If you have a relative who is getting older and needs some care, it can be hard to know which the best approach to take is. Taking your relative out of their familiar setting and putting them in a residential care home is a big move. It’s something that can be good for some people. But many people don’t want to leave the home they know, which is understandable. Below, you’ll find out information, benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Residential Care
Residential care is useful for people who have complex care needs. It can be hard to look after someone with complex needs if you don’t have the skill and ability to do so. That’s why it’s often best left to the care professionals who know what they’re doing. They can offer round the clock support and care that will make your relative’s life more comfortable and easier. This is surely a good thing for your relative if their current way of living is becoming unsuitable and ultimately unsustainable.
There are some downsides that come with residential care homes though. As mentioned above, many people don’t want to overhaul their lives and move into a different home. So, you should be sure that you discuss things carefully with your relative before making this kind of move. There is also the problem of fees. It can be very expensive to pay for the care that’s offered in a residential care home. That’s why it’s not an option for so many people, so this will need to be taken into account too.
Home Care
Taking care of a relative in their home or your home is obviously much more affordable than a residential care option. And it’s still possible to get medical support from external companies if that’s what’s needed. Elder care services can help you to care for a relative at home without having to disrupt their lives too much. This is an option that is preferred by many people who are not sure about moving away from their home and into a residential care facility.
It does mean that a lot of the burden is placed on the family, however. Even if you get support from nurses and carers, they can’t be there all the time. This might not be a problem for everyone. But for those with complex care needs, it can be stressful for their families to do all the work that is necessary. It’s up to each family to decide how much time and energy they are able to dedicate to these things. Having work and other family commitments can make it very difficult to offer the care that’s often necessary.
Conclusions
Every situation is different. The first thing to take into consideration is the needs of the individual. If they need care around the clock, then residential care might be best. But this has to be balanced with financial and work concerns as well. It’s something that should never be rushed if you want to reach the right decision.
