Home Care vs. Nursing Care: Pros and Cons

By William Gaskill

Taking care of an aged parent or loved one is a responsibility many of us must shoulder. The crucial part, which is choosing the mode of care, is a decision you must make carefully. Try considering the pros and cons of home care and nursing home care to make the best decision that suits you and your elderly relative.

Home Care

Pros

 Homely Feeling

The majority of senior citizens find moving out of their home a very upsetting experience, especially those in the early stages of dementia. Home care increases the self-esteem, and the feel of independence of your elderly loved one because they experience little to no change in their surroundings.

Personalized Care

If you have an aged parent who requires minimal assistance, home care might be a good option. A home care professional will give your loved one personalized care such as meal preparation and planning, grocery shopping, medication observation, pulse check, grooming, and housekeeping.

Specialized Care

Your aged relative might suffer from certain conditions that require special care and really dislike a nursing home. Home care providers are aware of this situation and provide specialized services such as Alzheimer’s and dementia care, regular visits to the doctor, and so on.

Less Expensive

The service cost for home care is usually charged per hour, and price varies across states. This is a huge benefit if your aged parent needs only little assistance. Some home care service providers are approved by Medicare which covers some costs on the medical care provided.

Cons

Need for Closer Care

Most senior citizens prefer to stay independent even if it’s closer care they really need. If you have an aged parent who needs greater assistance, home care might be unsuitable. Remaining in their home might lead to domestic accidents such as falling, and medical emergencies.

Loneliness

Despite having a degree of independence and presence of familiar surroundings, home care might lead to loneliness and depression which can accelerate the breakdown of health.

Nursing Care 

Pros

Safety

Aged people are susceptible to attack by burglars or fraudsters as their cognitive and physical capabilities have reduced. Nursing homes provide a safe abode for the elderly and special safety measures for specific conditions like dementia.

Constant Health Care

Nursing homes have trained attendants who provide medical services round the clock for their residents. If you have an aged parent who needs ongoing care, consider a good nursing home. They provide medical services for various kinds of physical, mental, and emotional ailments.

Social Activities

Nursing homes organize social activities held at specific periods to foster the social life of their residents. Some examples are excursions, shows, playing card games, chess, and so on. These can help your loved one socialize through interaction at such activities.

Relief

The responsibility of monitoring an aged parent while you also have a family tends to be high. Nursing homes relieve all that stress. They provide the required needs for your loved one, so   you don’t have to worry too much.

Cons

Inconsistency

The quality of service provided is usually inconsistent as many nursing homes are understaffed. The attendants might not give an in-depth assessment of residents which leads to preventable unfavorable events.

Huge Expense

The cost of admitting your aged loved one into a nursing home is very high and can be a financial burden.