Introduction
When people are older or are experiencing deteriorating health, decisions around where and how they will receive the care they need become more important. Accessing professional aged care services can relieve some of the pressure on family members, ensuring their loved ones are cared for without overwhelming the caregiver. Generally, there are two common options for care – one is delivered in your own home, the other is in a residential aged care facility. This article provides a general overview of the advantages, challenges of nursing care at home and residential aged care.
What is Nursing care at home?
Nursing care at home refers to professional health support that is provided in the own home of an individual and, as such, it allows the individual to stay in familiar environments with familiar belongings, memories, and community ties. In many cases, visiting nursing care works best with the individual experiencing the most benefit from their independence, even whilst in a caring environment. In many cases, family and friends can accompany the individual, providing companionship and emotional care alongside nursing support and professional assistance.
What is Residential Aged care?
In residential aged care, a person goes to a place where trained staff and medical support are accessible 24 hours a day. This type of care provides a structured environment with meals, laundry, medical services, and activities all in one place. A trained workforce made up of registered nurses, personal care assistants, and other support staff is always present and available to assist the residents whenever necessary. Residential aged care is most appropriate for individuals with high-level care needs such as advanced dementia, complex medical conditions, and physical deficits that require supervision at all times.
Benefits and Challenges of Nursing Care at Home
The main benefit of nursing care at home is being at home surrounded by loved ones. Being surrounded by familiar things and ties to your community can significantly alleviate stress and enhance emotional well-being. Nursing care within your own home allows privacy, independence, and the capacity to maintain habits that individuals are accustomed to engaging in, without disruption to their daily habits.
There are also some challenges to nursing care at home, as it may require modifications. There are complex care needs, such as advanced dementia care or palliative care, which need to be addressed in residential-ageing care/facilities, as this care can’t be provided in a home setting. Care costs can increase when home care needs high levels of nursing staff time over a long period of time.
Benefits and Challenges of Residential Aged Care
Residential aged care facilities provide complete support in one location, which is beneficial for those requiring ongoing observation and access to health professionals. Residential facilities promote social engagement with organized activities, community dining, and communal areas for companionship and to limit isolation. Families have peace of mind knowing that health professionals are there to assist and respond 24 hours a day.
There are also some challenges to residential aged care. Moving to residential aged care may be a challenging emotional experience, as it involves leaving a known home environment and becoming accustomed to a new home. Costs are also an important consideration, as residential aged care is usually related to considerable costs that cover the accommodation, meals, and care.
Which Option Suits Best?
Choosing nursing care at home or residential aged care is totally dependent on what support level an individual needs, personal choice, and finances. Nursing care at home is normally best for someone with moderate needs who wants to be independent and be in a home-like environment. Residential aged care is more suitable for clients who have considerable needs where medical needs require intensive or 24-hour supervision, or the family cannot provide this care in the home. It is a good idea to consider current needs, but also consider changes in the future.
Conclusion
The choice between receiving nursing care at home and moving into residential aged care is a deeply personal and practical decision that requires careful thought of health requirements, emotional well-being, financial ability, and family circumstances.
