Deciding on the best form of care for your loved one can be overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you choose? Whether you’re considering a traditional nursing home or live-in care, it’s always best to weigh up the pros and cons of each.
At Access Care, we understand this dilemma and are here to guide you through the decision-making process.
In this blog post, we'll look at the differences between traditional nursing homes and live-in care. You’ll learn about the benefits, the potential drawbacks, and how each option can cater to specific needs like dementia care at home. We also take a look at the other care options out there, the history of elderly care in the uk and signs that might suggest it’s time to get help from care (be it live-in care or other providers).
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that ensures the well-being and happiness of your loved one.
The History of Elderly Care in the UK
Elderly care in the UK has come a long way from its early days to the diverse system we have now. Back in mediaeval times, families mainly took care of the elderly, with some help from local parishes and monasteries that offered alms and basic care. The big change came with the Poor Law Act of 1601, which got the state involved by setting up workhouses and almshouses for those who couldn't take care of themselves, including the elderly.
In the 19th century, more hospitals and charities were set up to care for the elderly. The big change came in 1908 with the Old Age Pensions Act, which gave people over 70 a pension without having to contribute, helping them avoid workhouses.
After World War II, the launch of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948 changed elderly care drastically by offering free medical care when needed, ensuring older adults could access essential health services. In the mid-20th century, residential care homes and sheltered housing schemes were set up, giving elderly people more choices for where to live and improving their quality of life with more dignity and comfort.
In recent decades, there's been a big move towards 'ageing in place,' which means keeping elderly members of the family in their own homes with support from services like home care and live-in care for as long as possible.
This change is driven by what older people want and improvements in medical care that help them stay independent for longer. In the UK today, efforts are ongoing to improve elderly care, aiming to provide great, personalised care that meets the changing needs of its ageing population. At Access Care, we're proud to play a part in this effort by offering high-quality live-in care services.
Understanding Traditional Nursing Homes
What Are Traditional Nursing Homes?
Traditional nursing homes are residential facilities that provide round-the-clock medical and personal care to those who need it. These institutions are equipped with medical staff, communal living spaces, and various activities designed to keep residents engaged.
So how does a traditional nursing home compare to live-in care? Let us delve deeper.
Benefits of Traditional Nursing Homes
Medical Support: Nursing homes have trained medical personnel available 24/7, ensuring immediate attention in case of emergencies.
Social Interaction: With a community of residents, seniors have ample opportunities for social engagement and making new friends.
Structured Environment: Nursing homes offer a structured routine that includes meals, medication schedules, and planned activities.
Drawbacks of Traditional Nursing Homes
Lack of Personalisation: The care provided is often standardised, which may not cater to individual preferences or unique needs like what live-in care allows for.
Adjustment Challenges: Moving to a new environment can be stressful and disorienting for seniors, particularly those with dementia.
Limited Privacy: Shared living spaces may limit the privacy and independence that many people value.
Exploring Live-In Care
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care involves a professional live-in carer coming to live with their live-in care client’s home to provide personalised assistance, support and companion care. This option allows live-in care clients to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home while receiving the live-in care they need.
Benefits of Live-In Care
Personalised Care: The home carer tailors their support to their live-in care client’s specific needs, preferences, and routines.
Comfort of Home: Home care clients can enjoy the comfort, independence, and familiarity of their own home environment.
One-on-One Attention: With a dedicated live-in carer, clients receive focused and continuous live-in care, which can lead to better health outcomes.
Drawbacks of Live-In Care
Finding the Right Live-in Carer: It's crucial to find a live-in carer who is a good match for your loved one’s personality and needs.
Home Modifications: Some homes may need some changes to be made to make sure they are safe and accessible both the live-in care client and the live-in carer.
Comparing Costs
Financial Implications
The cost of care is a big factor in deciding between traditional nursing homes and live-in care. Traditional nursing homes typically charge a monthly fee that covers accommodation, meals, and medical care. In contrast, live-in care costs can vary based on the live-in carer’s salary, hours worked, and any additional services required.
Value for Money
While live-in care might seem more expensive upfront, it’s important to think about the value of personalised, one-on-one attention. In a nursing home, the cost is often lower, but the care is shared among the many residents that are also living there.
Hidden Costs
Don't forget to think about hidden costs like transport for family visits to nursing homes or maybe the need for changes to the home for live-in care
Quality of Life
Emotional Well-being
Staying at home with live-in care can really make a big difference to someone’s emotional well-being. Familiar surroundings and routines can help to lessen anxiety and make them feel a sense of security, especially for those with dementia.
Physical Health
A live-in carer can provide personalised physical activities and exercises tailored to their live-in care client’s capabilities and interests, which can improve overall health and mobility.
Social Connections
While nursing homes offer communal activities, live in care allows seniors to maintain existing relationships with neighbours, friends, and family, helping to create a sense of community.
