You’re not alone if you’re considering nursing home care for a loved one. Many families face this difficult decision each year. Factors like cost, location of the facility, and the level of required care are crucial to the decision-making process. But what about the quality of care? Is a nursing home always the best option?

More importantly, what’s the patient’s preference?

There are a few critical aspects to consider when deciding between nursing home care and home care. We will put a few pros and cons under the microscope so you can do right by your loved one.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are typically larger facilities that offer around-the-clock care for residents. With a sufficient staff-to-resident ratio, there is always someone available to assist. Access to in-house amenities like a gym and salon also vouch for the quality of life here.

Among the advantages of a nursing home facility are the following:

• A higher level of medical care. Patients with complex health needs like Parkinson’s can receive the specialised care they need.
• Better equipped to deal with falls and other accidents.
• More social activities and opportunities for residents to interact with other people.
• Better equipment like an Arquella nurse call system

On the downside, nursing homes cost more than home care. For example, the average cost of a private room in a nursing home is £888 per week. And if the facility is at a distance from your residence, the travelling cost will add.

Some residents also believe that nursing home facilities are restrictive and boring.

Home Care Agencies

Home care agencies provide trained caregivers who will come to your loved one’s house to help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. In addition, the carers provide companionship services and help with light housekeeping tasks, such as laundry and grocery shopping.

One of the main advantages of home care is that it allows your loved one to remain in their own home for as long as possible. Home care is also generally less expensive than nursing home care, with a per-hour rate between £20 and £30.

Another benefit of home care is that caregivers can provide customised attention based on your loved one’s individual needs and preferences.

However, there are some disadvantages to using a home care agency:

• You will need to interview and screen caregivers yourself before hiring anyone.
• There is no guarantee that you will be able to find a caregiver who is available 24/7 if your loved one requires constant supervision.
• If your loved one has complex medical needs, they may require more intense medical treatment than a carer can provide.

Final thoughts

There is no straightforward answer to what’s the best way to care for a loved one. The best way to decide is to consult with their doctor and other professionals who can assess their specific needs. Also, don’t disregard your loved one’s preferences. Some people prefer the idea of ageing in place and might not want to move into a nursing home setting.