What is assisted living care?
Assisted living is a type of housing designed for people that need varying levels of personal or medical care to continue living independently. These housing solutions are often referred to as assisted living homes.
There are different types of assisted living homes. Some are made up of self-contained units such as apartments in a larger building or bungalows in a small community. In other assisted living homes, residents have their own rooms but share communal spaces like a kitchen or living room.
Each of these homes is different in terms of the living spaces provided and the care offered, but you can usually expect there to be nurses and care staff on-site to provide private assistance to the residents.
In some assisted living homes, residents are able to choose whether to buy or rent the property. They often provide different financing options such as lease schemes or shared ownership.
What services does assisted living provide?
The care and support offered varies between assisted living providers. The care provided can range from physical support with day-to-day tasks such as cleaning and laundry to help with personal care routines such as bathing or dressing. Many assisted living homes can be adapted to suit your own specific care needs. Some assisted living providers have registered nurses on staff and are equipped to provide varying levels of medical care.
Some of the services that may be offered by an assisted living provider include:
- One to three meals a day
- Medication management
- Personal care, including bathing and dressing
- Housekeeping
- Transportation
- Some medical services
- Social and recreational activities
Is assisted living suitable for everyone?
For people with low-level care needs, assisted living homes can offer a safe and secure environment whilst allowing older adults to continue to enjoy their independence.
The downside is that in order to access this care, an individual must leave the comfort of their own home and move into an assisted living community. For some older people, it can be difficult to adjust to this new environment and the new set of rules they must adhere to. There may also be concerns over privacy if communal spaces are shared with other residents.
If someone is living with a complex condition like dementia, Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, an assisted living home may not be able to offer the specialist care or one-to-one support they need to continue living safely and independently.
What are the alternatives to assisted living?
When considering a move to an assisted living home, it is important to consider the levels of care you need and whether there are other viable options that may have less of an impact on your daily life.
Live-in care is an alternative solution that can allow someone to receive dedicated and highly-personalised support right in the comfort of their own home. There are many compelling benefits to staying in your own home to receive the care you need. A live-in home care service provides a level of one-to-one care that is tailored to an individual’s needs, something that may be difficult to achieve in an assisted living home.
A live-in carer will also take into account their client’s preferences in all decisions, including what to eat, how to live life and how to spend their free time. A good live-in carer will quickly gain a deep understanding of the person they are looking after, building up a wealth of knowledge that is really only achievable through such one-to-one care.
The costs of assisted living
The cost of assisted living can vary greatly between providers. You can usually expect to pay between £500 and £1,500 per week depending on the services and amenities offered. When considering an assisted living home, it is important to carefully read over the contract so that you are aware of exactly what services are included within the weekly charge.
Many people self-fund all or some of the cost of assisted living. If you have complex, ongoing healthcare needs, you may be eligible for social care funding to help fund some or all of the cost of your care.
Your eligibility is determined by an assessment, which looks closely at your needs and your financial situation. As a general rule, if you have savings or investments worth more than £23,350, you will likely need to privately fund your place at an assisted living home. Even if you are deemed ineligible for social care, there are other care funding options open to you such as healthcare funding and benefits entitlements.
‘Outstanding’ live-in care by The Good Care Group
For over 10 years, the Good Care Group has been providing award-winning and industry-leading live-in care. Hiring a professional live-in carer and entrusting them with your home and vulnerable loved ones can be overwhelming. By choosing The Good Care Group, you never have to worry about the safety of your loved ones or the quality of care being provided.
Live-in care can only be provided if there is a separate room for your carer to reside in, as they will be living with you for as long as you need care. This may not be possible if you have already moved into an assisted living facility, but is an alternative you may wish to consider if you or your loved one is still living at home.
Our care is provided on a one-to-one basis and is highly personalised reflecting not just an individual’s care needs, but their choices, wishes and social preferences as well. This enables our clients to maintain as much independence as possible while enjoying the lifestyle they are accustomed to.
We are the only live-in care provider in England to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the CQC. Our professional carers are trained beyond industry standards and managed by an expert and local care manager. We take a holistic approach to care that considers not only the care needs of our clients, but their lifestyle choices and preferences as well.
What is included in our live-in care service?
Our highly personalised live-in home care includes:
- Full assessment before care starts
- One-to-one carer that lives with you in your home
- Bespoke and flexible care plan developed with input from the family and other healthcare professionals
- Matching of the most suitable care team to meet the holistic needs of our clients
- Dedicated care team led by an expert regional care manager
- Meal planning and household tasks
- Companionship and assistance with social activities
- Specialist support and expertise – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Access to clinical expertise and medical support
- Assistance with medication, mobility and personal care
How does assisted living compare to nursing homes?
Assisted living is designed for people who require some assistance with daily activities but can still maintain a degree of independence. It offers a supportive environment with tailored services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication management.
On the other hand, nursing homes cater to individuals with more intensive care needs. Nursing homes provide accommodation, round-the-clock medical care and supervision. In contrast to assisted living, nursing home residents may find themselves sharing rooms or having limited personal space, reducing the level of privacy compared to other options.
What’s the difference between assisted living and independent living?
While assisted and independent living cater to older people, the key distinction lies in the level of support and services offered. Independent living is suitable for people who are generally healthy and capable of living independently but choose a community setting for socialisation and convenience. Residents in independent living often enjoy amenities like communal activities, fitness programmes, and meal options while maintaining complete control over their daily lives.
On the other hand, assisted living is tailored for those who need some assistance with daily activities. This can include help with personal care, mobility, and medication management. While assisted living residents still maintain independence, the community provides additional support to ensure their safety and well-being.
Ultimately, the choice between independent and assisted living depends on the individual’s current health status and the support required to lead a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle.
How much does assisted living cost?
The cost of assisted living can vary significantly between providers. You can usually expect to pay between £500 and £1,500 per week, depending on the services and amenities offered. Although this fee usually includes the price of the accommodation, additional expenses may be involved, including home insurance, meals, medications and community activities.
Talk to us about your care needs
If you believe your loved one could use extra support at home, do not hesitate to contact our friendly and approachable team to learn how we can help you and your family.