When your loved one loses the ability to care for themselves, your family might be left with a difficult decision on the best type of care they may require. In general, you have the choice of having them receive care in a nursing home or get home care. To make the best decision for your loved one, you should be aware of the pros and cons of each as that will help you make the best decision. It is important to take into consideration your loved one’s personality type, and what may work for them best, as each person’s needs are unique. Here are the pros and cons of nursing homes and home care that you should consider before making the best decision for your loved one:

Choosing Between A Nursing Home and In Home Care:

Pros of nursing homes

• Your loved one will have access to medical professionals that can take care of them around the clock.
• If your loved one has issues with Alzheimer’s or dementia, they will be in a secure place where they cannot wander off and get lost.
• They have dieticians and nutritionists on staff that help ensure proper nutrition.
• Social activities are provided daily to ensure a sense of community for the patient.
• Structured schedule letting the patients know what to expect every day.
• All nursing homes are evaluated, and the reports are available for your review so that you can ensure it is a safe environment for your loved one.
• Helps put less demands on a family member that may not have the resources to take care of their loved one.

Cons of nursing homes

• As nursing homes take care of your loved ones needs, they will not have as much independence. However, if they cannot be trusted to stay safely in their home, this type of arrangement should be considered.
• Nursing facilities are very different from a home environment. Your loved one may need some time to adjust.
• Depending on the type of care your loved one needs, nursing facilities can be very expensive.
• The patients generally outnumber the caregivers and may have to wait to get their needs met.
• There has been research done that confirms that seniors living at home live longer than those in nursing homes.
• Restrictive visiting hours that may prevent you from coming to visit when you would like to do so.
• They may have low standards and sub-quality care.
• This type of facility can increase a sense of isolation for your loved one, especially if they have dementia.
• You may have to travel to see your loved one if the facility is not located near you.

Pros and Cons of Home Care:

Pros of in home care

• With home care, your loved one can develop a more personal relationship with the person taking care of them.
• Care can be customized to the needs of your loved one and that includes the type of care they need and scheduling of the care.
• The care is done in their home, so it is more comfortable for them.
• The care is not as expensive as nursing home care.
• Your loved one can keep some of their independence in taking care of some tasks themselves.
• No set hours for visiting. You can drop by at any time for a visit.
• There is less of a chance of getting a serious illness from staff or other patients.
• After a hospital visit, seniors recover faster when they are healing in their own homes as opposed to nursing homes.
• There are reduced safety concerns at home such as with falls and having repeated hospital readmissions.
• Home health aides can help your loved one cook and clean.
• Caretakers can provide occupational and physical therapy at home.
• This type of care provides respite care for family member that takes care of your loved one.
• In-home monitoring can be done through wearable devices as opposed to being monitored in a hospital.
• They can help with adjusting the home with to the changing needs of your loved one.

Cons of home care

• Hiring the right person to provide in-home care for your loved one is extremely important. Do your research and make sure you only hire caregivers that have the proper expertise and experience to meet the needs of your loved one.
• A home does not provide the same protection as a nursing home facility where care is provided around the clock.

Need More Information?

Sometimes even after you’ve evaluated the pros and cons of each type of care, the decision may still be difficult on what type of care your loved one should have. It comes down to having a conversation with your loved one and your family and discussing the type of care they need and what fits their lifestyle and their health needs. If you need senior home care for your loved one, make sure to reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care in Palos Heights, IL.

We offer personalized home care for senior citizens and adults with disabilities. We work to understand the unique care needs of your loved ones so that we can personalize their care plan and pair them with the right caregiver. Give us a call today at (773) 207-3767 to set-up an appointment or to learn about our quality home care services.