Care home or home care: What’s the right option for you?
US
Choosing between a care home and home care is a significant decision that many families face when seeking the best support for their loved ones. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.
Care homes
Care homes, also known as residential care homes, provide accommodation and personal care for individuals who need support with daily activities. This support can include help with bathing, dressing, eating, and medication management. Care homes offer a communal living environment where residents can socialise and participate in various activities.
There are several types of care homes:
Residential care homes: provide personal care and support without the need for regular medical attention.
Nursing care homes: offer the same personal care but also provide 24-hour medical care from qualified nurses for residents with more complex health needs.
Specialist care homes: cater to specific conditions such as dementia, physical disabilities, or mental health issues.
Home care
Home care, or domiciliary care, involves caregivers providing assistance in the individual's own home. This type of care allows individuals to remain in a familiar environment while receiving the support they need. Home care services can range from basic personal care to more complex medical assistance.
There are several types of home care:
Personal care: assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
Medical care: skilled nursing care for individuals with health conditions requiring regular medical attention.
Companionship: social interaction and support to prevent loneliness and enhance well-being.
Live-in care: a caregiver lives in the individual’s home to provide continuous support.
Factors to consider when choosing between care home and home care
Level of care needed
Assessing the level of care needed is crucial in deciding between a care home and home care. Individuals with complex medical needs or those requiring constant supervision may benefit more from the comprehensive services offered by care homes. Conversely, those needing minimal assistance or companionship might find home care more suitable.
Cost and funding
Understanding the costs and available funding options is critical. Care homes can be expensive, and while some costs might be covered by local authorities or the NHS, many individuals will need to contribute from their savings or assets. Home care costs can also add up, especially if 24/7 care is needed. It’s important to explore all funding options, including local authority funding, benefits, and personal contributions.
Family support
The availability of family support can influence the decision. If family members are willing and able to provide care, home care might be a viable option. However, it’s important to consider the potential stress and burden on family caregivers. Care homes can relieve family members of caregiving duties, allowing them to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones.
Health and safety
The individual’s health and safety must be a top priority. Care homes provide a safe environment with 24/7 supervision, which can be crucial for individuals with dementia or mobility issues. Home care may require home modifications to ensure safety, and the absence of round-the-clock care can be a concern for individuals with significant health risks.
How St Monica Trust can support
Our care homes are situated in Bristol and North Somerset, fulfilling different needs and lifestyle preferences.
Different types of care
The St Monica Trust is nationally recognised for its high-quality personalised care which combines a range of care options that are built around your individual needs. We offer different types of care, including nursing care, dementia care, respite care, residential care, end of life care, and pastoral care. The therapy team at St Monica Trust play a key role in enhancing the quality of life for residents across all our care homes. Unlike other care providers, there is often no additional charges for physiotherapy and occupational therapy at St Monica Trust.
Garden House care home
Provides nursing care, residential and nursing dementia care, rehabilitation and reablement, end of life care.
Charterhouse care home
Provides nursing care, nursing dementia care, respite and short-term care, end of life care, rehabilitation and reablement, residential care.
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John Wills House care home
Provides nursing care, residential dementia care, respite and short-term care, rehabilitation and reablement, end of life care.
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Russets and Sherwood care home
Provides nursing care, nursing dementia care, respite and short-term care, end of life care.
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Huge range of activities
At our care homes, we prioritise social events and activities to enrich the everyday lives of our residents. We have a dedicated teams responsible for planning and organising a wide range of engaging activities in all our care homes. These activities, held both indoors and outdoors, include music events, exercises classes, art groups, film nights, lunch and dinner gatherings, outings and more. Different activities are happening in different care homes and activities are tailored to whatever inspires you, so there’ll always be something to keep you busy.
Find out more about St Monica Trust care homes
Our care homes in Bristol and North Somerset have been purposefully built to cater to the specific needs of older people. Our admissions team will be happy to give you more information about our care homes and guide you through the whole selection process. Please browse our care homes pages for more information or call us on 0117 919 4263 to book a tour or just to find out more.
