Home care and care homes both support a person’s needs with the help of a professional carer. But what’s the difference and which one is the better choice for you or your loved one? In this blog, we explore home care vs care home. Read on to learn more about the main benefits and drawbacks of residential care and home care in Romford.
Home care benefits
A major benefit of home care is that services can be tailored towards an individual’s specific needs. We truly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to caring, which is why the ability to provide highly personalised care is appealing. It also gives you or your loved one more control over the care you receive. This means we can adjust the level of support needed depending on changing circumstances and personal desires.
Another benefit of homecare is that it allows you or your loved one to remain in the place you feel most safe and comfortable, surrounded by memories, pets, and familiarity. This is especially beneficial for people with dementia, where a change in routine can be overwhelming.
All in all, home care provides a greater degree of flexibility compared to residential care, is a more cost-effective alternative, and can better support your loved one’s independence.
Home care drawbacks
The main challenge of home care is finding a provider that works well for you and your family. Factors such as the type of care required, the transparency of the care company, and the compatibility of the carers all need to be considered. We believe good home care is more than simply helping with personal care or doing tasks around the home. It’s also about providing companionship and forming connections. That’s why we’ll do our best to match your family with a carer where a genuine relationship can bloom.
Benefits of a care home
Care homes provide accommodation, personal care and support to people round-the-clock, making them a great choice for people who require constant and consistent care. Depending on your needs, there is the option to stay in a residential home or a nursing home. Although care homes do not provide one-to-one companionship from a carer, there are plenty of opportunities to befriend other residents or take part in organised activities or events.
Care home drawbacks
Compared to home care, there is less flexibility and personalisation when it comes to a care home. As the home is shared with other residents, rules are set to ensure the safety of everyone involved. For example, there may be set meal times, restrictions on visiting hours, and rules on whether pets are allowed. And of course, care homes require a person to uproot their life and move into a new environment. This can be stressful and emotional for everyone but particularly for those with dementia.
Making your choice
Choosing how and where to receive care is a big decision and we hope that the information in this blog has been helpful. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that your loved one receives the care they need so that they can be as healthy and happy as possible.
Get in touch
If you or your loved one have any questions about home care, please do not hesitate to get in touch or telephone us on 0800 999 3447. We are more than happy to answer any of your questions or provide more information.