When it comes to senior care, there are many options available. What’s right for one senior may not be appropriate for another. For seniors who want to maintain an active lifestyle, independent living in Bradenton, FL, might be a good idea. Assisted living or home care may be a better option for seniors who require more care.
When researching what type of care is right for you or your loved one, you may have questions about private care vs. community care. Read on to learn more about the differences between the two.
Private Home Care
Private home care involves a caregiver coming to a senior’s home and providing the daily or weekly care they need. Private home care providers schedule their visits around the needs of the seniors. Some caregivers live full-time with seniors who need around-the-clock care.
Private home care caregivers can provide a range of support, including assistance with:
- Daily chores
- Housekeeping
- Cooking
- Help with daily hygiene activities
- Taking medications
- Transportation
Some private home care providers can even provide specialty services like physical therapy to help seniors recover from an injury or hospital visit. Lastly, private home caregivers can also provide companionship for seniors who live alone.
Community Care
The spectrum of community care is broader than private home care. In general, community care is provided to seniors in a communal or group setting rather than one-on-one in the senior’s home.
Community care varies greatly depending on the particular community. Some communities offer private quarters for seniors with low staff-to-resident ratios, so seniors receive a high level of care with maximum privacy. They may also offer a range of onsite services and amenities for residents.
On the other end of the spectrum, some publicly funded community care facilities have higher staff-to-resident ratios and offer shared living quarters for residents.
Community care facilities benefit from built-in social interaction for residents but may not be appropriate for all seniors.
Major Differences Between Private Home Care and Community Care
Private home care and community care are very different, and both have their benefits and downsides. Seniors and their families should carefully consider all aspects before deciding which type of care is right for them.
Privacy
Private home care offers the highest level of privacy for seniors as they remain in the comfort of their own homes. Private home care usually involves the assistance of just one caregiver, and seniors have total control over their schedule and the care provided.
On the other hand, community care facilities do not offer as much privacy, and seniors may have to be more flexible with their daily schedules.
Caregiver Matching
Generally, private home care providers spend a lot of time finding the right match for a particular senior. The senior and their caregiver must form a trusting relationship.
In community care settings, caregivers are not generally matched to a particular senior. However, caregivers in community care settings are dedicated professionals who still provide the highest level of care.
Social Aspect
Private home care provides companionship for seniors, but it does not allow for as much outside socialization with peers. On the other hand, community care settings have built-in opportunities for connection that can be very beneficial to seniors’ mental health.
Find the Right Care with Independent Living in Bradenton, FL
There is no right or wrong answer when comparing private home care vs. community care. Caregiving is a highly personalized service; only seniors and their families can decide what is right for them.
Regardless of care needs, Florida provides a variety of options for seniors. Whether it is assisted living, in-home care, or independent living in Bradenton, FL, seniors can find a care solution that works for them.
