Why You Should Choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community Over In-Home Care

For many individuals and their family members, deciding between in-home care or moving into one of the many retirement communities in Lancaster, PA, can be stressful. After all, you’ll need to consider many important factors so that you or a loved one receives the right level of care required.

We’ve covered a wide array of topics in previous blogs, such as discussing what active adults should ask when considering retirement communities and what you need to know about the different kinds of long-term care facilities that are out there. In today’s blog, we’ll look at some of the reasons you should choose a continuing care retirement community over in-home care.

What’s the Difference Between In-Home Care & Retirement Communities?

Before we can answer that question, it’s essential to understand how in-home care differs from the levels of care offered to you in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Before you choose, let’s look at the basics and key advantages of each.

In-Home Care

In-home care sounds precisely like what it is—it enables older adults to continue living safely in their home but with a hired caregiver’s occasional help. There are two main types of in-home care: Home Care—which can provide companion care and caregiver tasks, but cannot provide actual in-home medical care—and Home Health Care, which can provide nursing services in the home.

A caregiver will come to your home to assist you with many of the activities of day-to-day living. In-home care is primarily aimed at those who can live independently and only need occasional assistance, but it may not be the best choice for several reasons.

Downsides of In-Home Care

It’s important to note that in-home care may be a less expensive option for occasional care or for a short-term basis, but it can quickly become very costly over time. Continued visits will add up (and can be more expensive than skilled nursing care), especially if someone needs around the clock care.

Speaking of around the clock care, remember that inclement weather can cause issues for in-home care that isn’t present in a CCRC Life Plan Community (more on this below). There’s also no enrichment factor that helps you or your family member get out of the home, socialize with friends, or take day trips. Also, what happens if your unique needs change? What if your home is no longer suitable for you to stay in and have your daily needs met if you require more care as you age? Or perhaps your family can no longer assist or accommodate you?

In instances such as these, CCRCs are a perfect solution. These retirement communities can offer you a full continuum of care, no matter your needs or stage of aging, without any relocation required. Let’s look further at CCRCs and the benefits they can offer.

Retirement Communities

A CCRC Life Plan Community is a continuing care retirement community where you can move to and get additional care if your needs change. Typically, most people move into residential living to make the transition into a community much more manageable.

CCRCs strive to compassionately support your independence with dignity while offering a continuum of care options to you. Many of our retirement communities in Lancaster, PA, make personal care, rehabilitation care, skilled nursing, and memory care available to their members. Here are just a few some of the benefits of each:

Personal Care

You’ll find that the many retirement communities in Lancaster are chock-full of helpful team members, fully trained to assist with your daily tasks or needs around the clock. Whether you need support with bathing, dressing, helping you to the bathroom, etc., all can be done in the comfort of your residence.

Plus, unlike in-home care, a resident at a CCRC will work with the same staff they’ve come to know and trust instead of seeing different people each time. In fact, we are bound by our licensing for patient / staff ratios, which means you can be assured that even in a snowstorm, care can still be provided.

Skilled Nursing Care

When you require access to licensed medical care and supervision—that’s personalized to your unique needs—community living is the way to go. RNs and LPNs work directly with residents, their families, and physicians to administer complete care plans.

It’s also important to note that many retirement communities in Lancaster County also operate their own Home Care, Home Health Care, or even Hospice services to complement the services to their own residents. These health services can help residents remain in the home within the community as long as one is comfortable and safe.

Rehabilitation

You’ll discover an extensive mix of therapies on your road back to recovery in our senior retirement communities. Many treatments are provided, including everything from physical and occupational to cognitive and speech for both short- and long-term needs. Additionally, you’ll receive access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Many retirement communities in Lancaster, PA have trained staff such as social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists so that residents can not only live, but they can thrive.

Memory Care

If you or a family member face challenges that come with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, the care provided by many of our local retirement communities may be ideal for you. As we’ve previously mentioned in our blog about memory support and care, some communities have dedicated memory support centers.

Wondering What Other Benefits Retirement Communities in Lancaster Offer?

CCRC Life Plan Communities understand the importance of enrichment to help enhance the lives of residents, both mentally and spiritually. To help with this journey, many continuing care retirement communities in Lancaster also offer some of the following:

• Daily Housekeeping & Laundry
• Scheduled Transportation
• Pain & Wound Care Management
• Therapeutic Diets
• Wellness Programming, Including Health Education & Fitness Plans
• State-of-the-Art Equipment & Treatment Programs
• 24/7 Emergency Response System
• Medication Monitoring & Administration
• Short-Term & Long-Term Care
• Planned Social Functions

Ready to Discover Some of the Best Retirement Communities in Lancaster, PA?

Whether you’re looking to learn more about why Lancaster, PA, is one of the best areas for retirement living in the U.S., or you’d like to schedule a visit with any of our communities, go ahead! They’d love to hear from you. And if you have any other questions about retirement living or are looking for helpful resources, please contact us.