When it’s time for a loved one to get extra care, it can be a difficult decision whether to age at home or in an assisted living facility. Many things must be considered from who will be the primary caregiver to whether or not a loved one’s home is the safest option for their comfort. 

Here are things to consider when choosing where to age:

Aging in Place: Aging in place is usually a person’s preferred option since everything is familiar. According to AARP, 90% of people 65 and up would prefer to age at home. Planning for aging at home is vital, but it can still be difficult. 

One of the first steps to planning is learning about and outlining the care of any illnesses the loved one may have. The more that’s understood about the particular illness they’re facing, the easier to prepare for any needs they may have. 

“It’s important to consider utilizing some form of in-home care when the need is first recognized, as opposed to waiting until your loved one is completely dependent on others,” Quincy Hurst, COO of Superior Senior Care, said.

Caregivers and other in-home assistance programs are another good starting point. Will a family member be the caregiver, or is there a need to outsource support? Arkansas Area Agencies on Aging and local senior centers have extensive resources to find the right service, along with local offices on aging and social services.

Aging in place can come with plenty of costs. Depending on the illness and abilities of the loved one, a home may require some remodeling to be safe. Handrails, accessibility ramps, non-slip flooring, accessible bathtubs and showers and wider doorways may be necessary to keep a loved one comfortable, and these conversions can add up. 

“Choosing the appropriate setting of care for a loved one is likely one of the most difficult decisions one may face,” Hurst said. “Aging in place works best in homes where all ambulating is done throughout rooms on the same level. It also works best in homes that are not extremely remote or in rural, unpopulated areas. It’s important to be convenient to both your unpaid supports, like family and friends, and to caregivers who may be needed from agencies like ours.”

Facility or Community Living: If aging in place isn’t the best option for a loved one, long- or short-term assisted living facilities may be the best choice to keep their quality of life high. 

“Aging in place isn’t usually an option when someone requires 24-hour care, particularly nursing services or rehabilitation,” Arkansas Health Care Association Executive Director Rachel Bunch said.

While the monthly cost of assisted living can be more than aging in place, the amenities included can cut costs in the long run. Jonas Schaffer of Greenhurst Nursing Center says facilities like his can be a safety net.

“If there’s a need, there is a social safety net here for people who cannot afford a team of people — a doctor, nurses for 24-hour care,” Schaffer said.

At a facility like Greenhurst, care ranging from registered nurses to housekeeping is included in the monthly rate. A Genworth Financial analysis showed that the monthly cost of assisted living could range from about $4,353 in an assisted living facility to $7,747 for a private room in a nursing home facility by 2024. 

No matter the options, emotions will likely run high during the decision process. Schaffer says the most important thing to consider when making a final decision is the amount of trust found in each option. 

“You have to have a sense of trust, and trust is something that’s not easy,” Schaffer said.