When an elderly loved one requires extra support, you have a big decision to make — do you go the in-home care or nursing home route? Both options have their benefits.
Our guide will delve into the advantages of in-home care and nursing homes, helping you make the best choice for your loved one. Learn more about the level of care, costs and independence associated with each option.
Understanding In-Home Care
In-home care allows older adults to age in place. It typically involves a family caregiver coming into the home and providing various care services. As remaining in one’s home offers a sense of familiarity, in-home care is often a top choice for older adults suffering from age-related diseases like dementia.
An in-home family caregiver’s role depends on the older person’s needs. For example, some older people may have mobility issues and need assistance moving from one room to another. Others may live far away from their families and require companionship services to feel less isolated. Having the freedom to select services ensures the older person receives the correct type and level of support.
Benefits of In-Home Care Assistance
In-home care offers many benefits for older adults and their loved ones. Here are just some reasons why people choose this care option:
- Personal relationships: In-home family caregivers work with older adults one-on-one. This enables them to get to know the older person and anticipate their needs.
- Greater independence: You can customize the level of in-home care, enabling capable older people to do some tasks unassisted. Allowing older adults to hold onto their autonomy helps them experience a sense of purpose.
- Extra comfort: In-home care means older people can enjoy the comforts of home. They can sit in their favorite chair, surrounded by cherished photos, potted plants and other treasures.
Exploring Nursing Home Facilities
A nursing home provides round-the-clock care to older people. Unlike in-home family caregivers, nursing home staff are generally qualified medical professionals, making it a good option for those with severe health issues.
Older people in nursing homes can stay in a shared or private room and receive all their meals. Individuals who enjoy regular social interaction value the company of nursing staff and other residents.
Benefits of Nursing Home Care
Nursing homes often come at a higher cost but deliver several benefits. Here’s what you can expect at these facilities:
- Comprehensive medical care: Nursing homes have the facilities and trained staff to assist with various health conditions. Those with chronic illnesses or advanced cognitive diseases will have access to the support they need.
- Assistance with daily tasks: Older people with extreme mobility issues may find it challenging to prepare food, bathe and go to the bathroom. Nursing homes assist older people with these tasks 24/7.
- Greater security: If an older person is prone to wandering, you may worry about their safety. Nursing homes often take great care to secure the premises, ensuring greater peace of mind.
Cost Comparison
- Nursing homes: The average cost of a shared room in a nursing home facility is $7,908 per month and $9,034 for a private room. The fee includes on-site medical care, meals, laundry and cleaning.
- In-home care: The cost of in-home care depends on the service type and duration. However, the NCOA indicates that the cost for a 40-hour week is between $4,506 and $4,680.
In-home care allows you to pay for the services you need, making it a more affordable option. Some providers also charge a flat rate for weekdays, weekends and holidays, so there are no unexpected cost fluctuations.
Quality of Life
The right senior living option can enhance an older person’s quality of life. Both in-home care and nursing home facilities cater to seniors’ emotional needs through:
- Social activities: Nursing homes often facilitate activities like card games, crafts or tea in a shared space. In-home family caregivers have more freedom to tailor social activities to the older person’s interests or hobbies.
- Independence: Nursing home costs often include transportation services, which allow residents to go to the shops, church or public parks. Older people using in-home transportation services enjoy greater flexibility, as they can go where they want when they want.
- Companionship: Those living in nursing homes socialize with nurses, residents and other staff regularly. In-home companionship services allow older people to choose how much social time they want.
While both nursing homes and in-home family caregivers prioritize older people’s social needs, in-home services give the person more control in these situations. Similarly, in-home transport services ensure greater independence.
Daily Life Considerations
As people age, their families become increasingly concerned about their safety. Here’s how in-home care and nursing homes ensure peace of mind.
Safety Measures
In-home family caregivers gain a realistic idea of the safety hazards in an older person’s home. They can suggest and enforce home modifications to ensure everyone remains safe. In addition, caregivers receive extensive staff training and are knowledgeable of emergency protocols.
Nursing homes also prioritize safety. They have the resources to equip premises with closed-circuit television (CCTV), access gates and additional security personnel.
Nutrition and Meals
In-home family caregivers provide varying levels of assistance in meal preparation, allowing older people to take more ownership of what they eat. Some providers offer individualized nutrition plans, ensuring older people get all the nutrients they need.
Nursing homes are mindful of dietary requirements and will customize individual menus accordingly. However, as these menus are more structured, there is less opportunity to tailor dinners to an older person’s specific tastes.
Respite Care
It’s common for a family member to take up the bulk of in-home caregiving tasks. Yet, additional care can lead to burnout when relatives have their own families and work commitments.
Respite care allows family members to shift care responsibilities to trained caregivers temporarily. It enables family members to take a break, go on holiday or simply take a step back from continuous care. In-home care providers allow you to take a break when needed. You can also book older adults into a nursing home for short-term care, but there are often more requirements to meet for this approach.
Get Quality Home Care With Village Caregiving
Older adults require social interaction, independence and additional support with daily tasks. In-home care is often a better choice for aging adults, as it allows them to age comfortably with all their favorite things around them.
Village Caregiving offers in-home care services to lighten the load for primary caregivers. Whether you select one or multiple services, you have full control of your budget. Our experienced staff is also available 24/7, making it easy to get in touch with your local center. Contact us today to learn how our caring team can help your loved one!
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