When a loved one begins to grow older and needs extra care, weighing your options of home care vs nursing home can be a stressful decision.
According to AARP, 77% of seniors want to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Unfortunately, only 46% of people over the age of 50 think they will be able to remain at home because they’re unsure of their options.
Making the decision between enjoying elderly living at home versus a nursing home is an extremely personal choice for each family to make. Depending on your situation, the emotional and monetary costs of going to a nursing home may be too high.
By considering the advantages and disadvantages of both options, you can make the right decision for your family.
Home Care vs Nursing Homes: Pros & Cons
When loved ones make a decision between home care vs nursing home options, it takes time and research. This decision is highly personal and the same choice won’t work for every family.
Many people decide to keep their elderly parents living at home vs a nursing home because it is less disruptive for people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but there is no clear-cut solution that works perfectly for everyone. Senior care options are a delicate choice and tough conversation to have in the first place.
Pros for Home Care
- The cost of home care vs nursing homes is generally the more affordable option.
- Varying care options from cleaning the home, planning and preparing meals, personal care and more.
- Loved ones remain in a familiar setting, which is especially useful for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients on a day to day basis.
- Seniors can maintain their independence longer by staying at home.
- The individual gets to build a one-on-one relationship with their in-home caregiver instead of relying on many staff members at a nursing home.
- You can reduce the cost of in-home care by asking neighbors, family members, and friends for support.
- The level of care provided is much more personal and intimate.
- Increased quality of life and familiarity.
Cons for Home Care
- Some seniors require 24/7 security, support, and care.
- The benefits of home care vs nursing home drop if the patient needs a steady amount of medical care around-the-clock.
- The quality of your in-home caregiver determines how good the senior’s level of care is on a consistent basis. Make sure to choose a local, reputable home care company.
Pros for Nursing Homes
- Living in a nursing home may provide the patient with friendship and peer support from other residents.
- Nursing homes are staffed with medical professionals at all times.
- When considering home care vs nursing home, the mental health of the patient must be taken into account. For Alzheimer’s and dementia patients who are reaching later stages, a nursing home offers more for specific healthcare needs.
Cons for Nursing Home
- When considering the cost of home care vs nursing homes, nursing homes are generally far more expensive than in-home care services.
- Living at a nursing home may be confusing or even scary for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
- People tend to feel “old” if you ask for them to stay at a nursing home, leading to depression and other mental health issues.
- Most people want to remain at home for as long as possible.
Cost of Home Care vs Nursing Homes
The cost of using home care vs a nursing home depends on a number of factors.
For example, using professional memory care compared to home services for your loved one can lead to higher prices. A memory care center often costs more because it requires more training, specialized treatment, and support.
Medicare and many other types of insurance often don’t cover long-term care, so it is up to family members to pay for a nursing home stay.
For a semi-private room, you can expect to pay an average of $7,441 per month, adding up to around $89,292 per year. A private room will cost your family even more at about $8,365 per month.
In comparison, a variety of insurance providers will often provide up to 35 hours of in-home care for the patient as long as it is approved by a doctor.
During 2019, the national average bill for home care was a much more reasonable $4,385 per month. Families cover these costs through Medicare, veterans’ programs, private funding, as well as the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
The Nursing Home vs Home Care Debate
For years, there has been a dispute among medical professionals about whether home care or nursing home options are better for senior living.
An estimated 4.5 million people used home care services for a variety of reasons during any given year. Each of these senior individuals and their families had to consider factors like the cost and benefits of home care vs nursing home care.
In the United States, the most recent numbers reported by the CDC show there are about 15,600 nursing homes with a total of 1.3 million residents among them. Some people choose to go into nursing homes because they can no longer do things like cook dinner, take care of their own daily hygiene, or drive a car.
But there are many home care providers who also offer these services, while also allowing the senior to stay in the comfort of their own residence.
Whether you choose a nursing home or to keep your loved one at home, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind.
Above all, what will be the best choice for your loved one? Cost, ability to live at home, the need for medical care, and family support are all considerations you will need to consider before making the final decision.
Are You and Your Senior Loved One Interested in Home Care?
Once you have decided whether home care vs a nursing home is right for you, the next step is to find the right provider.
Here at Pacific Angels Home Care, your senior family member can enjoy high-quality care within the comfort of their own home.
To learn more about the many benefits that come with our services, please give us a call today at (831) 708-2876!
Logan Derrick
After being told once that his content writing was like magic, Logan took on the title of Wordcraft Wizard. He is a professional content marketing strategist with a deep knowledge of SEO, digital marketing, web design, and more. He is dedicated to providing powerful, relevant, and engaging content without all the "fluff".
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