Home Care vs. Care Homes: Which Option is Best for You or Your Loved One?

Published on 21/04/2025

When considering care options for yourself or a loved one in Alnwick, the decision often comes down to home care (also known as domiciliary care or care at home) versus moving into a care home (which includes residential and nursing homes). Both options provide support, but they differ significantly in their approach and the benefits they offer. Let's explore these differences to help you make an informed choice.

What's the Difference?

Simply put, home care involves receiving support from care professionals within your own home. This could be for a few hours a week or round-the-clock care. On the other hand, a care home requires a person to move into a dedicated facility where care is provided.

The Benefits of Home Care

Home care has become an increasingly popular choice, and for good reason:

• One-to-One Care: With home care, you receive dedicated support from your own carer, ensuring their full attention is always on your needs.
• Stay in a Familiar Environment: Remaining in the comfortable and secure surroundings of your own home can be incredibly beneficial for emotional well-being. As the saying goes, "there's no place like home."
• Personalised Support: Home care plans are tailored to your individual needs and wishes, ensuring you receive the precise amount of assistance required.
• Maintain Routines and Hobbies: Staying at home allows you to continue enjoying your familiar routines, hobbies, and the things you love doing.
• Spend More Time with Loved Ones: Home care enables you to spend quality time with family and friends in the comfort of your own home or theirs, without the restrictions of visiting hours.
• A Holistic Approach: Home care often takes a holistic view, catering to all aspects of your support needs, as well as considering the needs of your family.

It's clear that the majority of people prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 97% of people don't want to go into a care home, and 71% would prefer to spend their final years at home.

Better for Health and Wellbeing

Studies have shown that person-centred care delivered at home has a more positive impact on overall wellbeing, happiness, and can even lead to reduced hospital admissions compared to moving into a care home. This aligns with the NHS's aim to support people in their own homes for as long as possible, a strategy also supported by the World Health Organisation.

More Cost-Effective

Contrary to common perception, home care is often a more affordable option than residential or nursing home care. Additionally, the value of your own home is not typically included in financial assessments for public funding when you are receiving care at home.

Beneficial for Dementia Care

Individuals living with dementia can particularly benefit from the familiarity and comfort of their own home, surrounded by personal belongings and memories. Research suggests that those with dementia who live at home often experience higher activity levels, a better quality of life, and greater social connectedness.

Maintaining Independence

It can be challenging to maintain a sense of independence when living in an institution. Home care allows elderly individuals to continue living aspects of their previous life, surrounded by reminders of their personal history and achievements.

Tailored to Your Needs

Home care support can be adjusted over time to adapt to changing needs. You might start with a few hours of help a week for tasks like shopping and cleaning and gradually increase the level of care as required, potentially moving to daily visits or even a live-in carer. You can always consider a care home in the future if your needs evolve.

More Control Over Your Care

When you choose home care, especially when working with private carers, you have more say in selecting the individuals who will be providing your care, ensuring a good personal fit and fostering continuity of care.

Drawbacks of Home Care

While home care offers numerous benefits, it's important to acknowledge potential challenges:

• Finding the right care professionals can take time and effort.
• Your home may require modifications to ensure safety and accessibility.
• You will still be responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of your home.

Benefits of a Care Home

Care homes also play a crucial role in providing care, particularly for those with complex needs or when living at home is no longer a viable option. They offer:

• Constant, round-the-clock care and support.
• Opportunities for social interaction with peers.
• Organised activities and outings.
• Regulation and external standards to ensure a certain level of care.
• Reduced administrative burden regarding home maintenance.
• Flexibility to adjust the level of care as needs change.

Drawbacks of Care Homes

Despite their benefits, care homes can also have drawbacks:

• Negative perceptions and a reluctance from many to move into one.
• Potential for a decline in health due to the unfamiliar environment.
• Can be a significantly more expensive long-term care option.
• Dementia care provision may not always be specialised or adequate.
• Limited choice of care homes based on location and availability.
• Can have strict rules that may impact individual freedom and preferences.

Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the decision between home care and a care home is a personal one that should be based on individual preferences, care needs, and financial considerations. Home care offers a fantastic opportunity to maintain independence, comfort, and a higher quality of life in your own home. If you'd like to discuss your specific situation or learn more about our home care services in Alnwick, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team today.