According to the latest available statistics, there are approximately 1.3 million people resident in nursing homes in the United States.
Demand for these facilities should double by 2030. So, you should start weighing up your options if you need aged care anytime soon. One of the debates you’re bound to encounter in your search is between live-in care vs nursing home care.
Keep reading for more about these aged care options.
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Live-In Home Care Guide
Live-in home care is a less disruptive option for those in need of home care, particularly those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
Few elderly folks want to give up their independence too quickly, and aging in place gives them a greater sense of control over their destinies. They likely have a strong desire to remain among familiar faces, and it’s better for their mental health to stay in familiar surroundings with family and friends nearby.
If they can’t afford to move to a nursing home, in-home care is the only option for those who need assistance with daily living.
Live-In Home Care Benefits
Seniors who enjoy in-home care typically feel happier and more secure. They enjoy a sense of freedom from schedules and can make more decisions for themselves.
If your loved one doesn’t need extensive medical care 24/7, hiring someone to take care of the time-consuming daily grind is an excellent way to ensure they can get the most out of their golden years.
Knowing there’s someone there to take care of the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and other basic activities gives you peace of mind and also frees up your time.
Home care is also much cheaper than paying for a nursing home as home care agencies have much lower operating costs.
Carers provide companionship for your loved ones and can develop meaningful relationships with them. So, it’s essential to hire a qualified individual your loved one can trust and relate to.
If seniors need medical supervision, it’s more difficult to find someone who ticks all the above boxes and also costs a lot more.
Types of In-Home Care
Home care varies from generalized care, like housekeeping, to advanced services like a visit from a neurologist. There are three general types of home care:
Non-Medical Personal Care
Trained personal care professionals help seniors who struggle due to age, disability, or chronic illness. They take over daily tasks like laundry, cleaning, and cooking.
Some simply provide companionship and supervision, while others can help with more advanced services like bathing or assisting the aged to transfer in and out of a wheelchair.
CDAP home care is a flexible Medicaid option for those in need of home care services. This program gives the home care consumer more independence in directing the services they require.
To qualify for CDAP, the consumer in need of personal care service, must:
- Be eligible for Medicaid or already have it
- Have a stable medical condition
- Have the ability for self-direction or have someone to direct their care
Private Duty Nursing Care
Home nursing care s also known as home-based skilled nursing or long-term nursing. You need to hire an RNS or LPNs to take care of tasks like monitoring vitals, dressing wounds, or administering shots.
More advanced services might include assistance with treating long-term wounds or caring for patients with a colostomy, tracheostomy, or a catheter.
To save you money, home-based nurses can educate family members on basic care procedures, so you don’t have to hire a professional around the clock.
Home Health Care
Like nursing care, home health care focuses on seniors who need medical assistance. This usually pertains to seniors with temporary ailments instead of ongoing medical needs.
A doctor must prescribe these services. They usually do so if the senior suffers a major health incident like a stroke.
This type of care frequently involves visits from several medical professionals. These may include speech therapists, neurologists, and more.
Nursing Home Guide
Some seniors prefer the structure and routine of a nursing home or community. They also enjoy the chance to make new friends and take part in scheduled activities.
These facilities also have trained medical professionals on hand around the clock, so you know your loved one can get the care they need quickly if necessary.
They’re an excellent solution for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s who are prone to wandering.
Unfortunately, moving your loved one to a facility away from home may lead to feelings of abandonment and make them feel old and worthless.
All newcomers to these facilities undergo a transitional period before they feel at home, so if you opt to go this route, give it time.
There are plenty of options available when it comes to these senior care facilities, like:
- Independent Living Apartments
- Adult Homes
- Family-Type Homes
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
High costs are the biggest drawback associated with all types of nursing home care.
Making Decisions Regarding Live-In Care vs Nursing Home Care
Regardless of the type of care that suits your loved one, one of the most important live-in home care tips is to discuss their preferences with them before you make any decisions.
While this isn’t always possible, it’s the best way to ensure they don’t feel discarded during this vulnerable phase of life.
Sometimes this process involves finding the sweet spot between what they want, what they need, and what they can afford. A little tact and understanding go a long way when it comes to finding the best solution regarding live-in care vs nursing home facilities.
Would you like some more help navigating complete issues like these? Browse our blog for more tips on health and family matters.
