Home Care or Care Home – The Pros And Cons
Choosing between Home Care or a residential Care Home for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision that demands careful consideration. Whether it’s due to the need for long-term care or a sudden hospital discharge, taking the time to research and understand the options is essential. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the differences between home care and care home services, helping you make an informed choice that prioritises your loved one’s well-being and comfort.
97% of people surveyed said they don’t want to go into a Care Home when they’re older (OnePoll, 2014), and 71% of us would prefer to reach the end of their life in our own home.
Home Care vs Care Home – What’s The Difference?
Exploring Home Care: Home care encompasses a wide range of services thoughtfully delivered within the familiar surroundings of your own home. Whether it’s live-in care, regular visiting care, or specialised care tailored to specific needs, such as medical or mobility assistance, home care is designed to cater to your unique requirements. With flexibility being a hallmark of home care, it guarantees that you or your loved one receives the necessary support, whether it’s help with daily activities or around-the-clock assistance.
Living with Home Care: Opting for home care offers a remarkable advantage, the ability to preserve the essence of everyday life. No longer will you be required to depart from your cherished home environment; instead, you can continue with your established routines while receiving the essential care you need. The flexibility of home care services ensures that compassionate companionship and assistance with personal care are available whenever needed, whether it’s during the day or through the night.
Understanding Care Homes: Care homes serve as providers of accommodation, personal care, and comprehensive support for individuals in need. These facilities typically fall into two primary categories: residential care homes and nursing homes. Some establishments offer a combination of residential and nursing care, while others extend their services to include day trips and various activities. It’s imperative to conduct thorough research when considering care homes, along with exploring the full spectrum of alternative care options.
Distinguishing Residential and Nursing Homes: A residential care home primarily provides accommodation and personal care services. This includes assistance with activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and toileting. On the other hand, a nursing home offers these fundamental care services while ensuring that at least one qualified nurse is available at all times. Nursing homes are particularly suited for individuals with complex medical conditions or severe mental or learning disabilities, as they provide specialised care.
A Closer Look at Life in a Care Home: In a care home, residents have their own bedrooms where they can personalise their space to create a homely atmosphere. Common areas are available for social interactions with fellow residents and for participating in activities organised by the facility. Meal schedules and visiting hours can vary from one care home to another, and access to outdoor spaces may depend on the specific care needs of each resident.
Home Care vs Care Homes- Benefits of Home Care
Comfort and Familiarity: Remaining in one’s own home provides unparalleled comfort and familiarity, which is especially essential for seniors who may struggle with unfamiliar surroundings. This continuity significantly contributes to emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Flexibility and Independence: Home care empowers individuals to maintain independence and set their own schedules. It allows the freedom to engage in preferred activities, honouring individual lifestyle choices and preferences.
Personalised Care: One of the most compelling advantages of home care is the level of personalisation it offers. Care recipients benefit from individualised attention through one-on-one interactions with caregivers. This encompassing approach encompasses not only assistance with daily tasks but also extends to emotional support and social interactions, creating a holistic care experience.
Peace of Mind: Both care recipients and their families find comfort in knowing their loved one receives personalised care while staying in their beloved home. This assurance reduces stress and worry associated with moving into a care facility.
Cost-Effective Solution: In-home care proves to be a cost-effective alternative to care homes. While residential care homes and nursing homes come with average weekly costs of £760 and £960, respectively, in the UK, home care provides flexibility, including hourly rates tailored to your budget.
Why Choose Home Care with Visiting Angels? At Visiting Angels, we firmly believe that true person-centred care cannot be standardised. We prioritise our caregivers and are committed to delivering high-quality, individualised home care services. Our unique approach ensures:
- Fair compensation and comprehensive support for caregivers, promoting stability and dedication.
- Consistent and reliable care delivered by compassionate professionals dedicated to providing the highest level of care.
- An unrushed, high-quality care experience that aligns with your loved one’s specific needs and preferences.
If you want to explore the benefits of home care further or understand how our services can positively impact you or your loved one, please contact us.
At Visiting Angels North Hertfordshire, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalised care in the comfort of your own home, enriching lives and promoting well-being every step of the way.