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Senior Home Care Vs. Facility Care

By Eric Carter

There comes a time in every senior's life when a discussion about receiving care is unavoidable. For the United States, the conversation is critical, given the rapid growth in adults above 65 years. According to statistics, the senior population is expected to almost double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060 due to the baby boom generation.

It's also worth noting that the majority of the seniors live alone. As the senior population rises, the demand for care both at home and in facilities is also on the rise. For anyone hoping to become a business owner, senior care is a rewarding venture. In this article, we discuss the details you should know about senior home care versus facility care.

What Is Senior Care?

Senior care takes a variety of forms but primarily includes providing care to a senior member of society, mostly above 65 years and older. There are many ways  your loved one can benefit from your senior care. Senior care includes help with daily non-medical activities, such as bathing, shaving, mobility, tracking medication, and eating. Housekeeping is also part of the senior care package. It includes activities that involve care for the environment such as doing laundry, preparing meals, cleaning the house or room, and other relevant activities.

Senior care may also include temporary recovery care for seniors in need of assistance after illnesses and injury. In cases where the caregiver needs a break, respite care is available.

For those struggling with illnesses and injuries, there is senior health care. This skill is better known as nursing care and includes services often provided in nursing homes. Cleaning wounds, changing bandages, administration of intravenous medications, fluids, and oral medication, managing nutrition, and other highly skilled services are part of nursing care.

Lastly, there is also palliative care, which is the care for seniors approaching the end. This kind of care involves providing maximum comfort and ensuring that your loved one stays happy and comforted during their final moments.

The Pros of Senior Home Care

1. More Family Time

Interacting with loved ones in their older age helps them feel less isolated. In 2009, approximately 6.5 million seniors struggled with depression, mainly caused by isolation. Imagine how many are struggling today? Feeling loved, wanted, and useful helps seniors stay mentally healthy.

2. Lower Costs

Depending on your financial situation, senior home care is an affordable option because it costs less than a facility. However, it's wise to do the research before deciding which option is better financially.

3. Care By a Professional or Loved One

Seniors living at home can enjoy care from their loved ones or trained professionals. Given that most seniors live alone, professional assistance is in high demand. Caregivers can care for your loved one in their own home. 

4.  Familiar Surroundings

Many seniors choose to stay at home and enjoy familiar environments than move to a facility. Moving to a new place can be stressful for your loved one. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many seniors are now staying indoors, and having a caregiver care for your senior in their home can limit their contact while social distancing.

The Cons of Senior Home Care

1. More Responsibilities

For family members that act as caregivers, senior care is an extra responsibility. The situation can quickly get out of hand for anyone raising a family and managing a job at the same time. Fortunately, you can transfer the responsibility to a professional Caregiver and free time to focus on your life and emotional support.

2. Lack of Skill

While your desire to care for your loved one may be strong, you may lack the skill to care for them. Senior care requires more than doing house chores and administering medication. Understanding their needs as a professional goes a long way in ensuring proper care. This is why are Caregivers are here to help with home care for your senior loved one. 

 

The Pros of Facility Care

Facility care comes in several forms, including nursing homes, assisted living, independent living facilities, and memory care facilities. The selection of any of these facilities are based on personal choices, dependency, mental health, and financial capacity.

1. Security and Safety

Facility care is a reliable option for those who cannot live alone or with their families. These facilities provide safe places for seniors to live peacefully among other seniors. 

2. Activities and Community

Most senior care facilities provide activities that allow seniors to relax and move about. They can enjoy games, shopping, and brief trips with other seniors around them. The feeling of a community also helps seniors cope with loneliness.

 

The Cons of Facility Care

1. Costs

Facility care is costly for seniors and their family members. For those in need of special services due to illness and injury, the expenses are even higher.

2. Lack of Independence

While receiving assistance is a great thing. Seniors want to be independent and take part in activities.

3. Stress and Depression

Many seniors struggle with changing their environment after shifting to a care facility. Seniors also struggle with loneliness and isolation when they're taken away from their everyday home routines, family members and their community.

How Can You Help?

Senior home care is a great option for many seniors and loved ones. However, if you are wanting to become a caregiver you can apply here. Senior care is not only an opportunity to make a living but also to interact with the older population and learn from their stories. As you provide care, you will also create a lasting impact in the community by providing help to those who need it most, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Tags: Caregivers, Coronavirus