Home Care vs. Care Homes – what is better for your loved ones?

 

As our loved ones get older, choosing the right level of care is one of the most important decisions that need to be made. Two of the most common options are Home Care, and Care Homes. Each one has its benefits and the below blog aims to run through them for you, to help you with the decision making process. We want you to make an informed decision, so if there are any questions you have, please feel free to give our healthcare specialists a call on 0116 296 0700.

 

Benefits of Home Care

 

Home care refers to support provided in an individual’s own home. This option is often chosen by those who want to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving the help they need.

 

Key advantages include:

  • Familiar Environment: Being at home can be comforting and reassuring.
  • One-to-One Support: Care is often delivered on a one-to-one basis, allowing for personalised attention during visits.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Families can arrange visits based on specific needs, from a few hours a day to fulltime care at home.
  • Family: Loved ones can remain within the same home to stay close.

 

While home care can be a great solution for those with minimal needs or strong family support nearby, it may not always offer the depth of care or social stimulation that some individuals require as their needs increase. Often loved ones are left alone when carers are not present, which is why you may want to consider a Midlands Care home. Read below to see the benefits of a Care Home.

 

The Benefits of Care Homes

 

Care homes offer around-the-clock support in a safe, welcoming environment. For individuals with more complex needs or for families looking for peace of mind, care homes provide comprehensive support and a strong sense of community.

 

Key benefits of care homes include:

  • 24/7 Personalised Care: Well trained staff are available day and night, delivering care that is tailored to individual needs through regularly updated electronic care plans. These care plans take into account the individual needs as well as involving family and loved ones to ensure preferences, likes and dislikes are reflected.
  • Freshly Cooked, Nutritious Meals: Residents enjoy home cooked meals, prepared daily with dietary needs in mind. There is no need to worry about shopping or cooking; any costs are included within the fee.
  • Engaging Activities & Social Life: Care homes run regular activity plans throughout the day, designed to stimulate the mind and body. This is extremely beneficial for those with dementia. From arts and crafts to gentle exercise classes, there’s always something that residents are encouraged to take part in.
  • Friendship & Community: Living in a care home means no longer feeling isolated. Residents often make lasting friendships with those around them.
  • Access to the Best Equipment: Care homes are equipped with specialised beds, mobility aids, and safety features that can make a significant difference in the life of any individual within a care home.
  • Gardens & Outdoor Spaces: Access to nature and fresh air plays a key role in wellbeing. Care homes offer safe, landscaped gardens for residents to enjoy.
  • Open Visiting for Families: Families and friends can visit whenever they like, taking into account protected time, maintaining strong personal connections without the burden of being a fulltime carer.

 

Which is best for you?

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Home care may be ideal for those with lower support needs who value independence and familiarity. However, care homes cater for those with lower needs and more; whilst offering a more complete, socially engaging, and secure environment, especially for those needing consistent care, companionship, and stimulation.

 

Making the Right Choice

 

The team at Midlands Care are a family, and we empathise with how this decision is one of the most difficult for loved ones and families. Whether you’re considering home care or a care home, the most important factor is to consider which one is going to provide your loved one with the best quality of life that they well and truly deserve. We want to help you make the right decision, and that is why our team of healthcare professionals are available for you to give a call to. Feel free to call 0116 296 0700, and they will also be happy to arrange a free care needs assessment for your loved one. Alternatively, you can click here to book a tour of a care home of your preference.