Choosing home care vs assisted living: questions to ask (no pressure)
Topic: Life Planning
Reading time: 5 min
This decision is rarely just about money. It’s about safety, support, and quality of life. Here are questions that reduce fog and help you compare options without panic.
Start with needs, not labels
- What help is needed right now? (meals, meds, bathing, transport, supervision)
- How often? (once/week vs daily vs “someone needs to be there”)
- What are the biggest safety risks? (falls, wandering, missed meds)
Questions for home care
- “What is the minimum schedule?”
- “Is the caregiver consistent or rotating?”
- “Do you provide medication reminders?”
- “What happens if the caregiver calls out?”
Questions for assisted living
- “What services are included vs extra?”
- “How do you handle medication management?”
- “How do you support mobility and fall prevention?”
- “What happens if needs increase?”
Try a small experiment: If possible, start with limited home help (meals + meds + safety) and reassess in 4–8 weeks.
Don’t forget the emotional side
Independence isn’t “doing everything alone.” Independence is being able to live your life with support that preserves dignity.
Next step: use Find Help to locate home care agencies, senior centers, and caregiver support.
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics or Common Issues.