What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Care?

The decision to look into home care for a loved one is a big one. There are lots of opinions to take into consideration, including that of the person who may be receiving home care. To help with the decision-making process, we've gathered here some advantages and disadvantages of home care.

Advantages of Home Care

There are a lot of advantages to home care. One big advantage is that it is a lot cheaper than keeping a loved one in a hospital for an extended period. While this fact is true, when thinking about the financial side of home care it is important to think long term. If the individual will need home care for the rest of their life, it may be time to look into residential care. This is because even though home care is cheaper than a hospital stay, the cost will add up over time.

Another huge advantage of home care is that your loved one can remain in their home and keep some of their independence. The level of care will vary from person to person based on their needs. Some home health aids only stop by for medication administration while others stay for hours at a time. If you're not ready to discuss a residential facility with your loved one, this may be a step to look into to keep them safe and independent.

Yet another advantage of home health is that your loved one will be receiving one-on-one attention. This kind of care is not guaranteed at a residential facility.

Disadvantages of Home Health

One disadvantage of home health is that the loved one may become isolated in their own home. If this is the case, they may be better off in a residential facility where they can be social with other people who are their age.

Another limitation of home health is availability. Some insurance companies are picky with which home health companies they will cover. This can significantly reduce the number of available options for home health for your loved one.

Another downfall of home health is that your loved one will not have access to things that they may need if an emergency occurs. This is another benefit of a residential care facility.