Home Care or a Care Home?

One of the most difficult realisations that we all need to acknowledge is that there will come a time when each of us will need to rely on extra help in life. Often, the choice comes down to home care or a care home.

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Care Homes

The most obvious option for many is moving into a care home. But this can be an extremely challenging and stressful move for a lot of older individuals who have lived in the comfort of their homes for many years. Homes that are full of cherished memories and all that is sentimental to them.

While the care home comes with the advantages of all the extra help and support systems they have in place, they in turn also remove any sense of independence, which can be a difficult adjustment. On the flip side, care homes provide a great social aspect with communal lounges in place and activities that are laid on daily to keep the residents busy.

Covid-19 has also affected care homes in various ways during recent times, and it is here that the risk of exposure and cross-contamination is very real. With this in mind, face-to-face visits are not always possible.

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Home Sweet Home

In light of the current Covid 19 pandemic, many of the elderly looking for care options today are choosing to remain at home, preferring the personal visits offered by various care companies available. This allows them to stay within their comfort zone but at the same time, receive the necessary health and care required each day.

With home care being the cheaper route, sometimes costing around half the fees of a care home, this option does provide a more personal experience due to the one-on-one level of care. For the particularly vulnerable, up to four visits a day are sometimes required. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to take on a daily home carer usually build up close relations with this person. In time, and with an ongoing support system in place, the carer will become familiar enough with the client that they will know immediately if anything is wrong and will be able to act accordingly. With the fundamentals of good communication in place between the carer and the care company, help and advice are immediately available and these care workers are well trained for any situation they may have to deal with.

Home care not only provides all the familiar comforts, it also allows the individual to continue using their existing support systems such as GPs and medication deliveries. Ultimately, at the end of the day their secure, familiar bubble will remain in place.

If you're struggling with the decision between home care or a care home for yourself or a loved one, get in touch to discuss your options.