What Is The Difference Between Home Care And Residential Care?
Home care and residential care are both medical services designed to help seniors live full and comfortable lives. However, there’s more to it than meeting basic needs for food, shelter, and companionship — it’s about creating an atmosphere that promotes health and well-being. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing between home care and residential care, including price and location, but it’s important to ask yourself which type of lifestyle is going to be best for your loved one. In order to determine this, you need to break down each option:
1. Home Care
Home care is a form of healthcare that can be provided to people who are not in a hospital, clinic or nursing home. The aim of home care is to keep people living at home as long as possible by providing them with the support they need to remain independent. The type and level of support will depend on the needs of the individual. Some of the services offered by home healthcare aides include:
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- Personalized services to meet individual needs and preferences;
- Continuous assessment and monitoring of your loved ones condition by a nurse or other professional;
- Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and eating;
- Medication management;
- Nutritional counselling and education;
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy; and much more!
2. Residential Care
Residential care is typically a long-term option for seniors who need more intensive care than they can receive at home or in assisted living facilities. Senior residential care communities are like small villages where residents live together in apartments or houses that are designed for older adults. They offer varying levels of medical care and personal assistance depending on needs and budget.
The choice between home care and residential care for elderly loved ones is often difficult to make. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, but what truly matters is what your loved one wants. That is why it’s important to have open communication with them about the different aspects of each option and which will best serve them in their golden years.
What Kinds Of Home Care Are Available?
Home care services are also known as home-based care or in-home care, and these services can be provided either privately or through government funded programs. Home care services can be classified into the following categories, depending on the type and aim of care:
- Promotive;
- Preventative;
- Therapeutic;
- Rehabilitative;
- Long-term maintenance; and
- Palliative care.
Depending on your expectations of home care, as well as the specific needs and condition of you or your loved one, various home care service providers will be able to tailor a service plan and suggest modes of treatment that will provide the best possible care for you or for your loved one.
Is Home Care More Affordable Than Residential Care?
When elderly loved ones start to need assistance with daily life, it’s tempting to think about moving them into a residential care home. But is that the best solution for everyone involved? Sometimes an in-home care provider can be more affordable than a residential care home, but it depends on your circumstances. Think about the different types of care available and what might work best for your family. As with any major decision, you’ll need to consider how a change will affect everyone included in the discussion.
So, Is At Home Care Better Than Residential Care?
At home care may cost less than residential care, and seniors who stay at home tend to live longer too. They also tend to lead more active lives and be healthier mentally and physically. According to experts, you’re more likely to receive one-on-one attention when you stay at home with a health worker. In addition, they tend to experience less depression than those who live in assisted living or residential care facilities. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, contact the knowledgeable team at Saige Homecare and let them guide you in the right direction.