Care Homes vs Care at Home
November 28, 2014It’s a difficult decision; probably one of the hardest you’ll ever make deciding and encouraging a loved one to be under someone else’s care. You’ve probably tried everything you can to look after your loved one yourself but it has got to the stage where they need extra support for everyday tasks, and it’s difficult to take on this huge responsibility yourself. It’s important you assist your loved one in deciding what kind of care is best for them: a care home or organise care at home? Here are the pros and cons of both to help you and your loved one make decision that is right for the individual.
Care Homes:
What is a care home?
A care home is a small institution that provides accommodation, support and care for people unable to rely on their selves for everyday tasks. You can find out more about care homes from extracare.org.
Pros of care homes:
- They provide high levels of care and support in an environment where residents can enjoy a choice of organised activities.
- The staff work hard to create a homely atmosphere where residents can choose to do what they want, when they want in familiar surroundings with staff they can trust.
- They provide a sense of community
- Your loved one can create new relationships with workers and other residents meaning they don’t get lonely.
- They have trained staff that are always on hand to help with personal issues
- There is no need to worry about utility bills, meals and household jobs
- Your loved one will feel safe and secure
- Residents receive 24/7 hour careCons of care homes
- Those working in care homes are looking after a large number of residents meaning a lot of different people will be spending a small amount of time with the individual which prevents the residents and staff getting to know each other.
- Your loved one can become distressed and confused by the amount of different people they interact with especially those with dementia.
- Getting use to a new environment can be difficult with the disruption to routines and lifestyles which can cause distress.
Home Care:
What is home care?
Home care is supportive care provided in the individuals own home. The care can range from 15-minute visits to 24-hour assistance and everything in between. You can find out more about home care here
Pros of home care:
- Your loved one remains in their own home where they have many memories, personal possessions and it is a familiar and relaxed surrounding.
- They can be around the people and the things they know and love best
- He/she can retain their independence and dignity which some feel they lose when moving into a care home
- They receive one-to-one specialist attention by trained carers
- With home care the client retains full control over the care and support you receive
Cons of home care:
- If single, it can be lonely. Unless they have a lot of friends who visit regularly or a large family.
- Even though your loved one will have regular visits from a carer they can still be at risk as it’s not safe and secure
- The house must be maintained and bills must be paid in addition to care costs
- Home care staffing is usually only available during normal business hours.
- The home they live in might not be suitable and may need appliabces installing such as grab bars and things to make it easier to move around the house which can be expensive.
