When the time comes to make decisions about senior care, families often struggle with a crucial question: Should we keep Mom at home or look for nursing homes near me? While keeping an aging parent at home may seem like the more affordable option, the truth is that the long-term expenses of home care can add up quickly. Understanding the true costs involved—both financial and emotional—can help families make the right choice.

The Costs of Keeping Mom at Home

Home Modifications and Maintenance

Making a home safe for a senior means investing in modifications such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars, stairlifts, or even a walk-in bathtub. Depending on the home, these upgrades can cost thousands of dollars. Additionally, keeping up with home maintenance and repairs is an ongoing expense that can become overwhelming as mobility declines.

In-Home Caregiver Expenses

If Mom needs daily assistance with activities like dressing, bathing, or meal preparation, hiring a professional caregiver may be necessary. According to estimates, in-home caregivers charge between $20 and $30 per hour on average. Even just a few hours of care each day can result in a monthly expense exceeding $2,000. For 24/7 assistance, costs can quickly rise to $10,000 or more per month.

Medical and Emergency Costs

When seniors live alone, the risk of medical emergencies increases. Falls, medication mishaps, and other health concerns can lead to costly hospitalizations. If Mom needs home health visits from nurses or therapists, there will be additional medical expenses to cover. Transportation to frequent doctor visits or therapy appointments can also add up.

Hidden Costs: Family Caregiver Burden

Many families underestimate the toll that caring for an aging parent can take on their personal and professional lives. If you or another family member become the primary caregiver, you may have to cut back on work hours, leading to lost income and potential career disruptions. Additionally, caregiver stress can impact physical and mental well-being, affecting relationships and quality of life.

Social Isolation and Its Impact

As seniors age, they often experience increasing isolation, especially if they live alone. Limited mobility and cognitive decline may prevent them from engaging in social activities. Loneliness can contribute to depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems, further increasing medical expenses over time.

Comparing Costs: Nursing Homes Near Me

Comprehensive Care and Assistance

Nursing homes and assisted living communities like Great Lakes Senior Living provide comprehensive care, ensuring that residents receive daily help with activities of daily living, medication management, and healthcare services. Rather than hiring multiple professionals for home care, families can rely on skilled staff for 24/7 support, reducing the stress and uncertainty of in-home care.

All-Inclusive Living Expenses

At-home care requires paying for food, utilities, household upkeep, and transportation separately. In contrast, assisted living facilities bundle these expenses into one predictable monthly payment, covering meals, housekeeping, and utilities. This financial clarity provides peace of mind for families worried about fluctuating costs.

Engaging Social Environment

Many seniors experience loneliness and isolation at home, which can lead to depression and declining health. Communities like Great Lakes Senior Living offer social activities, group outings, and wellness programs designed to keep seniors engaged and happy. The value of daily social interaction and companionship cannot be overstated when considering quality of life.

Memory Care for Specialized Needs

For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, memory care services at a facility like Great Lakes Senior Living’s Waterford location provide specialized support tailored to their unique challenges. Certified caregivers ensure safety, structured routines, and cognitive activities that enhance residents’ well-being—services that would be difficult (and expensive) to replicate at home without professional assistance.

On-Site Medical Support

Unlike home care, where medical visits require scheduling and travel, nursing homes and assisted living communities have medical staff available, ensuring residents receive timely care. This reduces emergency hospital visits and unexpected medical bills, contributing to long-term cost savings.

The Long-Term Financial Picture: Which One Costs More?

At first glance, in-home care might seem like the more budget-friendly option. However, when factoring in the costs of home modifications, caregiver wages, medical emergencies, and transportation, the total expenses can surpass the cost of an assisted living or nursing home.

According to data from senior care organizations, the average cost of assisted living in Wisconsin is approximately $4,500 per month, while 24/7 in-home care can exceed $10,000 per month. When weighing financial feasibility, assisted living facilities like Great Lakes Senior Living present a more predictable and manageable investment over time.

Non-Monetary Factors to Consider

Quality of Care

Providing high-quality care at home requires significant effort, coordination, and supervision. Professional nursing homes and assisted living communities are staffed with trained caregivers who specialize in senior wellness. With expert medical support and structured programs, residents receive consistent, professional care day and night.

Safety and Security

Many seniors living alone face safety risks like falls, unattended medical emergencies, and difficulty managing medications. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities provide a secure environment with professional staff available around the clock. Emergency response systems within these settings ensure quick action in case of a health crisis.

Family Relationships and Well-Being

Family caregivers often struggle with emotional stress, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of balancing caregiving with work and personal responsibilities. Moving a parent into a senior living community alleviates this burden, allowing family members to focus on spending quality time together rather than constantly managing care needs.

Respite Care Options

For families unsure about making a permanent transition, respite care services at communities like Great Lakes Senior Living offer short-term stays with professional care. This allows families to experience the benefits of assisted living without a long-term commitment while providing caregivers a much-needed break.

Why Great Lakes Senior Living is a Smart Financial and Emotional Choice

Affordable Senior Care in Wisconsin

Great Lakes Senior Living operates three locations in Beloit, Milton, and Waterford, providing high-quality, Diamond Accredited senior care at competitive rates. Families seeking “nursing homes near me” can rely on the experience and dedication of their professional staff.

Comprehensive Services Under One Roof

With assisted living, memory care, and a wealth of social activities, Great Lakes Senior Living offers an all-inclusive environment. Residents enjoy comfortable accommodations, nutritious meals, engaging programs, and medical oversight—services that can be difficult and expensive to coordinate at home.

A Commitment to Excellence

Since opening their first facility in Milton in 2001, Great Lakes Senior Living has built a reputation for providing compassionate and respectful care to seniors. Their dedication to enhancing residents’ lives has earned them recognition within the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association.

Flexible Care Plans

Great Lakes Senior Living understands that every senior has different needs. Their flexible care options allow residents to receive personalized care, ensuring they have the support they need without unnecessary expenses.