Home Care vs. Nursing Homes: Why In-Home Care Is Better Than Nursing Homes
You want the best for your loved one. As your aging parent or other elderly family member needs more care, you will likely consider nursing homes vs. home care.
This decision can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s why you should choose in-home care and how it can benefit your aging loved one.
What Is In-Home Care?
You might be wondering, what exactly is in-home senior care? How does it differ from nursing homes?
In-home care allows your loved one to stay in their own living space. Having to move all of their belongings to a nursing home or storage space can be stressful and sad for them. On the other hand, home care offers much more flexibility for your loved one.
When you choose home care, a team of senior care professionals comes to your loved one’s home to take care of them. They will provide assistance with activities of daily living like personal hygiene, cleaning, and cooking.
As your loved one ages, comfort becomes more important. By choosing home care, your loved one can stay in a familiar, comforting environment all the time.
Why Nursing Homes Aren’t the Best Option
For decades, elderly people have been relocated to nursing homes when their loved ones can no longer care for them. Unfortunately, nursing homes don’t always provide the quality care that your loved one deserves.
Poor Management
Many nursing home facilities are understaffed and poorly managed. This has far-reaching consequences for senior residents.
Nursing home staff members are likely to be frustrated, tired, and overworked at any given time. When this happens, it affects the mood and environment of the entire nursing home.
If you don’t want your loved one potentially surrounded by stress, it’s best to opt for home care.
Unfamiliar Environment
Your loved one may feel scared, overwhelmed, and hurt if you choose to put them in a nursing home. Being forced into a brand-new living environment can make the aging process worse.
At a nursing home, your loved one won’t know anyone and will have to follow new rules and schedules. This can easily take a toll on their mental health — and yours.
Expensive Room and Board
Most nursing homes are very costly and can drain your loved one’s retirement savings fairly quickly. In fact, nursing home costs are some of the highest among long-term care facilities.
Unless your loved one has a large savings account set aside for their care, your family might end up in lots of debt. Home care, on the other hand, can be more affordable and beneficial for your loved one.
Stigma
Seniors often worry that their loved ones will abandon them once they move into a nursing home. Even if this isn’t true, there’s still a stigma attached to elderly people living in nursing homes.
Your loved one is much less likely to resist in-home assistance than a move to a nursing home. They can feel more independent, autonomous, and capable if they get to stay in their home.
How Home Care Benefits Your Family
In-home senior care can make life easier for both your loved one and the rest of your family. There are many advantages that come with a dedicated team of professionals visiting your loved one’s home for care.
Personalized Care
In large senior facilities, there are schedules to follow and rules to abide by. When your loved one receives in-home care, that care is tailored directly to their needs.
Personalized care is more comforting and less frightening for seniors. They feel like their opinions matter, and some seniors even form long-term connections with their in-home caregivers!
Family Freedom
Your family probably spends a lot of time and energy caring for your aging loved one. It’s understandable to want to make sure your loved one stays safe and feels loved.
However, being a full-time family caregiver can be exhausting. This unpaid work can push many people into burnout, frustration, and even depression.
With in-home senior care, your family has much more freedom to live their lives. You still get to visit your loved one whenever you want, without any expectations for caregiving.
Comfort and Familiarity
Hiring an in-home caregiver for your senior loved one allows them to remain comfortable in their own living space. Instead of moving to an intimidating new environment, they simply go about their daily life while getting the extra help that they need.
Affordability
Home senior care is much more affordable than nursing homes. Most in-home caregivers bill by the hour, while nursing homes come with lots of extra charges.
The standard rates for in-home senior caregivers depend on your location, but most people find it far more affordable than senior facilities.
Support Your Loved One with In-Home Senior Care
By opting for home care instead of a nursing home, you can let your loved one know that you care and enjoy their company without becoming their full-time unpaid caregiver. And what is better than quality family time?
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
