Nursing homes versus homecare
As people start aging, they become dependent on others to carry out tasks such as home chores and personal hygiene. At this stage, one may require to either go to a nursing home or hire a caregiver to take care of them at home. Choosing between the two can be challenging. It depends on the type of care and the amenities one requires.
Home care
Home care is the provision of care at home by a professional caregiver. It has both advantages and disadvantages. It is less expensive compared to a nursing home. It also allows a person to stay at home with the family. Home care spares the older people the agony of adapting to a new environment. It also allows them to stay with pets.
It also has several disadvantages. Getting a professional caregiver with medical expertise, such as a nurse, might be difficult. If a person does not hire a caregiver 24/7, they are likely to get lonely, when the caregiver is not around. It is also challenging for them to carry out some tasks. Sometimes the agency keeps on changing the caregivers, and it might be challenging to bond with each one of them.
Nursing homes
Nursing homes require a senior to go and live there. Adapting to a new environment and meeting and living with new people can be challenging; it requires time to settle down. Also, nursing homes do not allow pets. They reduce the time a senior spends with the family as they only visit them. Nursing homes are expensive.
Although nursing homes have several limitations, they are also advantageous. Staying in a nursing home enables a senior to have full access to medical personnel, such as therapists, nutritionists, and counselors. That means they get medical attention whenever they need it. Also, it enables them to socialize with others.
Nursing homes create some aspect of fun as there are days seniors go out together for shopping. They also engage in physical exercises together. It is the ideal environment for people with dementia as it is secure, and a person can loiter around without any disruptions. It is also perfect for people with restrained physical movement.
Nursing homes and home care are both efficient forms of care for older people. However, home care is more convenient for people who can carry out some tasks by themselves, while nursing homes are ideal for those who entirely depend on others.
References
McCormick, Wayne C., et al. “Attitudes toward use of nursing homes and home care in older Japanese‐Americans.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 44.7 (1996): 769-777.
Sandsdalen, Tuva, et al. “Patients’ perceptions of palliative care quality in hospice inpatient care, hospice day care, palliative units in nursing homes, and home care: a cross-sectional study.” BMC palliative care 15.1 (2016): 79.
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