Making sure that your elderly relative gets the best care possible is challenging. When asking yourself the question, “care home or home care?”, it can be difficult to know which option would be best for your loved one. While care at home might seem like the more comfortable and familiar choice, care homes often provide a much higher level of support than is possible when staying at home. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look into why care homes may be more beneficial than care at home.
Around-the-Clock Care
One of the primary benefits that care homes offer is around-the-clock care. Staff are trained to look after elderly people, and there will always be staff on hand to help if needed. They’re also able to provide medical care and will have access to medical supplies such as oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, and other specialised equipment. This means that staying at home often falls short in terms of providing the level of support needed for elderly people with complex medical needs or those who need assistance with activities of daily life.
Social Interaction
One big factor to consider is socialisation. Sometimes, staying at home can be isolating for elderly people. They may not be able to get out and about much due to their condition or living situation. In care homes, they’ll be surrounded by other people their age and can participate in activities. This is great for mental stimulation. Furthermore, it provides a sense of community – something that care at home may not be able to offer.
Nutrition
Care homes are also well equipped to provide nutritional meals for elderly residents. Staff will be able to ensure that the dietary needs of each resident are met. This ensures that everyone is getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy. At home, carers may not have adequate training or knowledge about nutrition. This could therefore lead to poor meal choices for the person being cared for.
Safety
Safety is always a key factor. Care homes are designed specifically with care in mind, meaning that safety is always a priority. All care homes have regular safety checks and inspections, ensuring that the environment is suitable for elderly residents. This means that carers will always be on hand to help if needed. This also includes emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and other safety measures. Staying at home may not provide this level of safety due to a lack of resources or training.
Relieve Pressure on Carers
Care homes can help to relieve the pressure on carers. Caring for an elderly relative can be a full time job. Carers may find themselves feeling overwhelmed by all of the tasks that need to be done. By placing your relative in a care home, you can ensure that they get adequate support and attention without putting unnecessary strain on carers and family.
Costs
Care homes can be more cost-effective in some cases. Private care homes may vary in their pricing structure. But, often they are cheaper than hiring private care staff while also providing better care and support. Some homes even offer subsidised accommodation for those who qualify under certain criteria. So, it’s definitely worth doing some research into costs.
Palliative Care
Another advantage of care homes is that they are also equipped to provide end-of-life care. Care homes have specialist staff trained in palliative care. This means that your relative can receive the care and support they need during their final days. All within in a comfortable and familiar environment.
Ultimately, this is an individual decision that should be made with careful consideration. By weighing up all the factors involved, you can make an informed decision based on what’s best for your loved one.
The Victoria Grand Care Home
At The Victoria Grand, we provide high-quality residential and respite care for our residents. Our care homes are fully equipped to provide a comfortable and secure environment for elderly people who may require specialist care. As we understand the importance of providing care that’s tailored to each individual, our carers receive regular training and support to enable them to deliver the best care possible. We also offer activities and entertainment designed to promote social interaction among our residents – helping them feel part of an active and vibrant community.
Contact Us
Deciding what’s best for your loved one can be challenging. Of course, there are benefits to staying at home where your loved one is most comfortable. However, at The Victoria Grand, we make it our duty to ensure that every resident is just as comfortable as they would be at home.
If you would like more guidance and help on your decision between a care home or home care, contact our friendly team today at 01903 248048 or manager@thevictoriagrand.co.uk. We would be more than happy to talk you through our residential and respite services, and even welcome you to take a look around for yourself.
Article: Phoenix Marketing