Specialised Care Needs
Dementia Care at Home
For those with dementia, keeping things consistent and familiar. Live-in care offers a stable environment and the ability to tailor care specifically to the needs of someone with dementia.
Chronic Illness Management
Live-in carers can provide specialised care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, making sure their live-in care clients take their medication correctly and making sure they keep well.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
For live-in care clients who are recovering from surgery or illness, live-in care can offer intensive, personalised support to aid in faster recovery and rehabilitation.
Safety Considerations
Home Safety
Live-in care requires a safe home environment. This may include installing grab bars, ramps, and making sure that the home is clutter-free to prevent falls.
Emergency Preparedness
Nursing homes are equipped with medical facilities and emergency protocols. With live-in care, it’s essential to have an emergency plan in place, including quick access to medical services.
Cognitive Decline
For people that are experiencing cognitive decline, live-in care can help to ensure that there is consistent monitoring and can be acted upon quickly if needed, this helps to reduce the risk of wandering or accidents.
Family Involvement
Ease of Communication
With live-in care, family members can communicate directly with the live-in carer, receiving regular updates and being included in live-in care decisions.
Reduced Guilt
Many family carers experience guilt when their loved one is placed in a nursing home. Live-in care can make the family members feel more reassured by the personalised care provided.
Flexibility
Live in care is great because of it’s flexible nature. It is so easy to adjust the level of care as the live-in care client’s needs change, without the need for them to move or major disruptions.
Building a Relationship with the Home Carer
Trust and Bonding
A live-in carer often develop a deep bond with their live-in care client, understanding their preferences, habits, and quirks. This trust can really make a difference to the quality of care and overall satisfaction of the live-in care client.
Continuity of Care
Unlike nursing homes, where staff turnover can be high, live-in care offers continuity, which is especially important for those with dementia or other cognitive issues.
Cultural Sensitivity
Live-in carers can be chosen based on cultural compatibility, making sure that language, traditions, and dietary preferences are respected.
Community and Social Activities
Maintaining Hobbies
With live-in care, live-in care clients can continue participating in their favourite hobbies and community activities, supported by their live-in carer.
Local Community
Staying at home means live-in care clients are able to remain a part of their local community, they are still able to go to their church, social clubs, and neighbourhood events.
Personalised Outings
Live-in carers can organise personalised outings to parks, museums, or other favourite locations, these kind of activities can really help to enhance a client’s quality of life and provide mental stimulation.
Flexibility and Control
Customisable Care Solutions
Live-in care offers the flexibility to customise care solutions based on the client’s evolving needs, preferences, and health conditions.
Daily Routine
Live-in care clients can keep their preferred daily routines, from meal times to bedtime, helping to make sure that they are comfortable.
Independence
Home care helps the clients to keep their independence, for example they are able to remain in control of their environment and lifestyle choices.
Environmental Factors
Home Comforts
The familiarity of home, coupled with personal belongings and memories, provides lots of emotional comfort and stability for home care clients.
Health Risks
Nursing homes, with their communal living spaces, can pose higher health risks, such as infections. Home care reduces the chance of exposure to these health risks.
Noise Levels
The quieter, less chaotic environment of home can be particularly helpful for those with sensory sensitivities or cognitive impairments.
Weighing Up The Benefits - What Are Your Thoughts?
Choosing between a nursing home and live-in care is a big decision that affects your loved one's quality of life. At Access Care, we think live-in care is the best option if you are looking for personalisation, comfort, and emotional well-being. With live-in care, your loved one gets the attention they need right at home.
Other Options for Care
When considering care for your elderly loved ones, there are a few other options beyond live-in care and traditional nursing homes. Each of these options offers unique benefits and can be tailored to meet specific needs:
Short Term Respite Care
Short-Term Relief: Provides temporary relief for primary carers who need a break or are unavailable.
Flexible Duration: Can range from a few hours to several weeks.
Professional Care: Offers professional care in a home setting or specialised facility.
Adult Day Care
Daytime Supervision: Provides care and supervision during the daytime hours.
Structured Activities: Organised activities such as games, exercise, and social interaction.
Medical Services: Often include medical and therapeutic services.
Home Health Care
Medical Services: Professional medical care provided at home, including nursing, physical therapy, and medication management.
Non-Medical Assistance: Help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
Supplemental Care: Can be used alongside live-in care for extra support.
Assisted Living Facilities
Semi-Independent Living: Residents live in private apartments with access to shared facilities and activities.
24/7 Support: Provides 24-hour assistance with daily activities and emergency response.
Community Environment: Encourages social interaction through communal dining and activities.
Independent Living Communities
Self-Sufficient Environment: Designed for people who are largely independent but may need a little bit of support.
Amenities and Services: Provides amenities such as housekeeping, dining options, and transportation services.
Active Lifestyle: Promotes an active lifestyle with recreational activities and social events.
