As we age, at some point in our lives we will need a new level of care that may require more than just family and friends can offer.

When the time comes for you to decide on how best to help your elderly loved ones through their difficult moments, the decision you make will not be an easy one.

How do you know if choosing between a nursing home (also called “old folks homes” by some) or opting for home care (where someone comes to our loved one’s home) may be a good decision for both the happiness and comfort of your elderly relative and family?

Here are some pros and cons to help you decide between nursing home care and home care.

Nursing home care

A nursing home is a residential area set up with facilities and around-the-clock professional medical, nursing and caregiving personnel that assists the elderly and keeps them safe and comfortable around the clock.

Advantages

• Usually has more access to a variety of medical tools and professionals.

• Provides a secure environment for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia who might be prone to wandering around.

• Good quality nursing homes offer socialisation activities along with exercise for patients.

• Nursing homes can quickly transfer the patient to a hospital when needed.

Disadvantages

• Your loved one might lose their sense of independence and feel like a burden.

• Requires a transition period to adapt to the new environment, and sometimes it doesn’t work out well.

• Nursing homes usually cost more especially high-quality institutions.

• A quality nursing home may not be near where you live.

Home care

Home care involves care given by trained professionals that range from companionship and self-care assistance to simple medical assistance given either by a caregiver or a nurse.

Advantages

• Establishes a personal one-to-one relationship with the caregiver.

• More comfortable and familiar to be at home.

• Generally, independence of your loved one can be maintained.

• Home care usually costs less than nursing home care (but not always).

Disadvantages

• Need to filter caregivers or nurses to ensure quality service.

• Homes may not be as secure as nursing homes equipped with medical facilities.

• Your initial caregiver may not get along well with the patient and you’ll need to switch to another (good agencies will handle this for you).

Old folks homes

Advantages

• None

Disadvantages

• They’re unregulated. It’s simply a place to “park your parents,” or “God’s waiting room.”

• There are usually no doctors or nurses – simply someone who owns or rents the house, along with foreign “caregivers,” oftentimes illegal.

• Just don’t do it. Your elderly family members deserve much better.

This article was written by Andrew Mastrandonas, Co-founder and CEO of Pillar (www.pillarcare.com) and reviewed by Dr Lim Geng Yan (M.D). Pillar provides a range of elderly home caregiving services, sending trained and certified professional caregivers and nurses to clients’ homes. For more information please visit https://care.pillarcare.com/fmtpromo