Long-term home care is emerging as a preferred alternative to institutional care settings like assisted living facilities. Aging in place can provide emotional, physical, and psychological benefits when approached with careful planning and consideration.

In-home care compared to assisted living facilities

Long-term home care offers a high level of personalization and flexibility that traditional facilities can’t match. With in-home care, seniors can remain in their own homes, surrounded by their personal belongings and community connections, while receiving support from professional caregivers or family members. In contrast, assisted living communities offer housing, meals, and limited medical care in a more structured environment.

Understanding the costs of private in-home care 

The cost of long-term care varies depending on the level of care, schedule, and specific needs of the individual.   

Private in-home care is a popular option due to the flexibility and personalized approach, but this can make it more expensive in the long run.

• Average hourly rate: $30-$50
• Monthly cost for part-time care: $2,500-$4,500
• Monthly cost for 24/7 care: $15,000-$25,000
• Services include: Personal care, companionship, medication reminders, mobility support, and light housekeeping
• Best for: Seniors who want to stay at home with flexible, one-on-one support from a caregiver

Despite the expense, in-home care allows older adults to maintain independence in a comfortable environment, which many families see as worth the investment.  

High-end assisted living communities provide private room, board, supervision, and some assistance with daily activities. Schedules and services are shared among residents, which can limit personalization.

• Monthly cost: $10,000-$20,000+
• Services include: Housing, meals, housekeeping, scheduled activities, and some medical support
• Best for: Seniors who need some help with activities of daily living but want to remain active and social

While assisted living communities provide amenities and convenience, they don’t tend to offer the same level of one-on-one attention as in-home care.

Planning ahead with long-term care insurance 

Long-term care insurance can help cover services like in-home care, assisted living, and nursing homes. Policies will vary, but generally they: 

• Have a daily or monthly benefit amount 
• Cover care for a set number of years or up to a benefit limit 
• Require that individuals be unable to perform two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or have a diagnosed cognitive impairment to receive benefits

The ideal time to purchase a policy is typically in your 50s or early 60s. At this point, you should be healthy enough to qualify, and premiums may be lower. If you wait too long, you may be denied due to medical history or face higher premiums.  

Levels of in-home caregiver support 

When it comes to ensuring the health and well-being of your loved ones, having a dependable caregiver can make all the difference. In-home caregivers provide professional assistance with day-to-day activities.     

• Personal care: Assisting with grooming, bathing, toileting, showering, and dressing     
• Meal preparation: Cooking nutritious meals, following special diets, and helping during mealtime if necessary    
• Emotional support and companionship: Spending quality time with clients through shared activities and meaningful conversations    
• Medication reminders: Helping keep track of medications and schedules    
• Mobility assistance: Fall prevention, help with mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers, and safe transferring using devices such as Hoyer lifts and gait belts    
• Light housekeeping: Tidying up living spaces, doing laundry, and helping maintain a clean and safe environment      
• Transportation: Driving clients to doctor’s appointments, running errands, or outings    
• Health monitoring: Keeping an eye out for any changes in health and reporting them to family and medical professionals     
• Specialized care: Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, post-op or post-stroke, or other conditions with patience and expertise 

LifeWorx home health care services can be customized to provide part-time or full-time assistance, fitting seamlessly into your loved one’s routine and family schedule.

Planning for long-term home care before a crisis 

One of the most important steps in long-term home care is planning before there’s an urgent need. Many families are forced to make decisions after a fall, hospitalization, or sudden decline in the health of a loved one. Planning early leads to better outcomes. When care is introduced slowly, older adults can maintain more independence.  

To better understand the impact of waiting too long, watch the video below from Dr. Howard Fillit, a renowned geriatrician, neuroscientist, and member of our Board of Directors. He explains how a single fall or hospitalization can sometimes change the trajectory of an older adult’s health.

Here’s how to prepare effectively:

Start the conversations early 

Have open and honest discussions with your loved one about their wishes while they are still healthy. Discuss their preferences for care, living arrangements, and what matters most to them.  

Assess the home for safety modifications  

Conducting a home safety assessment can help you identify potential hazards. Minor upgrades in the home, like grab bars, ramps, or improved lighting, can make a big difference in preventing accidents. A LifeWorx team member can connect you with resources like On the Mend, Wheel It Forward, or Collins Medical Equipment that will help provide durable medical equipment and make home modifications that enhance safety.  

Build a care team  

Creating a care team is essential to meet the needs of your loved one. Identify trusted professionals such as primary care physicians, elder law attorneys, and care managers who can help your loved one with all aspects of their care. Over the years, we’ve cultivated a network of trusted service providers to support our clients’ needs better. We’re happy to connect families with any of these professionals. 

Review legal documents 

Ensure important documents, such as durable powers of attorney, advanced directives, and living wills, are updated and accessible. 

The best home care doesn’t come from a template. It’s created around the person, their habits, preferences, goals, and lifestyle. It allows older adults to remain independent and close to the people and places they cherish most. However, this type of care doesn’t just happen. It requires thoughtful planning, tough conversations, and building a care team that will allow your loved one to live better, at home, on their terms.  

Whether you’re exploring support at home or in an assisted living facility, our caregivers provide flexible, one-on-one support. Our care team will also help you understand your options, plan ahead, and find the right level of care before a crisis hits.