Why choose home care instead of a care home?

Posted on 7 February 2017
Why choose home care instead of a care home?

At SureCare, we’re committed to providing high quality care to those in need, wherever they are. With more and more of us living longer, choosing to stay in our own homes during old age can mean a world of difference, compared to moving into accommodation devoted to caregiving.

While establishments like retirement homes and specialist care homes do offer vital services to those requiring dedicated care, the majority of those who require a helping hand may prefer to remain at home for as long as possible. There are a variety of reasons why this can be beneficial, helping those loved ones to maintain a sense of independence in a familiar and comforting environment.

The benefits of staying at home

The greatest benefit of home care is that it helps thousands of people across the country to continue living in their own homes, no matter what their needs. Being surrounded by friends and neighbours in a familiar environment or area that they’ve been part of for a long time offers a great deal of comfort for many people, especially as they grow older.

This also allows them to feel independent, even at times when they may need to rely on the help of care workers or visiting family members. Some practical jobs around the house, like cooking and cleaning, may still be manageable but could require some assistance. Being able to hold on to this sense of independence, however, helps older people to feel positive and active.

Home care doesn’t necessarily mean taking the power away from residents, but instead exists to provide support for those staying at home. Alongside physical help around the home, care workers give emotional support by interacting with their clients.

By establishing a warm relationship, those being cared for will also feel socially active through conversation and interaction with care workers and visitors. Not only does this keep spirits high, it can help to stave off feelings of loneliness and depression, which can become quite common amongst older members of society.

Many care workers are also very understanding and they appreciate that not everyone requires exactly the same level of service. When it comes to families choosing the right care for their loved ones, care workers are capable of being flexible to suit the relevant needs in each individual case, ensuring that a quality and professional service is given every time.

Additional support for the home

While caring for people into old age can include common tasks like helping around the house and providing company, some may have additional health problems requiring extra care and attention. Whether dealing with long-standing issues or recovering from a stay in hospital, loved ones may be more reliant on professional care workers to assist with various tasks and meet their needs.

When it comes to personal care, they may even need help getting into or out of bed, as well as washing and dressing. It might seem that this level of service can only be facilitated by residential care homes, however more and more home care workers are capable of fulfilling a wide range of needs to help those who wish to remain where they are.

The advancement of technology and equipment suitable for the home also means that various requirements can be met domestically, without having to rely on specialist care homes. Modifications can be made around the home, like installing ramps or widening door frames where accessibility may be a potential issue. Hand rails in the bathroom and banisters on the stairs can also help those suffering with mobility problems.

Additional machinery and technology can – on the face of it – appear quite expensive. Things like automatic stair lifts, walk-in baths and alarm systems throughout the house might not seem financially viable despite how useful they may be. However, it may be possible to receive support from your local council, who may assess your loved one’s situation and highlight any financial or additional care support they may be entitled to.

Overall, remaining in the comfort of their own home is highly beneficial for a person’s state of mind and allows them to remain a part of a familiar community. With home equipment and home care workers able to facilitate various needs, it’s never been easier for loved one’s to receive care in their own homes.