Young and old, we all love our homes. When we age, home is the place where we wish to stay. As time goes by, the moment comes when we begin to wonder if our loved ones can still take care of themselves as they get older. Numerous seniors, their friends and family understand that they can resort to outside help regardless of whether they prefer to stay at home or find a way to move to a nursing home. Such decisions are rarely simple. Many would prefer not to leave their homes, while others might be looking for socialization and everyday access to restorative consideration and administrations which nursing homes offer. There are many inquiries and contemplation that go into settling on those critical choices.
Below are the benefits and drawbacks to consider when choosing between home care over a nursing home.
Benefits
Home care offers the most benefits for seniors as they are able to stay in the comfort of their own home. When a senior feels more comfortable and is able to maintain his or her usual routine in their usual environment, their health benefit alongside it. Staying in their home also allows for more independence and encourages more active involvement in their own care.
Keeping a patient in a nursing home for a long period can impact negatively on his or her mental health. The latter may feel burdened and stressed due to the new environment and surroundings. Whereas, home nursing can offer an elderly with a relaxed state of mind. As long as elderlies are being taken care of in their surroundings, it brings a sense of warmth and a loving environment. A healthy mindset, familiar surroundings and family attachments help patients recover faster and better.
Home care can be more cost-effective, depending upon how much their current home costs them. Outside establishments can be costly every month and if the senior’s home is less expensive to maintain monthly, it can ease the stress of the health expenses. Home care includes a variety of options for in-home services, whether it be weekly, monthly, daily or multiple daily visits and checkups required. For a senior that needs minimal help deciding on a home care provider can be a much better investment.
Home care offers more personal care for seniors, whereas nursing home or assisted living facility will have numerous staff members who provide care. In-home care allows for seniors to have dedicated care professionals and to form a relationship with their caregiver. If the same caregivers keep on a schedule it allows seniors to become more familiar with them so that they can feel more comfortable and confident in the care.
The staff of a home care agency has expertise in assessing and managing the client’s needs and developing adequate care plans. They can also help clients go through the web of health care resources and effectively communicate your goals and needs to doctors and nurses. Additionally, home care agency staff assist the household with any emotional barriers and concerns the clients might have about accepting home care services.
There is more one-to-one time when you are seen by the same caregiver constantly. It can get confusing to be visited by numerous people depending on the day of the week, especially if the elder has Alzheimer’s or dementia. In-home care is also safer as you are in your own home, hence fewer risks of slips and falls.
Drawbacks
Home care may not offer as many services as a nursing home. Home care is an excellent option for a senior who is mostly independent; however, if the senior isn’t very independent or at higher risks they may need to be under increased supervision. When there is a need for more frequent services, an in-home care situation wouldn’t be ideal. It is vital to regularly check the senior’s circumstances and status to determine the appropriate level of care. Less social activities and opportunities are provided with in-home care. Because nursing care facilities treat a number of seniors, they are better equipped to coordinate group activities and outings. Facilities often have a regular influx of volunteers and staff that can do anything from aerobics, singing, crafts, games or being read to.
A senior receiving home care services will not be as monitored as one in a nursing care facility. Because a nursing care facility has access twenty-four hours a day, they are able to observe their residents better. An in-home care professional only visits the home on the assigned schedule. This means it may take longer to determine additional needs.
When determining the best care option, it is most important to consider the support system and the individual needs. If you have a strong support system that includes family, friends and hired staff that can routinely visit seniors, it could enable them to be able to stay in their own homes. If there is less support available, or the senior is at higher risk or has higher needs, there is more benefit in having their care provided by a staffed facility. Whatever decisions are made, be sure that the senior is comfortable with their living situation.
It’s great that you talked about how companion care services could be more cost-effective compared to the alternative. Our grandmother is quite old now and she lives alone in her home, so we want to have someone with her to take care of her needs. I heard there are professionals that take care of such work so we’ll try to find one for her.