Nursing Home vs. In-Home Care: Which is Right for You?
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
You’ve come to the point where you’re recognizing that mom or dad may need more care and assistance for their health needs.
This is entirely a personal decision and you may be feeling overwhelmed deciding whether to do it all yourself, send your aging parent to a nursing home or hire a professional caregiver.
While our agency is a home care agency, we know not everyone has the capacity for in-home care. Just the same, not everyone is content with their senior parents going to a nursing home.
Many families become caregivers for their parents, but not everyone has the time or skills to do so. So which is the right choice for you?
In truth, both options have their pros and cons.
Just because we’re a home care agency does not mean we believe nursing homes are terrible places. We know of many seniors and families who are entirely happy and cared for with satisfaction.
The right choice depends on many factors, which doesn’t just mean your own. These decisions must also include the needs and preferences of your senior loved one. It’s a tough discussion, but getting everyone’s input will help you come to the right decision.
Let’s look into each type of care.
Nursing Homes
These are residential in which your aging parent will live among a 24-hour care system. This is usually the choice for families with seniors who can no longer live independently. In fact, you can choose to have your elderly parent live at home with a caregiver assisting their needs and later choose to move them into a nursing home when needs begin to get more dependent on 24-hour care. Many nursing homes have well-trained staff who have skills in various areas such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Diabetes, Cancer, immobility, and much more. As with in-home care, they also provide support with meals, medications, bathing, and daily activities.
Pros:
-Professional medical care
-24-hour monitoring and support
-Companionship and social engagement
Cons:
-Known to be expensive
-Solitude and privacy is limited
-Lack of familiarity and loneliness being away from familiar faces and places
In-home Care
Aging in place is often chosen because the senior in need receives comfort among all. The lack of familiarity would come from having a caregiver in the home, however they will still have the comfort of their familiar space, furniture, and history of the home. It’s their home! Or it can be your home. Either way, they receive assistance from a well-trained and professional caregiver, receiving companionship still. This is often chosen for seniors who still have independence or choose to live their life out aging at home.
Pros:
-The comfort of their familiar space
-Personalized care with a one-on-one approach from a caregiver
-Typically most cost effectivet
Cons
-No immediate medical attention available on site
-Family caregiving may still be needed
-Caregiver burnout and possibly turnover
As you can see it depends on many factors.
This will need to be a conversation you have with your senior in need as well as any family members, such as siblings, who also have a say.
Many families make both options work well. The ultimate decision will be based on how well you feel about your senior’s safety and security, as well as their happiness and health.
For more information on making the best choice for your aging parent, contact your parent’s doctor, financial advisors and your family. You can also contact us for more tips on helping you make the right choice.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about choosing in-home care or a nursing home and should not be construed as medical advice.
