Home Care VS Nursing Home: Which Does Your Relative Need?

Home Care VS Nursing Home: Which Does Your Relative Need? One of the hardest decisions that you have to make as an adult is when to get additional help for an ill relative. When a relative can no longer care for themselves, you are in a very difficult position. There are two avenues to go down when you have a relative who is sick and you can’t manage their care on your own. You have to know what’s right for you and your relative, and they won’t always be the same thing. Sometimes, when you have your own family and a job to consider, you can’t take on a sick relative, too.

You need to assess the benefits in front of you for each option. Choosing between home care and nursing homes isn’t easy, but it’s easier when you know what the differences in care are. It’s important to do your research thoroughly because you’ll come across reports about nursing home abuse and what it entails, which can be scary to read. However, while not every home has staff that behaves in an unprofessional way, a home isn’t always the right way to go. So, what are the differences?

Home Care

The private option of home care allows your relative to be in their own home and receive the care that they need. There is less disruption in their daily life, which can improve their quality of life. Many families prefer this option because those who have lived in their homes their entire lives won’t have to leave. Home care allows for a better, one-on-one carer/patient relationship as well as being in a familiar environment. Seniors can be more independent and home care can be less expensive. The one downside? They’re not particularly secure, and the cost of around-the-clock care can be high.

Care Home

Sometimes, a relative needs more concentrated care. They need to be in an environment where nurses are on hand all day, and if suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, they need to be somewhere they can rely on and feel safe. Nursing homes have doctors on hand as well as comprehensive activity staff available to help them stay entertained and fulfilled. This type of care isn’t always something that you can give, which is why a care home can often be the best place. The downside to a care home is that independence isn’t always gained in a care home; there are schedules that need to be followed and this isn’t something that is found when in their own home. A nursing home can often be quite expensive, and the care isn’t always as personal.

The one thing that you should always remember is that by making this decision, you are doing the very best thing for your relative. It’s not a decision that anyone should have to make, but it’s a part of life, and having the strength to decide on care for a family member is a big deal. Never forget that you need to take care of yourself, too.