Are nursing homes better than home care?
Struggling with where to begin for long or short-term care? We’re here to help. Both in home care and nursing homes provide unique care options to seniors in need, but which one is best for you or a loved on? If you want to learn more about a Home Care Agency in Maplewood MN, reach out to Pinnacle Home Care.
Familiar care
When you’re at home, you know the environment and the people around you. You also have an idea of what to expect and can plan accordingly. You’re familiar with the location and surroundings, so it’s easy to feel comfortable. When it comes to long-term care facilities, though, things aren’t always so straightforward. Nursing homes may be located in unfamiliar places; they may not be as close by as your home or apartment; or your loved ones. Especially for seniors with memory issues, staying in a familiar environment can help manage stress.
Even when a nursing home feels certain for your or a loved ones future care, in home services can be a great middle step. In home care is a great way to transition into a nursing home. You still receive the same level of care as you would at a nursing facility, but without having to move far away from your home or apartment. In-home services have their own benefits as well. They’re much more affordable than nursing homes, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.
Routine
Especially for seniors with memory issues, routine can help to keep life in order. Keeping life as organized and predictable as possible can help prevent confusion and frustration, which can lead to more serious issues like anxiety or depression. The shift to a nursing home can be a major change to a senior’s routine. However, in home care can help seniors to maintain the same schedule they are familiar with without sacrificing the support they need.
With in home care, seniors can continue to enjoy their favorite activities and hobbies. They can have friends and family visit them at home and stay connected with their community. The freedom of being in familiar surroundings may also help seniors feel more comfortable and secure.
Personalized care
While nursing homes can and do administer personalized care, in home care ensures that you or a loved one will never get lost to the shuffle of daily life. Personalized care also helps seniors feel like they are being cared for by someone who truly understands their needs and wants. The most important thing is to find the right caregiver for you or your loved one. Whether you’re looking for companion care, homemaker services, or something else, in home care can help to provide a level of personalization that nursing homes can’t provide.
Companion care
One of the hardest parts about getting older is maintaining relationships, especially the ones outside of your family. Nursing homes can provide a level of companionship that helps seniors still meet their social needs, but they’re not the only option. Companion care is a type of in home care that helps seniors to felt heard and meet their social needs from within the comfort of their own home or neighborhood.
Professional skills
Some seniors have lost their ability to perform the tasks that they used to take for granted. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, yard work and other home maintenance can be difficult for seniors who are no longer able to do these things on their own. Making sure your care provider has professional skills can ensure a level of in home care that helps seniors maintain their independence by assisting in these areas so that they don’t need to rely on family members or friends.
Freedom and autonomy
Maintaining freedom and autonomy is important to seniors who are still active in their community. Being able to leave the house, go shopping and run errands is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for in home care that can help you or a loved one maintain their freedom and autonomy while they age in place, look for caregivers who provide transportation assistance when needed. In home care can provide a level of familiarity to seniors that helps them to maintain the freedoms of the life they live. Not only that, but in home care can even give seniors more freedom and agency by helping them with tasks they would have otherwise been unable to perform on their own.
In short, you have a lot of options when it comes to home care. That’s a good thing—it means there are more opportunities available to you. But it also means you need to be smart in your approach. Ask questions, get answers, develop questions from the answers, and then compare before committing. Carefully consider what each provider can do for you and your loved one. When it comes to in home care, Pinnacle Home Care is here to help you with Skilled Nursing, Companion Care, Home Health Aide, Homemaker Services, and more.
Home Care Agency in Maplewood MN
When it comes to in home care, Pinnacle Home Care is here to help
