As people age rapidly, their loved ones are grappling with finding the right care option. Nursing home care and home care have become optimal choices. However, these options are often confused with each other. Both are different and present unique sets of challenges.
While one revolves around caring for loved ones at home, the other primarily focuses on providing care in a residential facility that offers a home-like environment. People often prefer the former since the prospect of spending time with their loved ones is too enticing to ignore.
However, there are stark differences between the two that should be properly understood at all times. This article reveals them all.
What is Homecare?
The term “homecare” simply means providing professional or non-professional care services to people in the comfort of their homes. A flexible option, it is considered suitable for those who require assistance with daily tasks like showering, eating, and other medical needs. This form of care gives people the independence to go about their day the way they want without being tied down by the rules of a healthcare facility.
Types of Homecare Services
Non-Medical Support – Non-medical homecare includes services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, mobility, and dressing. Provided by caregivers or personal aides, these services focus on improving quality of life.
Medical Support – Skilled medical care is provided for individuals with serious health conditions. These services often include wound care, physical therapy, and chronic disease monitoring. Medical care is provided by licensed healthcare professionals.
Key Benefits of Homecare Services
● Personalized – The care provided via homecare is more personalized and tailored to the needs of the person. As such, it requires a higher level of attention and care.
● Emotional Comfort – Remaining at home allows patients to stay in a familiar setting, which has a positive effect on their emotional and mental well-being. With control over their daily routines, these individuals feel more empowered.
● Family Involvement – With homecare, the family can become actively involved in caregiving, often by acting as companions or simply assisting the patient.
● Flexibility – Homecare is a dynamic approach to healthcare and can change depending on the mental and physical state of the patient. Scalable options are available.
What is Nursing Home Care?
For those looking for comprehensive, round-the-clock care, nursing home care is the option to consider. It involves a dedicated facility that addresses the medical, personal, and social needs of the patient. Staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, including caregivers, nurses, and therapists, these facilities focus on the safety and well-being of the residents.
Features of Nursing Home Care Services
● Round-the-clock Care – Nursing home care offers constant monitoring, which is important for critically ill individuals or people with mobility issues. The staff is ready to handle emergencies and assist with daily tasks.
● Skilled Medical Services – With nursing home care, patients get complete medical healthcare facilities such as advanced medical care, rehabilitation services, pain management, and post-surgical recovery.
● Structured Environment – Nursing home care offers a more structured environment. The facility itself is designed to offer safety and accessibility. Everything from rooms to communal areas focuses on the needs of the patients.
● Social Interaction and Activities – Residents at nursing home care facilities often engage in recreational and social activities, such as games, music therapy, outings, and group exercises, which keep them mentally, physically, and emotionally active.
Key Benefits of Nursing Home Care Services
● Access to Specialized Staff and Facilities – With nursing home care, residents have access to readily-available professionals and facilities that can address physical and emotional needs quickly, making it best for those who require specialized therapies or assistance.
● Reduced Family Burden – For families that cannot provide intensive care themselves, nursing home care facilities offer peace of mind. The reduction of stress can improve family dynamics.
● Safe and Supportive Environment – With its controlled setting, nursing home care provides a more structured environment that can deal with emergencies quickly, which is often considered beyond the reach of simple homecare facilities.
● Holistic Approach – Nursing home care takes a more holistic approach toward medical care, combining emotional and social support with standard medical care. This helps with long-term care in the long run.
How to Choose the Best Form of Care for Loved Ones
Now that the benefits of each form of care are clear, which one should be chosen? Here are the factors one needs to consider before making a choice.
Medical Needs
The first factor to consider is medical needs. How complex is the medical care required, and how long will it take place? Will medical care require specialized services? These are the questions that must be asked before choosing between homecare and nursing home care.
For instance, for individuals with chronic conditions, advanced facilities at nursing homes will be a better option. However, for less intensive needs, homecare might be the best option.
Lifestyle Preferences
People often find their minds at ease when they are surrounded by familiar things. Call it nostalgia or comfort in independence, people who consider themselves to be “homebodies” will prefer homecare more than nursing home care. However, for those who find their isolation at home to be tiresome, nursing home care may be better as the group facilities, shared meals, and communal living arrangements will suit them better.
Family Involvement
Patients whose family members can provide optimal support often consider standard homecare to be a better option. Their involvement also reduces costs. On the downside, it could add emotional and physical strain.
However, for families living far away from the individual, a nursing home care facility is a more practical choice since it ensures consistent care.
Long-Term Goals
If flexibility is required and patients need to adapt to changes, homecare is a better option. However, for the sake of stability and a “permanent” solution, nursing home care is better.
Conclusion
Both homecare and nursing home care have their perks. However, making a decision about which one to choose will depend on the patient’s needs and their well-being. Their families should be considered as well, especially if the patient demands constant attention.
This guide has shed light on the differences between these options. Make your choice according to your specific requirements.
