Comparing independent living communities and in-home senior care

This guide can help you learn the differences between home care and retirement community services, and find the best care option for your aging loved one.

How does the experience differ between retirement living facilities and home care?

Retirement communities (also known as both independent living communities) and at-home senior care are two popular senior living options for aging loved ones. However, they deliver vastly different services for seniors at different stages of aging.

In-home senior care

When your senior's care needs become more than they can handle on their own, you may struggle with the decision to move them to senior citizen housing. But there's another option: home care services.

In-home care services for seniors are provided by caretakers who are qualified to perform an array of non-medical services. Caregivers care for seniors in their homes, helping them age in place safely. Specific services vary depending on the personal needs of individual seniors but may include:

• ADL assistance
• Light housekeeping services
• Transportation assistance
• Companionship

Retirement senior living communities

Retirement communities provide senior citizen housing for people who lead mostly independent lives. These aging adults easily manage Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) without assistance and generally care for themselves. They move into senior housing communities not because they need home care services, but because of the amenities these communities provide, such as:

• Home maintenance services
• Landscaping services
• Swimming pools
• Community clubhouses
• Fitness centers

In retirement communities, residents live in independent living homes, apartments, or townhouses, which can be purchased or rented. These independent living homes for seniors are restricted to people 55 years of age and older, which provides residents with a community of peers. Pre-planned social activities are common.

For seniors who can care for themselves, independent senior residences help aging people maintain their independence. They offer socialization with other seniors and make life easier by removing household tasks that can be difficult for even healthy seniors.

That said, retirement senior housing communities can be quite pricey. In addition to renting or purchasing a home, residents usually pay administrative and maintenance fees that can total more than $1,000 per month.

Choosing the care that's right for your loved one

To determine the lifestyle option that's best for your family, begin by assessing their personal care needs. If they can manage ADLs on their own and don't need assistance like medication reminders, they might enjoy the sense of community and enticing amenities of independent living facilities. A quick search for "independent living near me" can reveal your options.

However, if your senior needs help with ADLs or has more intensive care needs, consider Home Instead®. Our extensively trained caregivers bring compassionate care to your senior so they don't have to leave the home where they've built a lifetime of memories.

Services Comparison Chart

Services Provided	Home Care Agencies	Retirement Senior Living
Personal Care
Alzheimer's and dementia care
Chronic illness care
Transportation
Light housekeeping
Companionship and socializing
Maintenance
Landscaping
Amenities

Home Instead personalized caregiving services at home

Personal care: Personal care involves assisting with daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and hygiene.

Alzheimer’s and dementia care: Our hired caregivers are trained to provide a safe and structured environment, engage in memory-enhancing activities, and address the specific needs of those with cognitive impairments.

Hospice care: We focus on ensuring comfort, providing pain management, and emotional support for the patient and their family during the end-of-life stage.

24-hour care: 24-hour care is an option when a patient needs constant personal home care assistance to ensure their safety. This is often the case for bed-bound people and people who are:

• Recovering from surgery
• Living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia
• Recovering from a stroke, heart attack, or other serious health event

Mobility assistance: We help individuals with limited mobility to move around safely. Caregiver companions may assist with transferring from bed to chair, walking support, and using mobility aids to enhance independence.

Meal Prep: Meal preparation services involve planning and cooking nutritious meals based on dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring proper nutrition.

Transportation: Care Pros help individuals get to medical appointments, run errands, or attend social activities. This is valuable for those with difficulty driving or using public transportation.

Housekeeping: Services include light cleaning and organizing tasks to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment. This may involve tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and laundry.

Medication reminders: Our Care Pros provide timely reminders for individuals to take their medications as prescribed. This service helps ensure medication adherence and proper management of health conditions.

Chronic illness care: Assistance for individuals with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disorders. We help manage symptoms, monitor health, and coordinate with healthcare professionals.

Free care consultation

Your local Home Instead performs a thorough in-home consultation to recommend a care plan. Whether it's respite to get a good night’s sleep or 24-hour home care to help your loved one stay safe and comfortable, services can be tailored to meet your needs.

Find home care services near me

Our mission is to help your loved ones maintain their safety and independence
in the comfort of their familiar surroundings. Contact us today to find reliable senior care services.