff is usually open to working with and including family in supporting each resident

Often high, with hands-on requirement for care

Costs

Usually covered via a monthly fee, which is all-inclusive and varies by location

Pay-per-visit, by hour or via other insurance-approved billing; covered by Medicare if medically necessary

Social Interaction

High, with group activities and social hours typically an option

Limited unless arranged by family

Questions to Answer to Choose the Right Option for You

When deciding between home health and assisted living, consider the answers to the following questions:

• How much help is required each day? Assisted living may be a better option for those who need ongoing support throughout the day, while home health works for very specific needs through the week.
• Is social connection important? Meeting new people and engaging in regular social activities can reduce risks associated with isolation, including some cognitive decline and depression. Assisted living communities offer this level of socialization.
• Is staying at home a top priority? Some older adults prefer to age in place. When they're able, loved ones are supportive and the home is safe, home health may be a preferred option.
• What is the budget for care? Costs and payment options vary, so you should always consider the financial burden of care. Look at existing resources, including insurance plans and income, to understand what might work for you.
• What kind of medical oversight is needed? Home health can offer skilled nursing support during visits, but family caregivers may need to carry the load between those times. Assisted living offers support for basic health care needs and staff to help residents coordinate additional care without outside providers.
• What are the needs and availability of loved ones? Older adults with loved ones who can provide ongoing support and fill necessary gaps between home health visits may choose to stay in their homes. However, if you don't have loved ones nearby who are willing to provide such support, you might find peace of mind and greater security in an assisted living community.

If you're still not sure whether an assisted living community is the right choice for you, consider taking a tour. Reach out to the assisted living community at The Gardens at Broadmoor Court in Colorado Springs to schedule a visit today.