Assisted Living Alternatives: Your Care Options Explained

There are over 42 million caregivers of adults 50+ in the United States.^[01] Many families choose to create space in their own homes for their senior loved ones. Meanwhile, others may opt to hire an in-home care service that provides a menu of care within their loved one’s home. And yet, the best choice for some families may be a combination of multiple care options.

Start your research of the alternatives to assisted living by reading about the various types of care and living options that exist. Understanding the details and learning what each choice provides will help you find the option that best fits your family’s needs.

Depending on your loved one’s care requirements, there are numerous residential options that offer great alternatives to assisted living. Some may be ideal for more independent, active seniors, while others can provide a homey, comfortable setting with greater one-on-one attention. Consider these common options as possible solutions.

Independent living

Independent living communities cater to seniors who are self-sufficient and can live on their own. These age-restricted communities (usually 55+) typically offer senior-friendly apartments along with perks like organized activities, meal services, and transportation. Designed for seniors who are independent and want to live among people their age, independent living communities sometimes also offer limited care services.

Independent living is probably not an ideal fit for someone who requires a high level of care, but it could be paired with another service, like home care or adult day care, to provide an additional layer of support. However, independent living could be a good option for seniors who feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of home ownership and are looking to downsize.

Continuing care retirement communities

Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, provide a continuum of care, offering residents the peace of mind that as their needs progress, they’ll never have to leave the community. For example, a senior can move into an independent living apartment where they have access to activities, events, and social opportunities. If they need more support as they age, they can receive assisted living or memory care services while remaining in the same community among their friends and neighbors.

While a CCRC is not exactly an alternative to assisted living, for a senior who does not want to live in a facility, it does offer a broader range of living options and provides the benefit of complete care. Keep in mind, compared to the cost of most assisted living communities, the cost of CCRCs may be prohibitive for families on a tight budget.

Residential care homes

The homelike setting of residential care homes offers an intimate environment where residents can receive personalized care. Many of these communities provide similar services and amenities to larger assisted living facilities, including support with activities of daily living, home-cooked meals, and 24-hour care. Residential care homes are a great option for seniors who value daily support but prefer a tight-knit community on a smaller scale.

However, the smaller setting of residential care homes may not be for everyone. Compared to assisted living facilities, residential care homes typically provide fewer amenities. Plus, while assisted living generally offers private rooms and apartments, many residential care homes only have shared accommodations. Access to various levels of assisted living care may be limited, so be sure to do thorough research to see if a residential care home is right for you and your loved one’s needs.

Cruise ship retirement

Your loved one may enjoy the idea of a cruise ship retirement instead of living in an assisted living community in a fixed location. However, this solution may not be a good fit for all seniors due to health concerns and drastic downsizing.

Is assisted living the right fit?

Perhaps your loved one isn’t ready to make a full move to a new environment, but they require more care than you’re able to provide on your own. Or, maybe you’d just like a break from your regular caregiving responsibilities. In such cases, these temporary care options might be the answer.

Adult day care

Adult day care takes place at a center, similar to a youth day camp or a senior center, where seniors can go while their primary caregiver is working or taking a break from providing care. These centers usually offer a range of care services in addition to engaging activities and events. Plus, most offer transportation services to and from seniors’ homes.

While adult day care may not replace the around-the-clock support of assisted living, it could be paired with other services, such as home care, to create a combination that fulfills the needs of both the family caregiver and their loved one.

Respite care

Similar to adult day care, respite care provides services outside of a senior’s home. Typically, respite care consists of a short-term stay at an assisted living community, where care services are similar to what full-time residents receive. For example, a senior can expect support with meal preparation and activities of daily living, like bathing and dressing. In addition, someone staying in respite care can participate in the community’s daily activities and events.

Respite care is an ideal option for family caregivers who need a break from caring for a loved one. For seniors who live with family, it can be an opportunity for a temporary change. If a family has been considering assisted living, respite care could be a good chance for their loved one to sample what it’s like to live in an assisted living community without committing to making the move.

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For some families — due to budget constraints, their loved ones’ preferences, or a simple desire to be closer to one another — at-home care may be the best choice. Whether more professional care is needed or you’d just like a hand keeping an eye on your loved one, these options may help alleviate your concerns.

Home care

Home care is a great alternative to assisted living for seniors who would prefer to age at home. Offering companionship, transportation, and assistance with daily activities, home care services are provided to seniors in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. In addition, home care can offer family caregivers a break, especially if they are also working or have other obligations.

Home care is easy to customize based on a senior’s needs and lifestyle. For example, if your loved one is social, regular transportation to events and activities can be organized as part of the caregiver’s routine. For individuals who prefer to stay in, caregivers can offer companionship by having conversations, playing games, or helping to cook meals.

The level of care provided will vary based on an individual’s needs, but it’s important to note that nursing care isn’t included in home care. This is where assisted living and home care can differ — many assisted living facilities have health care professionals on staff or on call. Home health care can be ordered by a doctor, but it is a different service from home care.

The median costs of home care and assisted living initially appear comparable, according to Genworth ^[02] and A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.^[03] The price of assisted living usually includes rent, meals, and many other amenities and services. However, the price tag for home care can seem much higher when adding basic living costs — such as mortgage payments or rent, groceries, and transportation — to the cost of care services.

Living with family

Like home care, moving in with family is another alternative to assisted living that provides familiarity, security, and companionship. Family members can offer support with activities of daily living, transportation, and social interaction.

It’s important to note that challenges may arise for a busy family whose members regularly work or have other obligations outside of the home. This could leave a loved one feeling isolated. However, there are several beneficial ways to organize and configure care for a senior loved one who shares your home. Incorporating social opportunities or additional care options — through home care services, respite care, or adult day care — may create healthy boundaries and help meet the needs of the entire family.

Elderly monitoring devices

While elderly monitoring devices cannot replace the care and supervision offered in an assisted living community, they can provide some peace of mind for caregivers. Thanks to advancing technology, these wearable devices can help caregivers monitor their loved one remotely. In addition to the ability to track vital signs, many devices are also equipped with GPS tracking, as well as alert systems that can notify loved ones or medical professionals of an emergency.

Elderly monitoring devices can be a good option for seniors who live independently or with family. Combined with services such as home care, respite care, or adult day care, these devices can be an integral part of a loved one’s care plan and together can form another potential alternative to assisted living.

There are several factors that seniors and their families should consider before choosing an alternative to assisted living:

• Be realistic about care needs. Does your loved one need occasional help with simple tasks like cooking and cleaning, or do they need daily support with dressing, bathing, or mobility?
• Understand the requirements of caring for a loved one within your home. Does your family have the time, energy, and financial capacity necessary to support your loved one’s needs?
• Consider the potential health implications of a senior living alone. Explore alternatives to assisted living that incorporate social activities or companionship.

Taking the time to research all senior living possibilities, including assisted living options, will help you create a plan that works for you and your loved one. When it comes to exploring the best fit for you and your family, Senior Living Advisors at A Place for Mom are available to help you navigate the various options for support.