What Senior Support is Right for Your Loved One?

Choosing the right kind of support for a senior loved one is never easy. You want them to feel safe, supported, and cared for—but also respected and independent. For many families in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and surrounding areas, the decision often comes down to assisted living vs. in-home customized care. Understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your unique situation.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a residential option for seniors who need help with daily tasks like meals, bathing, and medication, but who do not require 24/7 medical care. Residents typically live in a private suite or room within a shared facility, where support staff are on hand and meals, housekeeping, and activities are included.

You can learn more about how assisted living works in BC from the Government of British Columbia’s Assisted Living Guide.

While this setup can offer peace of mind, it also comes with some drawbacks:

Loss of independence and routine
Set schedules and group care
Higher monthly costs, especially when including room, board, and bundled services
Limited flexibility when care needs change

What is In-Home Customized Care in Abbotsford & Chilliwack?

In-home care allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the personalized support they need—from a few hours a week to 24/7 care. Services can include personal care, mobility support, companionship, help around the house, and specialized care for dementia or chronic illness.

With Just Like Family Home Care, seniors in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Agassiz, and Hope benefit from:

One-on-one attention
Flexible, customized schedules
Familiar surroundings that support well-being
No long-term contracts or bundled costs
Locally based caregivers trained in dementia and palliative care

Comparing Costs: Assisted Living vs. In-Home Care in BC

In British Columbia, the average monthly cost of assisted living can range from $3,000 to over $6,000, depending on the facility and level of care required. This includes meals, rent, and group care services—even if you don’t use them all. A helpful comparison can be found in Comfort Life’s overview of senior living costs in BC.

In contrast, with in-home care, you only pay for the services you actually need. Whether that’s a few hours of help each day or full-time live-in support, there’s no wasted cost on unused amenities or overhead.

Local Advantage: At Just Like Family, we serve the Fraser Valley with trusted local caregivers, so your family benefits from better responsiveness and continuity of care.

When Is Home Care the Better Option?

Home care may be the better fit if:

Your loved one wants to stay at home
You need short-term recovery support after a hospital stay
The care needs are specialized, like dementia or palliative support
Flexibility, familiarity, and personalized attention are priorities
You’re looking for alternatives to assisted living in BC that allow aging in place

The benefits of aging in place are well-documented—see this overview from the National Institute on Aging (USA) for more insights.

We’re Here to Help Fraser Valley Families

Just Like Family Home Care works closely with families and local healthcare providers in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Agassiz, and Hope. Whether you’re transitioning a loved one home from the hospital, supplementing assisted living with additional support, or considering care options for the first time—we’re here to help.

We’ll take the time to understand your needs, walk you through your options, and create a care plan that reflects your loved one’s goals and your family’s budget.

Book Your Free In-Home Consultation

Let’s talk about what’s best for your loved one. We’ll come to you and help explore the right path forward.

Reach out to us via phone or email anytime or book your FREE in-home care consultation.