The decision of whether to stay in one’s own home or make the transition into an assisted living community is one that many families face, especially when you notice yourself or a loved one not able to easily perform daily tasks such as bathing, preparing meals or completing chores.
For residents local to the Marietta, GA, region this decision includes considering the unique benefits of a local care community and comparing that lifestyle to personal needs and preferences at home. Next, we share several key factors to consider when weighing the options of aging in place versus transitioning to assisted living.
Personal Care Needs
One of the primary considerations in this decision for yourself or a loved one is the level of personal care required.
Aging in Place
Staying at home may be the preferable option for those with minimal care needs. Home modifications and in-home care services can be arranged to help meet daily needs, however, this option can become costly if extensive care is required, especially if medical conditions or challenges worsen over a period of time.
Assisted Living
Communities in Marietta, offer structured care in the peaceful backdrop of southern Georgia, and are designed to meet the needs of residents with varying levels of dependency, including assistance with daily activities, medication management, and access to medical professionals around-the-clock.
Social Interaction
As numerous studies show, social connections play a crucial role in our well-being as we age.
Aging in Place
Staying at home and aging in place might limit social interaction, especially if mobility is restricted. Even for those who consider themselves to be introverted, social connections play a vital role in our overall health. Community programs and social services can help, but it may require more effort to engage socially.
Assisted Living
Top local assisted living communities provide a built-in social network of peers, organized social events, personalized group activities based on preferences and mobility, as well as communal dining, which can greatly enhance quality of life.
Safety and Accessibility
The safety and accessibility of a living environment, whether at home or in a care community, are critical to consider as mobility becomes more limited.
Aging in Place
Home modifications might be necessary to navigate a home safely. This includes installing grab bars, ramps, and emergency response systems. It’s important to hold an open discussion with loved ones to ensure they are on board with any changes as well as compare all options available.
Assisted Living
Communities in Marietta are designed with the safety and accessibility needs of seniors in mind, often all on one level, with 24/7 staff availability and emergency call systems in place. If your loved one is in need of extensive care, this option will likely offer the most benefits and peace of mind.
Cost Considerations
As briefly highlighted, cost is a significant factor in caregiving and varies greatly between staying at home and moving to an assisted living community.
Aging in Place
Costs can include home modifications, in-home care services, and ongoing maintenance of a property. These expenses can also add up quickly, depending on the level of care needed. A steep decline in health over a short period of time can be catastrophic in more ways than one, which is why it’s crucial to perform a comprehensive evaluation of a loved one’s health with a physician or geriatric care specialist before making the decision of where to reside.
Assisted Living
These communities typically charge a base monthly fee that covers room and board, care services, meal plans and amenities packaged together. While this can sometimes appear expensive, especially for a top-tier community, it often becomes more cost-effective when extensive care is needed.
Lifestyle Preferences
Personal preferences about daily life and independence play a significant role in the decision to stay at home or transition into a community.
Aging in Place
This option is often preferred by those who value their independence and wish to remain in a familiar environment. However, the responsibility of maintaining the home continues and caregivers can’t always bear the responsibility for long, especially if they have other responsibilities demanding their attention. As long as the senior in your life is able to continue efficiently living on their own, staying at home may be the best option.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is often preferred once families learn more about the ease of living with housekeeping, meal preparation, and maintenance taken care of by caring professionals. If your loved one seeks less responsibility and more convenience coupled with a vibrant and active lifestyle, this could be the perfect option.
Local Community and Services
Recognized as a top city to retire to, Marietta, GA, offers a wealth of distinct resources that can help you and your family make an informed care decision.
Aging in Place
The city of Marietta provides community programs for seniors, accessible healthcare services, and a supportive network which might make aging in place more feasible.
Assisted Living
Marietta is home to several award-winning assisted living communities that offer a range of luxurious amenities and compassionate care, making it an attractive option for many seniors who would love to call this heavenly corner of the south home.
For seniors in Marietta, GA, deciding between staying at home or transitioning into an assisted living community involves a careful assessment of personal needs, costs, and lifestyle preferences. To better help you and your loved ones assess your unique needs, download our Staying at Home Versus Senior Living Guide.
At Arbor Terrace East Cobb, we understand the importance of considering how each care option aligns with your requirements, social desires, safety, budget, and overall quality of life. That’s why we take pride in providing countless resources as well as consulting family members, healthcare providers, and financial advisors for a holistic and well-informed approach. Our experienced team members are able to provide all of the insights seniors and their loved ones need to confidently make a decision that best suits their circumstances and ensures a fulfilling life for many years to come.
