Living alone becomes challenging as you age. From illnesses and ailments to physical limitations that hinder your everyday lives – it becomes difficult to go by living your life normally without jeopardizing your health and safety. Hence, for more reasons than one, having support from family and loved ones becomes a must.
However, naturally, your family or any responsible loved one carries their own set of responsibilities. Juggling between job and family, not everyone has the physical or mental space and capabilities to look after and support the elderly. So for such people, there are nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
In fact, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the future of long-term care is quite significant. Estimated by the ongoing growth of the elderly population, by 2050, the number of elderly care services in any setting like long-term care, assisted facilities, and nursing homes will double from 15 million to 30 million.
Hence, the situation begs us to differentiate between the two options that are there for reliable elderly care. Which one is better and can provide optimum support for the elderly? Let’s find out!
Pros & Cons of In-Home Care
First things first, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of in-home care for the elderly as people usually think of this as their first and only option to provide optimum elderly care for their loved ones. However, it is not always the best option for everyone.
Benefits of In-Home Care
- Your elderly loved ones can easily maintain and exercise their independence.
- They are closer to the family and see their loved ones often.
- A familiar and comfortable environment is set for them to be taken care of.
- They have better control over their dignity and privacy in their homes.
- They have better access to activities they enjoy and want to participate in.
Drawbacks of In-Home Care
- Not every family prioritizes their elderly.
- Living at home can be very lonely if everybody else is busy with other responsibilities of their lives.
- Your elderly loved ones may isolate themself and have fewer socialization prospects.
- It is difficult to take care of the elderly if they have a serious mental illness like dementia or schizophrenia.
Pros & Cons of Long Term Care
Now let’s take a look at the pros and cons of long-term care. This option usually doesn’t come up as a practical solution until the idea of in-home care fails. Although it has its own set of drawbacks, long-term care might still suffice as a better option for the best elderly care.
Benefits of Long Term Care
- Someone will always be available to look after the elderly 24/7.
- Caregiving staff ensures all medications are taken on time.
- Long-term care facilities are equipped to deal with housekeeping needs, meals, and other personal care needs of the elderly.
- Many facilities offer physical activities, outings, and plenty of socialization prospects.
- Depending on your needs, you can choose a long-term care facility that specializes in elderly care of dementia and schizophrenic patients.
- Your elderly loved one’s comfort shall never be compromised in a reputable long-term care facility.
- Many long-term care facilities prioritize the need for outings and access to the outside world, so they have gardens within the property for the elderly to enjoy.
- A long-term care facility can easily provide the optimum level of security and safety for your elderly loved one.
- There are experienced and well-trained caregivers who prioritize their patient’s wellbeing before anything else.
- Regular visits from doctors and other medical personnel ensure that your elderly loved one is in the best of health and in good shape.
Drawbacks of Long Term Care
- The elderly might not feel as independent as they would at home.
- They will have to adapt to a new, unfamiliar environment of group living.
- Their privacy will be compromised.
- Long distances can lead to less frequent visits from family and loved ones.
Bottom Line
Now that you have weighed your options for reliable elderly care, we hope that you will find making an educated decision easier for your elderly loved one. Still unsure of the right thing to do?
Let iWill Advisors help you out. At iWill Advisors, we offer an unbiased comparison of all your elderly insurance options. We specialize in educating Medicare beneficiaries on every available option to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.