As parents and grandparents get older, there comes a stage when they’re going to need caring for. As family members it can be a difficult decision on what to do.
On the one hand, there are hundreds of fantastic residential care homes for elderly people up and down the country, and on the other you may be lucky enough to have the time and space to care for a person yourself.
There’s no right or wrong answer, it’s entirely dependent on the individual and circumstances, and there are pros and cons to both. For many, the instinct is to take on the responsibility of caring for yourself or as a family. But is that the right option for you?
We sum up the pros and cons of caring for elderly relatives from home…
The Pros
Comfort and Familiarity
Naturally, the big advantage of having your elderly relatives stay with you is that it’s a comfortable and familiar environment for them.
Moving into a care home or new surroundings can be stressful to begin with, even if it is for the better, but being at a family home offers a sense of security and can significantly reduce stress in a person’s older age,
Personalised Care
While a person may not be getting professional care, it will be much more personalised to your loved one. After all, very few people will know them better than you. You can create routines and plans that suit the individual and as a result it can especially look after an elderly person’s mental health, in a period where more are struggling than ever before,
Everything can be crafted around what they know and love, while having you to do it with can help create a closer connection.
Family Bonding
In actual fact, taking on responsibility of care yourself can help foster a real bond across the family. Sharing daily activities, meals, TV-time even and general conversations can create real memories that will last a lifetime.
Cost Saving
Of course, finally, it can also be a cheaper option compared to the likes of assisted living or nursing homes. However, while you will save on the fees of a home, it’s worth noting that sacrifices can often have to be made elsewhere such as with work and social parts of your life,
The Cons
Physical and Emotional Strain
Which brings us on to the cons. While it can help create a real bond with elderly relatives, there can also be a physical and emotional strain as it can be a very demanding role being a caregiver.
It’s a fine balancing act that can cause burnout if not managed effectively, while it may also create a strain on other relationships with friends and family as much of your time and energy will be going on caring.
Limited Social Interaction
One of the real benefits of residential nursing homes is that they are really social places. That isn’t always the case at home, particularly for carers who are still working.
Elderly relatives can often feel isolated and lonely, which can have a huge impact on mental health and overall quality of life.
Home Modifications and Safety Concerns
Of course, mobility can also become a problem and adapting the home for them can be extremely costly. You may need to install ramps, handrails, make modifications to the bathroom if you are going to provide the best possible care, which can give a completely different feel to your home, as well as the obvious investment that it requires.
Lack of Professional Assistance
Finally, in most cases professional assistance is required. It is possible to get that at home, but as people deteriorate in old age, qualified caregivers can add to the overall cost, to the point where it may be better all round for them to get the best comfort and care in a home,
Ultimately, it is all down to what’s best for those that need care and that may well change over time, so it takes careful consideration and continual review to ensure your loved ones are getting the best possible care to suit their needs.
