At some point, many families across Canada will have to face the decision of how best to take care of the health and wellbeing needs of an elderly loved one. Two of the main options that many of these families will consider are home care or nursing home care. Each of these has its own set of advantages dependent on the level of care and support someone requires. In this article we explore the benefits of both home care and nursing home care. Understanding which care service would work best for a loved one can help families feel more comfortable about making this important decision.
Home Care Services
As the name suggests, home care services are provided directly to an individual in their own home. There are many home care companies across Canada that specialize in these kind of home care services which over the years have become increasingly popular. Let’s explore some of the benefits of using home care services…
- Personalized Care: Home care provides a personalized approach to caregiving that is tailored to the specific needs of an individual. Home caregivers focus solely on that person in their own home, providing a customized care plan that caters to the unique requirements of that patient. Typical activities home caregivers provide include assistance with all aspects of personal care, meal plans, mobility issues and light housekeeping duties.
- Comfort and Familiarity: Receiving care at home can greatly benefit mental and emotional health. The individual feels more comfortable surrounded by their personal belongings and cherished memories. Being more relaxed in a familiar environment they may also be more receptive to receiving care and support. Individuals receiving home care services often benefit from faster recovery, improved wellbeing and a better overall quality of life.
- Family Involvement: With home care services, family members can still play an active part providing care and support to their loved one too. The provision of home caregiving services can be flexible and fit in with family caregiving. Working in conjunction with home caregivers, family members that provide care often feel more supported too, which can greatly assist in maintaining their own physical and emotional well-being.
- Cost-Effectiveness: In many cases, using home care services for an elderly loved one can be more cost-effective than nursing home care. While nursing homes in Canada provide comprehensive services, the costs can be high, especially when an individual requires a long-term stay. Home care allows families to choose specific services at a frequency that suits them, which can potentially reduce overall expenses.
- Independence and Dignity: Receiving care at home offers a sense of independence for an individual that a nursing home may not provide. Loved ones can continue to maintain their routines, make their own decisions, and live with dignity, which is hugely important in retaining their self-esteem and mental health.
Nursing Home Care
Nursing homes are residential facilities widely found across Canada where elderly people stay to receive the care and support they require. These establishments provide personal care, medical care, meals, housekeeping services and social and recreational activities to residents. Let’s explore some of the main benefits of choosing to receive Nursing Home care…
- 24/7 Medical Supervision: One of the main benefits of Nursing homes is that staff are onsite to provide round-the-clock medical and nursing care. This level of available care is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe health conditions or those who require constant monitoring, as it ensures immediate attention in case of emergencies.
- Access to Specialized Services: Nursing homes across Canada often provide residents with access to a range of specialized services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized nursing care. These services can be extremely valuable for those individuals who require rehabilitation or specific medical treatments that might be challenging to provide at home.
- Social Interaction: Many nursing homes offer their residents plenty of opportunities for social engagement. Organized activities, events, and communal living arrangements can all assist in maintaining both the physical and mental well-being of seniors. Continued socialization is proven to help combat loneliness and depression, which are both common issues experienced by many seniors.
- Safety and Emergency Support: In-house staff at nursing homes are equipped to handle emergencies and are trained to respond to medical crises and other urgent situations. Having this in place offers peace of mind to families, knowing that their loved one is in a safe environment with immediate access to any nursing or medical help they require.
Cost Comparison
Choosing home care services for an elderly loved one can often be the most cost-effective solution for many families, as specific services can be chosen as and when required. In contrast, nursing home care has a fixed cost structure. This will be higher than home care, as the nursing home will be providing a comprehensive range of services as standard. When choosing from both care service solutions it’s essential to look the benefits of each as well the cost implication for short-term or long-term care.
Quality of Life
Of course, choosing a care solution that provides the best quality of life for an elderly loved one will be a major part of deciding which route to take. Home care often allows for more freedom, independence, and comfort; an elderly person remains in familiar surroundings and can continue with any routines or activities they enjoy. Home care can also work in tandem with family caregiving, which can benefit both the patient and family members. Nursing home care provides a more structured and supervised environment, which may be the best option for those with more serious health concerns. Residing in a nursing home also provides seniors with the opportunity to socialize with others and participate in activities and events.
Closing thoughts
Deciding between home care or nursing home care is ultimately a personal decision that should be made based on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Both options offer unique benefits, from the personalized comfort of home care to the comprehensive medical support provided by nursing homes. Families should be encouraged to explore all their options, consult with healthcare professionals, and consider both financial and emotional factors in order to make the best choice for their loved ones.
Selectacare has been providing home care services across the GTA for over 40 years. If you feel that home caregiving services would work better for your loved one, please call us today to discuss your requirements on one of the numbers below. Alternatively, please complete our quick online enquiry form and we will reach out to you!