Hospice Care
End-of-Life Care: Specialised care focused on the comfort and quality of life for those with terminal illnesses.
Pain Management: Expert pain and symptom management.
Emotional and Spiritual Support: Offers support for both the patient and their family.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Comprehensive Medical Care: Offers intensive medical care and rehabilitation services.
Short-Term or Long-Term: Suitable for both short-term recovery and long-term care needs.
Specialised Programs: Includes programs for specific conditions such as stroke recovery or Alzheimer's disease.
Memory Care Units
Specialised Care: Provides care tailored for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory issues.
Secure Environment: Ensures safety with a secure environment designed to prevent wandering.
Cognitive Stimulation: Offers activities and therapies designed to stimulate memory and cognitive function.
Each of these care options has distinct advantages and can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your elderly loved ones. Consideration of medical, emotional, and social needs will help in making the most appropriate choice.
Signs That It May Be Time for Care
Deciding when to seek external care for a loved one can be challenging and emotional. Here are some key indicators that it may be the right time to consider some form of care:
Increased Forgetfulness: Noticeable memory lapses, such as frequently forgetting to take medication, missing appointments, or repeating the same questions, can be a sign of cognitive decline that requires monitoring and assistance.
Difficulty with Daily Activities: If your loved one struggles with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or using the toilet, it might be time to consider personal care services.
Decline in Physical Health: Noticeable weight loss, difficulty walking, frequent falls, or sudden changes in appearance could indicate that health issues are being neglected and professional care is needed.
Poor Nutrition: If there is a noticeable decline in their eating habits, such as skipping meals, spoiled food in the fridge, or weight loss, meal preparation services might be necessary.
Social Isolation: Increasing isolation or withdrawal from social activities and interactions can affect mental health and may necessitate the support of a companion or professional home carer.
Unkempt Living Conditions: Noticing that your loved one’s home is becoming more cluttered, dirty, or unsafe can be a sign that housekeeping help is needed to make sure they keep a safe living environment.
Changes in Mood or Behaviour: Significant and sudden changes in mood, irritability, depression, or anxiety may mean that your loved one could benefit from emotional support and social engagement through companion care.
Struggling Caregivers: If primary carers are experiencing burnout, stress, or overwhelmed by the level of care needed, it could be time to look into short term respite care to provide them with a much-needed break.
Chronic Health Issues: Management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or COPD may become too complex and might be better managed with professional health care services.
Recognising these signs can help you make the best decision when the time comes for you and your loved one, ensuring your loved one receives the support they need for a better quality of life.
Who We Are at Access Care
At Access Care, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all of our live-in care clients and their families by providing exceptional home care services.
Our team is made up of expert home carers who are passionate about delivering personalised and compassionate live-in care. We understand that every person has unique needs, and we work hard to accommodate those needs through a range of tailored services.
Our mission is to offer a dignified and comfortable living experience for the elderly, allowing them to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the home care support they need. We prioritise safety, well-being, and the emotional health of all of our home care clients, helping to create a nurturing and engaging environment.
With Access Care, you can be confident that your loved ones are in capable and caring hands. We are more than just live-in carers, we are companions, friends, and advocates dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those we care for.
Services Our Home Carers Provide
At Access Care, our home carers deliver a comprehensive array of live-in care services designed to meet the diverse needs of our live-in care clients. Our home care services include:
Personal Care: Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting to ensure that our live-in care clients feel clean, comfortable, and cared for.
Medication Management: Our live-in carers handle and manage medications to make sure their live-in care clients stick to their prescribed schedules, lessening the risk of missed doses or mistakes.
Meal Preparation: Our live-in carers are excellent at preparing nutritious and delicious meals, taking into account their live-in care client’s dietary requirements and preferences, ensuring their live-in care clients receive balanced nutrition.
Companionship: Our home carers know the importance of social interaction and emotional support to help combat loneliness and improve mental well-being through engaging conversations and activities.
Housekeeping: Light housekeeping tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and tidying up to maintain a safe, comfortable, and hygienic living environment.
Transportation: Helping with transport for medical appointments, errands, and social outings, enabling our home care clients to stay active and engaged with their community.
Mobility Support: Help with mobility, including transferring from bed to chair and helping with walking, to promote physical stability and prevent falls.
Respite Care: Temporary relief for primary carers, giving them the chance to rest and recharge while knowing their loved ones are in capable hands.
Specialised Care: Tailored support for those loved one’s with specific health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke recovery, ensuring the highest quality of care for those with unique needs.
How to Contact Us
If you think you or a loved one could benefit from live-in care, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01264 319 399 for an informal chat—we'd love to hear from you!
You can also reach us by email at hello@access-care.co.uk.
If you're a live-in carer looking to join our lovely team of live-in carers, the good news is that we're recruiting! If you're interested in being part of the Access Care team, please email us at hello@access-care.co.uk.
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