Many are faced with an uncomfortable decision about what to do with their elders. Affording your elders as much respect and dignity as possible is of course desired, but this leaves the practical ramifications of their care to question. For many, it simply isn’t feasible to care for them personally, but convalescent homes are frequently held to be undesirable. Home care is another option, but naturally, receiving care at home has very different ramifications.
Comparing and contrasting care at home and care in a convalescent facility is fairly simple when you know what to look for. First and foremost is the obvious: care at home allows your elders to remain at home. For many, this can be a very powerful comfort. Home is familiar. This allows many to maintain a greater sense of independence, and is one of the most compelling reasons to opt for this. However, the exchange for this is that care at home doesn’t allow for the same level of facility that a convalescent home can provide. Convalescent locations can have a broader variety of staff and a better degree of available nursing care, which can be a concern to take into consideration. Ultimately, the needs of your elder should be assessed for this.
The next exchange of benefits is privacy. Care at home allows for a much greater degree of privacy, even as compared to convalescent homes that have entirely private rooms, or optional shared apartments. However, many convalescent facilities offer socialization programs to help keep elders entertained and sounder of mind. A frank analysis of how much time you have to spend may be a wise idea to determine whether or not you can put forward time for an elder in care at home. Generally, care at home with family time spent as available is a more attractive option for everyone involved.
There are upsides and downsides to care being taken at home, but for those that don’t have pressing health concerns, it tends to be the ideal option. Care at home allows elders to maintain familiarity in their twilight years. It allows them to avoid the alienation that they might feel in a convalescent home. While socialization is available in a home, this will not be the most attractive option for many elders. Ultimately, the best decision can be made by communicating openly and honestly with the elders in your family and doing your best to honor their wishes.
