Home Care or Nursing Home?
When your senior loved one reaches a point of being unable to care for him or herself, it can be difficult to watch. However, there are many opportunities for help — most notably, home care and nursing homes.
But how will you know which is the right decision for your loved one’s needs? Keep reading to understand the pros and cons of home care and nursing homes, so that you can make an informed decision that will give your loved one the most efficient care, and give you peace of mind at the same time.
Home Care
Home care consists of having one caregiver come to your loved one’s home to help with needs such as personal care, fall prevention, companionship, medication reminders, and more. When you opt for home care, you’re making a more personal choice that offers your loved one many advantages, along with other elements to consider.
Pros:
• Ability to remain in his or her own home, with the added assistance of a caregiver as often as they need them
• Maintaining a sense of independence that they otherwise may feel they’ve lost with age and debilitating health conditions
• A personal relationship with one caregiver, instead of many changing care providers
Cons:
• When choosing a home care provider, you’ll want to be sure that you’ve selected the right person for your loved one’s needs. This may take some more time with interviewing several candidates, and even exploring different agencies.
Nursing Homes
At a nursing home, your loved one will be moved into a space with many other senior residents. He or she may have to share a room, and will find social time in common areas. Your loved one will also be under 24/7 surveillance, as he or she will live there fulltime. Here are some factors to consider…
Pros:
• Your loved one will have medical care available at all times
• Patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia will be more physically secure if they are likely to wander
Cons:
• On the contrary, changing a patient’s environment with Alzheimer’s or dementia can cause confusion
• Your loved one may feel as though he or she has lost his or her sense of independence
• You will most likely not get to know all of the staff members who will be caring for your loved one
Factors to Consider
While you can see the ups and downs of both home care and nursing home, it’s important to consider several factors that might make your decision a little clearer.
First, think about your loved one’s need for independence. Would it be disorienting to change his or her environment? Additionally, does your loved one need medical care?
Our team at WellSprings Home Care can walk you through these questions and help you to decide which is the better fit for your loved one. We happily serve seniors in the Chester County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County areas. Contact us today at (610) 463-0880!
