Home care or assisted living: how to decide

Written and fact-checked by the BodyGlow editorial team; last reviewed Oct 1, 2026.

Start with safety, then consider the amount of hands-on help needed, social preferences, housing costs and who will coordinate care.

Home care can preserve familiar routines. Assisted living combines housing, meals, activities and scheduled support in a licensed community.

Use this checklist

• List needs across a full week — not only on a good day.
• Compare total monthly costs, including housing and overnight help.
• Ask what happens when needs increase.
• Verify current state licensing and complaint history.

Sources

1. Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living)
2. Medicare.gov — Long-term care coverage

Find providers

• Assisted living
• Home care

General educational information only — not medical advice. Coverage, regulations and individual needs vary. Talk with a qualified clinician about your situation.