When it comes to choosing the right type of care for your loved one, it’s important to weigh up all the options. Homecare and care homes are both popular and viable options, but which is right for your loved one? Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of both types of care to help you make an informed decision.

Homecare

Pros:

-Your loved one can stay in their own home and maintain their independence

-Homecare is often more affordable than care homes

-There is more flexibility with homecare, as you can choose the level and type of care that your loved one needs

Cons:

-Your loved one may need adjustments to maintain mobility and make their home safe 

-If you are providing home care yourself, it can be emotionally and physically demanding

-There can be less social interaction with homecare than there is in a care home

Care homes

Pros:

-Care homes provide 24/7 care and support for residents

-There are plenty of social activities and opportunities for residents to interact with others

-Day-to-day chores are managed by the care home 

Cons:

-Your loved one will have to downsize their living space and possessions

-There are strict rules to follow e.g. no couples, no pets and restrictions on visiting hours

-Daily routines for when to eat, sleep and get up are determined by the care home

Here we discuss the pros and cons for homecare and care homes in more detail.

Maintaining independence and choice

Homecare can be an excellent way for seniors to maintain their independence and choice in the environment they want. By staying at home, surrounded by all their belongings while still getting some assistance from professionals when needed; you are helping them keep control over what happens around them which is so important as they grow older and senses become more vulnerable due other factors such as illness or disability

Providing care to your loved one, either your parent or spouse, can add considerable pressure to your health and wellbeing. Taking respite with home care services or moving your parent/spouse to a care home can give you the time you need to recover and carry on. Homecare services give you the flexibility to choose the level of care and activities that you wish to provide unlike care homes that are usually more rigid about the care that relatives can provide.   

Making home adjustments 

Making home adjustments can be a tough decision for family members who are caring for an elderly loved one. Your loved ones may need extensive repairs or modifications to their house, which could be expensive and cause disruption. However, these changes are worthwhile, making life easier and more comfortable to remain at home. Some assistance is available for help with adjustments at home, for more information take a look at disabled facilities grants. 

Affordable care at home

Contrary to popular belief, homecare is often more affordable than care homes. Care homes provide round the clock care for all residents that may not be applicable or necessary for your loved one. Care homes may charge a double rate for couples, whereas home care typically adds a supplemental fee for a second person. 

Combating loneliness

Loneliness can happen in any environment whether your loved one is in a care home or living in their own home so it is important to consider how your loved one can socialise and how much socialising is comfortable for them. Care homes usually arrange activities for residents to keep their mind and body active. Activities take place at a regular time, often in the care home, making it convenient for residents to join in. 

If socialising and attending events is important to your loved one and you are considering home care, then speak to your provider about this. They will be able to include socialising in the care they provide. For example, Right at Home supports local singing groups and inclusive sports activities - Homecare in Farnham.

Following strict rules

There are often restrictions in care homes that can make it difficult to maintain relationships in the way that your loved one has been used to at home. Typically, couples are not allowed to share a room, pets are not allowed and relatives can only visit during set times. Switching to these new rules can take some adjustment for your loved one and family, so if this is important to you it's worth considering care homes that allow for shared rooms or pets and making everyone aware of the visiting times.

Managing day-to-day chores and routines

Care home staff will make sure that your loved one's environment is clean, that they have healthy meals and medication is taken on time. This can give you piece of mind that they are being looked after when you are not with them. Homecare can also provide these services but with the advantage of suiting these to your loved one's usual routines. They can choose when to wake up, when to eat and when and where to socialise, giving them greater freedom and independence. 

We hope that discussing some of the pros and cons of homecare and care homes makes it easier to weigh up what is important to your loved one and what would work best for their needs. There is no right or wrong answer, it is about finding the best solution for your individual circumstances. If you would like to talk to us about care options, get in touch on 01252 783426

Or 01489 662400.

Links to related blogs:

5 things to consider when choosing homecare for your elderly parents