When considering how best to provide needed assistance for an older loved one – either in a senior living community or by arranging for at-home care from an agency – quality of life and care are always priorities.
Another major contributing factor can be the cost.
When comparing the choices, it’s essential to obtain accurate numbers. Several factors influence the fees charged by senior living communities and home care agencies so it’s always best to contact them for their specific rates. For budgeting purposes, however, the following is a background summary of key features and whether they are typically included in either option.
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The cost of senior living
Beyond the dollars and cents of services, understanding what elements are needed for your loved one to live a quality life can provide a budget’s foundation:
1. An accessible residence
If remaining at home: budget for mortgage or rent payments. Homeowners will need to include property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs and any renovation costs if needed to create an accessible home.
If home is in a senior living community: the monthly fee will include the age-friendly private home that can be personalized by your loved one.
2. Assistance with daily tasks
If remaining at home: you may need to budget for a home care agency. Calculate the number of hours care is needed, subtract what family can provide and multiply the remainder by the agency’s hourly rate.
If home is in a senior living community: included in the monthly fee is assistance from a well-trained staff with tasks such as bathing, dressing and managing medications.
3. Access to activities and social events
If remaining at home: it’s essential to stay active and engaged for health and wellness. Find activities your loved one can participate in and include their costs here.
If home is in a senior living community: you’ll discover a monthly calendar of activities and social events provided by the community, all included in the monthly fee.
Download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
4. Opportunities to meet and make new friends
If remaining at home: loneliness and social isolation can occur more frequently when growing older. You’ll want to plan opportunities for your loved one to meet others and calculate any associated costs here.
If home is in a senior living community: it’s easy to meet and make new friends at all the activities and events provided in the community – all covered in the monthly fee.
5. Fitness for physical and cognitive health
If remaining at home: it’s imperative to remain physically and cognitively fit. Look for classes, gym memberships and other opportunities to stimulate the body and mind and include those costs here.
If home is in a senior living community: included in the monthly fee is the on-site fitness center or exercise classes that also include activities to boost your cognitive health.
6. Healthy dining
If remaining at home: include the cost of food and preparation. If additional help is needed, calculate an agency’s cost or the price to contract with a food preparation and delivery service.
If home is in a senior living community: healthy dining programs are included in the cost of senior living and your loved one will enjoy a wide selection of menu choices. Some communities provide different venue options as well.
7. Transportation options
If remaining at home: consider whether family or friends will be able to provide rides so your loved one isn’t left out of activities. If not, budget for the costs of alternative transportation options.
If home is in a senior living community: scheduled transportation is provided in the cost of senior living so your loved one can make medical appointments, go shopping or attend entertainment events with friends.
8. Safety and security
If remaining at home: you’ll want to consider if security features should be added or if there are any repairs to the home that will need to be made to improve safety.
If home is in a senior living community: safety and security features are included for both the community and the private residence. It is also greatly assuring to know that help is always available if needed.
Retirement living in Waukegan, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85” television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
