Assisted Living vs In-Home Care
In-home care brings a caregiver to your existing home. Assisted living means moving to a community. The right choice depends on how much care is needed, social preferences, and total cost when factoring in housing expenses.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Assisted Living | In-Home Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Move to a care community | Stay in your own home |
| Social Life | Built-in community, daily activities | Depends on existing social network |
| Care Hours | 24/7 staff available | Scheduled hours (typically 4-12 hrs/day) |
| Meals | 3 meals/day included | Caregiver can prepare meals during shift |
| Housing Cost | Included in monthly fee | You still pay mortgage/rent + utilities |
| Flexibility | Structured community schedule | Fully flexible, your schedule |
| Avg Cost (AZ) | $4,195/month (all-inclusive) | $5,148/month (44 hrs/week) |
| ALTCS Coverage | Yes, if qualified | Yes (HCBS waiver), if qualified |
Which Is Right for Your Family?
Choose Assisted Living if...
- Seniors who need care throughout the day
- Those who are isolated or lonely at home
- Families who want 24/7 coverage without paying for round-the-clock aides
Choose In-Home Care if...
- Seniors who only need a few hours of help per day
- Those strongly attached to their home and neighborhood
- People with a spouse or family member who provides primary care
Pros and Cons
Assisted Living
Pros
- +All-inclusive pricing (room, meals, care)
- +24/7 staff without 24/7 cost
- +Social community reduces isolation
- +No home maintenance worries
Cons
- -Must leave your home
- -Less familiar environment
- -Shared community spaces
- -Adjustment period
In-Home Care
Pros
- +Stay in your own home
- +Familiar environment
- +One-on-one personalized attention
- +Flexible scheduling
Cons
- -Gets very expensive for full-time care
- -Still pay housing costs on top
- -Social isolation risk
- -Caregiver turnover and reliability
What This Means in Arizona
In Arizona, in-home care costs about $27/hour. At 44 hours/week, that's $5,148/month — nearly $1,000 more than assisted living, and you still pay housing costs. For seniors needing 6+ hours of daily care, assisted living is almost always more cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what point is assisted living cheaper than in-home care?
In Arizona, the break-even point is roughly 4-5 hours of daily care. If your parent needs more than 5 hours/day of caregiver help, assisted living ($4,195/mo all-inclusive) is typically cheaper than in-home care plus housing costs.
Can I combine in-home care with other services?
Yes — many families use adult day care (about $75/day in Arizona) for daytime supervision and in-home care for mornings/evenings. This can be more affordable than full-time in-home care.
Does ALTCS cover in-home care?
Yes. Arizona's ALTCS program offers a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver that covers in-home care for qualifying residents. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Need Help Finding Care in Phoenix?
Our local advisors know every facility in Phoenix. Get personalized recommendations — completely free.
No cost. No obligation. Speak to a real person.
More Comparisons
- Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
- Assisted Living vs Memory Care
- Assisted Living vs Independent Living
- Memory Care vs Nursing Home
- Assisted Living vs Board and Care Home
- Nursing Home vs In-Home Care
- Independent Living vs Staying Home
- Respite Care vs Long-Term Care
- Adult Day Care vs Assisted Living
- CCRC vs Standalone Assisted Living
Not Sure Which Option Is Right?
Our local advisor will assess your loved one's needs and recommend the right type of care — completely free.