Choosing Between Nursing Home Vs. Home Care

According to U.S. News & World Report, while nursing home costs have continued to rise in recent years, in-home care costs have remained stable. This is good news for families whose elderly loved one needs regular assistance but not around-the-clock nursing care. Home care agencies charge an hourly rate and only provide the services your loved one needs. This keeps costs down compared to the high annual costs of nursing homes, especially when you consider the fact that many seniors don’t actually require twenty-four-hour nursing home care.

When deciding between nursing home vs. home care, most seniors say they would much rather be independent and live in their own homes as long as they are able. Home care agencies make it possible for seniors to maintain a higher quality of life while receiving the type of personalized in-home care they need.

Nursing Home Vs. Home Care: Making the Best Choice for Your Loved One:

The things you need to consider when thinking about a nursing home vs. home care include:

• Health: First and foremost, the senior’s health condition is the most critical factor when making a decision. If he or she needs skilled nursing care on a daily basis, a nursing home may be the answer. However, if he or she is relatively healthy and needs help with daily tasks, such as bathing, toileting, hygiene, shopping, cooking, and medication management, home care is a better choice.

• Quality of care: Generally speaking, your senior loved one is going to receive the same high quality of care whether it’s nursing home or home care. However, you should conduct thorough research and interviews with both nursing homes and home care agencies. Each will offer different conveniences, benefits, and activities.

• Cost of care: Unless money isn’t an option, the cost of care is always a deciding factor. Nursing homes can be very expensive and, although Medicare may cover some of the costs of nursing homes, home care is almost always more affordable.

• Quality of life: Unless the senior is bedridden and requires regular nursing care, most people agree that your loved one will benefit most from home care because he or she can still live at home surrounded by family and friends.

These are some of the many factors to consider when choosing between nursing home vs. home care. It’s one of the many critical decisions you will make as your elderly loved one ages, so talking to a professional about the benefits of both kinds of care is important. Weigh your options and learn more about the type, quality, and cost by calling 877.422.2270 or visiting www.CambrianHomecare.com.