As our loved ones age or face health challenges, like chronic health conditions, injury, or disability, it’s normal for us to think about what kind of care is best for them. Two options that come immediately to our minds are home health care and nursing homes.
Both have their advantages, but it’s vital to pick the one that fits the specific needs of your loved one.
Let’s compare home care and nursing homes, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Home Care
Home care is a service that provides assistance to people in their own homes. Home health care providers treat medical conditions and offer services according to doctors’ orders, and include:
- Skilled nurses
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech therapists
- Medical social workers
- Home health aides
- Registered dieticians
Home care providers also use powerful health monitoring technology to catch the early warning signs of health trouble so that patient’s providers can take proactive steps to prevent the occurrence of a serious health situation.
Home care agencies offer a wide range of services, such as medication management, transportation, companionship, and help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Advantages of Home Care
Here are some advantages of home care.
- Home care allows individuals to remain in their own homes, which can be more comfortable and familiar for them.
- It enables individuals to maintain more independence and control over their daily lives.
- Home care services can be covered by insurance, making them significantly more affordable than other options such as hospitalization, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.
- Individuals can receive one-on-one care from their home care providers.
- Home health care providers offer compassionate, high-quality care to address the physical and emotional well-being of clients.
- Some home care agencies like Advantage also offer rehabilitation services.
Disadvantages of Home Care
However, there are some disadvantages to home care:
- When hiring a home care agency, it’s important to find one that employs highly trained and skilled professionals.
- Home health care may not be as secure as any other medical facility for patients with complex medical needs.
Nursing Home
Nursing homes provide long-term care for seniors who need assistance with ADLs and medical care. Nursing homes offer round-the-clock medical care, and they can offer rehabilitative services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more.
They are staffed around the clock with skilled medical professionals like nurses and non-medical professionals.
Advantage of Nursing Home
The following are some benefits of choosing a nursing home for your loved one.
- Nursing homes can provide a high level of care and support to individuals with complex medical needs.
- They offer 24/7 care, including medical assistance.
- Some nursing homes also offer rehabilitation services and social support.
Disadvantages of Nursing Homes
Some cons of choosing nursing homes are as follows:
- Unlike home care, nursing homes may limit the mobility and independence of your loved one.
- Nursing homes can be expensive.
- There may be an adjustment period before the facility feels like “home,” which can be challenging for some patients.
Home Health Care in Pennsylvania
Before choosing between home care and a nursing home, consider your loved one’s needs, the cost, the staff’s training, and how each option impacts their health.
Home care can provide excellent care for your loved one in the comfort of your home. If you are looking for a home care facility that offers top-notch medical, rehabilitation, and social services, consider Advantage.
We have a team of highly trained professionals who offer a comprehensive range of care services to patients and caregivers, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and physician’s groups.
To learn more about Advantage, contact us at (844) 275-2205 or use our convenient online information request form.
