Care at Home – The Best Alternatives to a Care Home

utting a loved one into a care home isn’t always in their best interests. There are many other options, such as care at home, which will allow your loved one to remain in familiar surrounds for longer.

Options for Care

Most of us don’t want to end up in a care home. A poll by YouGov in 2013 showed that the overwhelming majority of people say they would be scared of going into a home. At the same time, most people assume that a care home is where they will ultimately end up.

When a person reaches the point in their lives that they need closer support and more involved care, a difficult decision often has to be made. Their of going into a home, and the upheaval it can cause, can be highly distressing for them as well.

Care at Home or Care Home

There are a number of options that you should consider before making any decision. Do you move the person out of their home and familiar surroundings? Or should you try to keep them where they feel most comfortable?  What level of care do they require? Can you manage yourself, or do you need help from a professional caregiver?

Weighing up the arguments for and against each option, and deciding what might be best for you, or your loved ones is no easy task.

Luckily there are always alternatives, so it is important to think through all the options before making a decision. Here are some of the common alternatives to a care or nursing home. 

1. Moving in with Family

A highly popular choice for many families is to combine two households together. Most of the time, it is the person who needs care who moves in with grown-up children and their families.

This can be a good option, but it’s not for everyone. It’s good to have some clear guidelines from the start. Including, some thought about private space, meals, how bills are split etc. Bear in mind that at some point you, or a family member may well have to become the caregiver. If you are comfortable with that, then family care can be an excellent solution for all concerned.

A common suggestion is to try it out for a month or two first, before making the complete decision. That way, if things don’t work out, you still have control of homes and there is a chance to come to a different arrangement.

2. Sheltered Accommodation

There are an increasing number of sheltered accommodation residences available for those in need. These usually consist of small blocks of flats dedicated for those who require closer support. They are usually overseen by a warden who often lives on site. Residents are equipped with personal alarms so that they can notify the warden if they are ill or have an accident.

This option allows for independent living, but with gives peace of mind that someone is available if necessary. There is often a communal lounge or garden so that residents can socialise with each other. Additionally, each flat can be furnished with the person’s own furniture and belongings, making a private and personal space. 

With this option, home carers can also visit to provide assistance with daily tasks or medical needs.  

3. Home Care

Home care is often the preferred choice for people who need extra support, but don’t want to go into residential care homes. The beauty of home care is that it can be tailored to match the loved one’s individual needs. You can arrange for carers to visit as little or often as they are needed. From a single visit a week, perhaps to help with shopping or cleaning, to several hours a day, to provide more intensive support.

Care providers, such as Right at Home, Stockport & Didsbury, offer a wide range of choices and options. Hours can be increased as the elderly person’s needs become greater.

In-home care allows your loved one to maintain a level of independent living within their own home, which many people prefer.

4. Live-in Care

This is an increasingly popular form of elderly care. A live-in-carer is the perfect solution when a loved one wants to stay in their own home, but has more complex needs that require 24/7 care.

By being in familiar surroundings, with possessions, furniture and home comforts, the elderly person is able to feel secure and at ease. They are looked after by a dedicated live-in carer, who is able to help with every aspect of daily life, including personal care.

Many of our live-in caregivers are experienced in Alzheimer’s care and dementia care. This means that an elderly person living with dementia can remain in their own home for as long as they wish. The caregiver provides companionship, assistance and support throughout the day and night for complete peace of mind.

In addition, the cost of a live-in carer is comparable to many higher-cost care homes, and the advantages for the elderly person are considerably greater.

Making the Decision about Care

Care, for you or your loved one, is personal and specific to your needs. Before you make any decision, it is important to get all the information, facts, advice and support you need. It is also important to make the decision together as a family. Only you know what is right for yourself or your elderly relatives.

Care homes offer security and safety, as well as 24-hour care. However, they are not for everyone. Care at home or live-in care can provide excellent support, without the upheaval of moving out of familiar home surroundings. Staying at home can mean keeping pets, and staying connected to neighbours and the community. With in-home care, the person will feel more in control of their care and their life.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both which you should consider first, before making a decision in a crisis. If you need any help or support with finding the right decision for you, talk to one of our care experts at Right at Home, Stockport & Didsbury.