How to choose between home care and a nursing home?

It can be one of the most difficult choices to make to help your spouse or parent remain in their own home, or consider moving to a nursing home. Here we answer some of the most common questions asked:

1. What is homecare and what are the benefits over a nursing home?

Homecare covers a range of services but usually refers to non-medical care provided at home to enable a person to remain living there. These services can include light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and transportation to doctor appointments and social events. The main benefit of home care is that your parent or spouse gets to remain in their own home and community which helps to maintain their independence. This gives them continuity and can increase their sense of wellbeing, whether it is just a small amount of support to help them remain at home, or wider support with help for on-going conditions. 

There was a time when a care home or nursing home was considered the next step from homecare. This can sometimes be the case but not always. With the introduction of mobility and bathing adjustments at home, and the drive to maintain independence at home, homecare services can extend further to support specialist elder care such as dementia care, end-of-life care and 24-hour support.

2. How much does homecare cost, and how do you pay for it?

The cost of homecare varies depending on the services provided, the number of hours required per week and where you are living in the UK. The national average is about £15-£20 per hour. There are a number of ways to pay for homecare, including self-funding, attendance allowance, carers allowance and social services funding. We know that navigating the options can be difficult and we are here to help talk you through what is available on 0203 376 3535.

3. How do you know if homecare is right for you or your loved one?

The best way to determine if homecare is the right option is to speak directly to a homecare provider. They can assess you or your loved one’s needs and make recommendations based on your health and level of care required. Homecare providers will create a care plan specifically to your circumstances that includes not only the support you need but your preferences and what is important to you. For example, having your main meal at lunchtime is important or getting to church every Sunday. 

4. What are the things to consider when choosing between homecare and a nursing home placement?

There are a few things to consider when making this decision. These key questions are:

-You or your loved one’s health and care needs

-The ability of family, friends or professionals to provide care

-The cost of care

-Your loved one’s preference

5. How do you go about finding the right homecare provider for your needs or situation?

There are a few different ways to find a home care provider. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family, search online, or contact the Care Quality Commision (CQC). When you have a few providers in mind, be sure to interview them and ask about their experience, services offered, and rates. Here we take a look at choosing a homecare provider in more detail on our Alton and Bordon homecare website - Comparing homecare services: What to look for?

6. What should you do if you're not happy with your homecare provider or they're not meeting your needs/expectations?

If you are not happy with your home care provider, you have the right to terminate their services. Be sure to speak with them about your concerns and give them a chance to improve. If there are still issues, you can then start the process of finding a new provider.

With the options available with homecare, it’s one of the most flexible and comfortable ways to receive care and support, particularly as health and mobility changes. Remaining at home maintains independence for you or your loved one so it can be tough working through the decision to stay at home or move to a nursing home. As well as answering these questions we are here to talk through more that you may have on 0203 376 3535.

Links to related blogs:

The benefits of homecare for your loved one