The choice between home care and a nursing home is a difficult decision that many seniors and their family members have to make when someone can no longer physically care for themselves. Advanced Home Care has compiled the pros and cons of both home care and nursing home care to assist you in your decision-making process. The best way to do that is to look at the facts related to home care vs. nursing home. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons of each type of service.
What is In-Home Care Services?
Home care services are professional support services that allow people to live in their homes safely and comfortably. In-home caregivers aid in the management of chronic health problems, recovering from hospitalization, and assisting people with disabilities. Professional caregivers, aides, nurses, and therapists deliver services right in a person’s home. Depending on the individual’s needs, services provided range in various time durations.
Many people prefer to remain at their residences if at all possible, so let’s look at the pros and cons of home care as it pertains to seniors.
Pros:
- Seniors can age in place and not have to move
- Studies show that remaining in-home is correlated with improved mental and physical health for seniors
- Seniors have the benefit of a personal relationship with their caregivers
- Seniors are more comfortable in familiar surroundings, especially those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Seniors retain as much independence as possible
- In-home care is significantly more affordable than facility care
- Home care can be tailored and adapted to meet the changing needs of the senior
- Professional nurses can periodically assess the senior’s medical condition
Cons:
- Seniors may need constant care by a skilled nurse
What Is a Nursing Home for Seniors?
A nursing home is a residential facility that provides care to people who do not require hospitalization, but do need very frequent skilled nursing interventions. While in-home care is generally the preferable option for seniors who require assistance, there may come a time when a nursing home is the best option. Let’s look at the pros and cons of a nursing home.
Pros:
- Seniors have access to medical and non-medical professionals around the clock
- Seniors living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be safely monitored, reducing the risks of wandering
Cons:
- Decreases seniors’ level of independence
- The noise and unfamiliar surroundings can be a difficult adjustment
- High-quality nursing home services are very costly
Why In-Home Care Is Better than Nursing Homes
As seniors age both physically and mentally, they can become prone to accidents and injuries regardless of the setting.
Here are 10 reasons why home care for seniors may be your best option:
- Seniors live longer at home than those who move to a nursing home
- Seniors who remain at home enjoy better physical and mental health and a higher quality of life
- Home care promotes the healing process and streamlines recovery
- At home, seniors can keep their pets
- Seniors are more comfortable at home and can enjoy greater independence
- There is a reduced chance of hospitalization or rehospitalization
- Caregivers provide companionship to reduce isolation and loneliness
- Family members can be more involved and enjoy greater peace of mind
- In-home care costs less than nursing home care while allowing for 1:1 attention
- In-home care allows for personalized care plans
These are important considerations to think about as you weigh the options for nursing home vs. in-home care.
Choosing the Right Care For You
We’ve outlined the pros and cons of nursing homes vs. home care for you, but that alone may not give you enough information to help you decide when to put an elderly parent in a nursing home. Every person is different and has individual needs and preferences. With Advanced Care, our trusted nurses and caregivers can help ease this burden by helping you make informed decisions.
Next, we’ll look at how costs can impact your decisions.
Does Medicaid Pay for In-Home Care?
The cost of home care vs. nursing homes is generally a big consideration. Regardless of the state of residence, Medicaid pays for in-home care and nursing home care. Just as in-home care is less costly for seniors, it’s also easier on state budgets than in a residential setting. It’s helpful to get acquainted with the Medicaid qualifications and regulations. Through the Department of Veteran Affairs pension program- Aid and Attendance, eligible honorably discharged Veterans who served one day during wartime and their spouse could benefit from this program to assist in offsetting the costs associated with in-home and nursing home care.
Considering the Costs of Home Care vs Nursing Homes
When making your final decision, consider the following statistics on the average cost of home care vs. nursing homes:
- In-home care: customizable based on needs, $81- $4,920/month
- Skilled nursing facility: $6,844 – $7,598/month
By weighing the pros and cons of each type of care, as well as factoring costs, you’ll be able to make the right decision to ensure your loved one’s well-being. When you choose Advanced Care, our nurses will design a care plan that is tailored to your loved one’s needs, and our caregivers will help ensure they are able to live their best life.
