Home Care vs Residential Care: Which is the Best Option For Your Loved One?

Can’t decide between home care vs residential care? You know that it’s about time your loved one got some sort of assistance but you’re not sure whether to get them a home care package or move them into a residential aged care facility.

Both options come with their own advantages and disadvantages. What works for one person might not work for the other. Whichever one you choose will depend on your loved one’s values and life circumstances.

Many people prefer to live at home for as long as possible. Today, there are lots of qualified home care workers who are able to meet increasingly complex demands. This makes it possible for more elderly Australians to comfortably live at home while receiving the care and support they need.

On the other hand, there are loved ones who need around the clock clinical care only available in residential care facilities.

Home Care vs Residential Care

The two most common aged care options that you can choose from, for your parents are at home care or residential care delivered in a nursing home. These two have very clear differences.

What Is Home Care

If you’ve been wondering what home care is exactly, it’s just as the name suggests – care offered within the comfort of one’s home by qualified care workers.

Home care has greatly improved over the years making it possible to receive care for complex issues such as dementia and disability right from home.

A team of care managers, care workers, nurses, doctors, art therapists and allied health professionals provide your loved one with multiple holistic support services based on your individual needs and level of care. Thereby, enabling them to continue living in their homes for as long as possible.

This kind of care allows your loved one to receive the care they need without losing their independence or having to give up the place they’ve called home for years.

What Is Residential Care

Residential care is care offered in a residential facility such as a nursing home. The facility offers care for aged people who are not able to take care of themselves and need around the clock care.

Many residential aged care facilities provide your loved one with a nursing and care staff to support them 24 hours a day.

Your parent can stay in a residential care facility for a short while for instance, to receive care after an accident, illness or surgery. They can also stay here permanently if they need full-time assistance with everyday living.

Read more: Residential Aged Care Australia

Considerations For Home Care and Residential Care

Now that you know what is residential care and home care, let’s take a look at some important factors to consider when deciding which option is best for your parent:

Types of support and service

When it comes to aged care the first thing you need to consider is the type of support your loved one needs.

The biggest advantage of home care is that it can be tailored to your parent’s unique needs. This includes everything from domestic assistance, personal care, cleaning, meal preparation, transportation, shopping, at home art therapy sessions, home nursing and everything in between.

A residential care facility, on the other hand, is the best option if your loved one requires a high level of support from clinical staff. This kind of care is usually less tailored and typically takes a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Related Content: What Is an Aged Care Assessment?

Community, Social & Happiness

Your parent’s happiness is important no matter how old they are. You want to offer them the kind of care that makes them happiest. Talk to your parents and understand what would make them happy.

If they want to have the comfort of their own home, then you should definitely look into the home care option. This option gives them the freedom to continue living within a familiar environment, enjoy their hobbies and maintain a connection with their neighbours and the local community.

Live-in carer workers can also be a great source of companionship and ensure that your loved ones get out and about so that they remain healthy.

When it comes to residential care facilities, people of the same age group get to live in one designated area. Most residential care facilities keep residents socially connected through different types of activities.

Cost between Home Care and Residential Care

Cost is another important factor when choosing between home care vs residential care. You want to commit to an option that will not bleed you dry financially.

The cost for each of the two types of care will be determined by several factors including where in Australia you are located, the level of care your loved one needs and specialist care services they require.

When making your choice, assess your finances carefully to determine what you can afford. Also, figure out where you are going to get the money needed to fund the care including government support if eligible.

Determine how much everything is going to cost and what the best option is going to be for you financially.

Cost of home care:

This option is usually the more economical choice for most people. With a home care package, you pay:

• a basic daily fee, or
• a basic daily fee and an income-tested care fee.

Cost of residential aged care:

The price of a nursing home depends on the quality of the room, extra features, and location. You are required to pay:

• a basic daily fee, or
• a basic daily fee and accommodation costs, or
• a basic daily fee and a means-tested care fee and accommodation costs.

Whether it’s home care or residential care, either is a good choice. To pick the one that is best for your loved one simply remember that it is all about them and what is going to be right for them and their needs. It is about what makes them comfortable and happy. It is about ensuring they get the support and care they need. So go for the option that provides them with this!

If have any questions or need advice for aged care, contact the team at Core Value for an obligation-free chat. Call 1300 944 011 today.