Putting together a care plan is a wise and essential first step to ensuring your loved one receives the extra support they need if they are beginning to struggle with everyday tasks and personal care. If you are considering care for your loved one but have questions about what their care will look like, this guide is for you.
There are many pros and cons to the care services available out there; the key is finding the most appropriate type of care for your loved one’s individual needs and preferences. Whether that be receiving support in their own home in the form of live-in care or moving into a care home environment.
In this guide, we will explore the difference between care home and home care services so that together you can make a fully informed decision.
What are care homes?
A care home is a safe and welcoming environment providing accommodation, personal care and support to the elderly residents that relocate there. Living alone in their own homes may become difficult for elderly people as they struggle with mobility, health, and carrying out everyday tasks. This is often the reason why many people choose to move into a care home facility.
However, although care homes are one of the most well-known care services available, it is important to know that they are not the only option. Learning more about the variety of care services open to you and your loved one can help you choose the most suitable option for their circumstances.
Care homes encompass both residential and nursing homes.
These two types of care homes offer different services:
Residential homes
In general, residential homes are appropriate for elderly individuals who still retain a certain level of mobility and ability to carry out personal care tasks. Apart from accommodation, residential care service provides help with:
- Personal care
- Washing
- Medication management
- Dressing
- Toileting
Residential care homes also offer day trips out and group activities, enhancing the social lives of the residents.
Nursing homes
This form of care home is most appropriate for individuals with ongoing health conditions who need medical support. Having nursing staff on-site is one of the major differences between residential care and nursing homes. In addition to offering assistance with personal care, nursing homes can also provide specialist support for residents living with:
- Learning disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Complex health issues e.g. individuals with a colostomy bag
While early care planning remains the best solution, it’s prudent to consider the most suitable care service for your loved one as soon as you notice any decline in their mobility or physical health. Taking proactive steps can ensure timely and effective support tailored to their evolving needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of a care home
There may come a time when living at home is no longer a viable option, and a care home begins to look like a suitable alternative. As with any care service, there are advantages and disadvantages to moving into a care home.
Here are some of the pros and cons of a care home vs live-in care to help you and your loved one decide for yourselves.
Advantages of a care home
- Wide range of organised activities, trips and events for residents to enjoy
- Opportunities for social interaction
- Safe and secure premises
- No need to worry about household admin or upkeep, such as paying utility bills or home repairs
- Appropriate for those individuals with more demanding care needs
- Meal planning and cooking are taken care of
- 24/7 care available
Disadvantages of a care home
- Choice of care homes in the local area may be limited
- In a busy care home, privacy may be compromised
- Moving away from neighbours and friends
- Relocating can be stressful
- Involves adjusting to a new environment
- Reduced level of control over daily routine such as meal times
- Can affect personal independence
What is live-in care
An alternative to care homes is enlisting a live-in carer’s support. Live-in care involves a carer moving into your loved one’s home in order to provide care and support whenever it is required. Depending on your loved one’s needs and preferences a live-in carer can offer as much assistance as is required and to a schedule that perfectly suits your loved one’s daily activities.
Live-in care is a flexible form of care that can be adapted to suit your loved one’s needs. Live-in carers often work on a rota basis in order to offer a complete level of care, with the option of around-the-clock care should it be needed. There are many different types of live-in care depending on an individual’s health status and preferences concerning their care. Examples include live-in dementia care and urgent live-in care.
A live-in carer provides assistance and support with tasks such as:
- Washing
- Dressing
- Morning and nighttime routines
- Medication management
- Light housework such as cleaning and tidying up
- Meal planning and preparation
- Companionship and facilitating social activities
For everything you need to know about this form of care, take a look at our comprehensive guide to live-in care.
Advantages and disadvantages of live-in care
Should your loved one express a desire to remain in the familiar surroundings of home, live-in care could be just the solution. However, as with any important decision, debating live-in care vs residential care homes and weighing up the advantages and disadvantages is a vital first step in the decision-making process.
Advantages of live-in care
- Remaining in your own home
- No need to sell your house
- Surrounded by memories and home comforts
- Retaining independence for longer
- Privacy is not compromised
- Personalised one-to-one care
- Care is scheduled around the individual’s daily routines, social activities and preferences
- Around the clock support
- Specialised care for complex health conditions
Disadvantages of live-in
- Still have to pay utility bills and oversee the maintenance of the house
- Security of the premises is your responsibility
- Can be pricier for individuals, but it is usually cheaper for couples using one live-in carer
- Having a carer living in the home can involve some organisation and getting used to
Deciding which is right for you
Balancing the needs and preferences of your loved one will help you both to decide on the best course of action to take, concerning care. An important step is to establish open communication with your loved one on the topic of care planning. Voice your own concerns and take care to listen to theirs, to come to a suitable conclusion.
With the help of this guide, you can devise a pros and cons list of your own in line with your loved one’s individual circumstances. Asking questions about their wishes, whether they want to remain at home or would quite like the community feel of a care home, is essential in establishing their preferences. Additionally, their mobility, ability to carry out personal care chores and health status will also affect the overall decision.
It’s important to remember that financial circumstances also play a part in the decision-making process. Understanding the total costs of care and awareness of any benefits and funding entitlements may have an impact on which form of care is right for your loved one.
For more information on the costs of care, download our financing and funding care guide.
How Trinity Homecare Can Help
If you have concluded that live-in care is more suitable for your loved one, arranging care is the next step to take. Trinity Homecare is an ideal choice for live-in care in the comfort of your loved one’s home. With an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all care companies in England, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care.
Should you or your loved one have any questions regarding their live-in care planning, simply get in touch with our helpful and knowledgeable care team.
