Care options for an aging loved one is a tough decision to make, not to mention overwhelming. It’s hard to decide what is best for your family. For many people, moving an aging loved one into a nursing home is the best choice while others choose for home care. Home care for your loved one is advantageous and usually make the quality life considerably better.
- Independence: This is a big concern as most of your loved one’s life, they have carried with them a sense of independence. Keeping them home for their care allows them to keep control over many aspects of their lives. They can continue to operate by their own schedule when it comes to sleep, eat, or even socialize with friends or other family members. A nursing home takes a lot of these aspects away with set meal times, social events, and even when its bedtime.
- Pet Ownership: Staying at home means not being separated from their beloved pet. For many aging seniors, a pet is a companion that eases the loneliness in their lives and has been shown to reduce medical problems like heart disease and calm dementia patients. The occasional nursing home may have visits that involve animals, it's not the same as having your best friend at your side.
- Comfort: These days, comfort is everything, especially for seniors. Staying at home is probably the most comfortable place for them. Sleeping in one’s own bed, using your own bathroom, and even being able to continue your own daily routines can help those suffering from progressive conditions that affect the memory. Sending a loved one to a nursing home add additional stress due to a new space along with routines that may not work for them.
- Faster Recovery: Studies have shown elderly recover quicker at home than at a hospital or nursing home. While the latter may not be avoidable, if it can, your loved one will thank you for it. There’s also a decrease in developing an infection compared to being in a medical facility. A nursing home is partly a medical facility, and the possibility to catch germs from other patients is higher.
- One-on-one Attention: A personal caregiver allows your elderly loved one to be the main focus. The level of attention is greater and ensures a safe and comfortable environment. While nursing homes have their strengths, one-on-one attention isn’t it. Many times, a patient is vying for attention from other patients toward and minimal and overworked staff.
- Companionship: Social isolation and lack of family involvement can lead to a seniors decline in health. Home care changes this as it allows the senior to not only visit with friends and family at any time but has a huge impact on their mental and physical health. Plus, nothing helps a loved one more than seeing a family member take part in their lives and health.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care, take these points into consideration. The benefits outweigh any negatives, and you’ll find the support and dedication you need in the comfort of your own home for as long as possible.