There are approximately 15,000 nursing homes in the United States, but not every senior is comfortable living in a home. Many older people want to remain living at home for as long as possible, though they may need additional support and services as they age.
If you’re not sure which type of care is best for you or your loved one, you can start by considering your home care vs. nursing home options. Both may offer a good level of care but your unique situation may help you realize one option is more suitable than another.
That’s why our quick guide is here to answer all your questions in the nursing home vs. home care debate. Before we compare the two options, let’s look at each one separately.
Home Care
Home care offers two types of non-medical care at the senior’s home. When considering home care vs nursing home, first take a look at your loved one’s daily activities.
Home care offers help with tasks and activities of daily living (ADL) including:
- Mobility and other physical needs
- Bathing and toileting
- Eating and preparing meals
- Keeping track of medications
- Light housekeeping and other household chores
When choosing a home care agency to work with, they might separate these in-home services into personal care and companion care. The agency will assess your loved one’s short-term needs then adapt the services as their abilities change.
Pros of Home Care
Home care provides your loved one with privacy and independence since they get to remain in their own home. It’s also less disruptive for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Moving your loved one into a facility could cause them more harm than good.
- Your loved one has the chance to develop a personal, one-on-one relationship with their caregiver.
- They won’t have to feel like one person in a large group, which can sometimes cause them to miss out on the attention they need.
- Home care is more comfortable and familiar.
- Your loved one can remain independent in their own home while requesting help when they need it.
- The average cost of in-home care is often less than a nursing home.
Read More: In-Home Care Benefits for Seniors
Cons
Not all home caregivers are equal – who you hire matters. Make sure you’re choosing an agency with dedicated and friendly staff who are equipped to provide your loved one with the care they need.
- Some home care agencies may not provide the level of care you need.
- Your loved one’s home probably lacks the level of security available at a full-time care facility.
- Security is not available around the clock and you need to pay extra for 24/7 care.
Nursing Home
There are many care facilities available outside of your loved one’s home, including senior living, assisted living, respite care, and nursing homes. Before you decide on home care vs. nursing home, here’s what you need to know.
Nursing homes are ideal for seniors with serious health issues. These facilities offer skilled nurses who are available to provide your loved one with the care they need. Nursing homes provide complex types of medical assistance to offer direct assistance to patients.
Pros
If your loved one can’t take care of themselves any longer, you’ll likely want to consider a nursing home.
- Nursing homes are staffed around the clock.
- Your loved one will have access to a medical professional when they need it most.
- These professionals offer medical and non-medical assistance.
- Nursing homes are also more secure, which is ideal for seniors with Alzheimer’s who are prone to wandering alone.
Cons
Throughout the nursing home vs. home care debate, many people argue that nursing homes cause seniors to lose their independence. But if a nursing home is the better choice for you, your loved one will likely adjust given a transition period.
- Living in a home might make your loved one feel old.
- They might feel that they’re no longer trusted to remain alone.
- They might have a difficult time transitioning into a nursing home.
- These environments are sometimes noisy and can feel unfamiliar.
Choosing Home Care vs. Nursing Home
Deciding which type of care is better for your loved one can feel like a daunting challenge. To help you settle the nursing home vs home care debate, you’ll need to assess your loved one’s needs and wants.
Here are a few scenarios that can help you choose between home health care vs. nursing home care:
1. Your Loved One Is Healthy and Fairly Independent
While a healthy senior might feel like they can maintain their independence, they sometimes need a little help. For example, they might not have the energy to finish household chores each day. In this case, your loved one might benefit from home care services.
2. Your Loved One Has Challenges Living Alone
Are health challenges causing your loved one to feel isolated from friends and family members? If so, they might want to move into a nursing home where they won’t have to feel alone and can get the medical care they need.
If your senior is happy at home but has minor mobility issues and daily challenges, you might consider home care. A medical professional can help your loved one move around safely and minimize risks while also providing social interaction.
According to the CDC, a quarter of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated. Isolation may contribute to premature aging, Alzheimer’s, depression, and even strokes. So whichever type of care you choose, be sure your loved one is getting enough good companionship to avoid social isolation.
3. The Senior Has a Spouse With Different Care Needs
Some couples require different levels of care as they grow older. Having a caregiver available at home can relieve the spouse of responsibilities. If both require high levels of care, however, you might want to consider a nursing home.
4. The Senior Has More Serious Health Problems
Your elderly parents might need more care than you can give them alone. At-home care might not prove ideal if your loved one needs care around the clock. If they have a more serious problem, you might want to consider a nursing home instead of home care.
Cost of In-Home Care vs. Nursing Home
Depending on where you live and what services you need, home care costs can be significantly lower than living full-time in a nursing home. Your health insurance may cover some costs if you have a long-term care plan, but often you need to pay out of pocket.
According to the Genworth Cost of Care 2021 study, the cost may be:
- About $5,000 for home care per month.
- About $8,000 to $9,000 for a nursing home per month, depending on if you get a semi-private or private room.
Next Steps: Home Care vs. Nursing Home Options
Families Choice is here to help you find the level of care your loved one needs and deserves. By studying the differences between home care vs. nursing home care, you can make sure they have access to the services and help they need.
Read More: 4 Nursing Home Alternatives & Their Benefits
