Determining what care will look like for yourself or even a loved one can become a difficult task to navigate. 77% of adults age 50 and older desire to stay in their home as they age. However, with a national median cost of $30 per hour for in-home care, aging at home can be financially impossible. This creates a crossroad for many adults who need care. That’s why we are creating awareness of the benefits of assisted living that help counter the challenges of aging at home.
Understanding the Benefits of Assisted Living
Everyone has a different care experience, which means there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are broad challenges and solutions that you may find match what you need as you navigate care.
Access to Professional Care and Support
Aging at home typically limits your choice of caregiver to either a contracted provider or relying on a loved one. Both are legitimate options, but pose unique challenges. As mentioned before, the average cost of an in-home care provider can lead to high bills each month. At an average rate of $30 per hour, to have a caregiver 40 hours a week will cost $1,200 each week. This is all in addition to the normal cost of living. In the case that a loved one is available 24/7, this creates a dynamic where caregiver burnout can become a factor, as well as a virtually unrealistic expectation for someone who may have their own family and schedule to maintain.
In an assisted living setting, you have access to a trained caregiver team that alleviates your loved ones from the pressure of being a caregiver and allows them to focus on being with the resident. With a median cost of $5,511 monthly, assisted living communities provide 24/7 care and assistance with activities of daily living.
Social Interaction and Community Engagement
Social interaction offers a variety of benefits to residents. In an at-home environment, social interaction is possible. However, it is difficult to emulate the type of interaction residents get in an assisted living community. When a resident moves into a community, they are being brought into an environment where they are surrounded by people who are sharing a very similar experience as them. Assisted living communities are also a space where planned activities are virtually never ending, which means residents are given ample opportunity to connect with each other. This is compounded with the opportunity for loved ones to visit and spend quality time with residents without having to worry about providing care.
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Maintenance-Free Living
One of the more obvious challenges of aging at home is managing the continued demands of day-to-day upkeep. This includes responsibilities such as paying property taxes, maintaining the home and yard, grocery shopping, handling repairs, and more. While these tasks are typically considered normal parts of everyday life, they can become increasingly overwhelming as one ages and health or mobility concerns take precedence. When the focus should shift to prioritizing personal health and well-being, these responsibilities can feel like a significant burden. By moving to Westminster Village, the weight of these daily chores and obligations is transferred to the community and its dedicated team. This arrangement not only allows residents to fully concentrate on receiving the care and support they need but also provides their loved ones with the peace of mind that all aspects of daily life—from housekeeping to meals—are expertly managed. This supportive environment fosters a sense of security and freedom, enabling residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without the stress of home maintenance.
Simplified Financial Planning
Another significant advantage of assisted living is the simplified approach to financial planning. Aging at home often involves managing multiple expenses that can add up quickly—property taxes, home maintenance, utility bills, groceries, medical costs, and payments for in-home care services. This can create a complex financial landscape that requires careful planning and budgeting, especially when health needs increase or the home requires unexpected repairs. For many older adults and their families, navigating these varied costs can be overwhelming and lead to financial strain.
In contrast, Westminster Village offers a more predictable and streamlined financial model. With a single monthly fee, residents have access to comprehensive care, housing, meals, utilities, and a range of amenities and services. This all-inclusive pricing structure reduces the uncertainty of unexpected expenses and allows for easier budgeting. Families can plan more effectively, knowing exactly what to expect each month, without the worry of surprise costs. Additionally, some communities offer different levels of care within the same setting, allowing residents to easily adjust their care plan as needs change without having to manage new contracts or financial arrangements.
This simplicity in financial planning not only alleviates stress for residents but also for their families, who may otherwise be responsible for managing complex budgets and care arrangements. Assisted living provides a clear path forward, helping families focus on what truly matters—ensuring their loved ones receive the best possible care in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.
Learn more about the cost of assisted living within your budget
Assisted living offers a comprehensive solution to the many challenges of aging at home, from high costs of in-home care to the complexities of daily maintenance and social isolation. By providing access to professional care, fostering community engagement, and offering a simplified financial approach, Westminster Village enables older adults to focus on their well-being in a supportive environment. For many families, this choice brings peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving the care and support they deserve. If you’re considering the benefits of assisted living, contact us today to learn more about how Westminster Village can help you or your loved one thrive.
