Residential Care vs. Home Care - The Right Choice for Your Needs

Australia's ageing population is on the rise. That's why the Australian Government is striving to provide its elderly citizens with tailored care solutions. 

Elderly people have several options when it comes to aged care. The two most popular ones are residential care and home care.

The first option is for those who want to move to a residential aged care facility.

The second option is for seniors who want to remain living in the comfort of their own homes.

This article covers the major differences between these two forms of aged care.

After reading this "residential care vs. home care" article, you will be able to decide which option is best.

What Is Residential Aged Care and Who Is It for?

Residential aged care involves moving into a specialised facility. It's provided in residential aged care facilities, also known as nursing homes.

Seniors who move to a nursing home can get round-the-clock clinical support. 

A residential aged care facility serves as a dedicated space for seniors. Its residents can receive care and medical attention there. 

These facilities offer trained professionals who provide 24-hour clinical support. It's their job to make sure the residents are happy and healthy.

Residential aged care caters to the needs of seniors who have:

• Significant health problems
• Mobility issues
• Chronic illnesses
• Cognitive impairments

Residential care is for seniors who need a higher level of support and care. For one reason or another, their needs aren't being met at home.

It's for seniors who need help with activities of daily living. For example, bathing, dressing, toileting, medication management, and mobility support.

It's also appropriate for those who need ongoing medical monitoring and supervision. This can be because of complex health conditions.

Some seniors have reached a point where they are too frail to take care of themselves.

Residential care can provide specialised services. This includes dementia care units for those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Residential care doesn't only provide healthcare services. A nursing home can offer a range of social programs and activities. 

This helps seniors stay connected to the community. It also promotes well-being among residents. 

What Is Home Care and Who Is It for?

Home care or in-home care allows seniors to live on their own. The goal is to enable them to stay at home for as long as possible.

To achieve this, this program provides a range of aged care services. These include:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Home modifications
• Companionship care
• Wound management
• Medication reminders
• Social programs
• Respite care
• Occupational therapy
• 24-hour care
• Transportation

In-home care services are provided through Home Care Packages. 

These are government-funded aged care programs. They're suited for elderly Australians who need help with everyday activities.

Home Care Packages are for seniors who value their independence. 

It's for those who want to stay at home rather than move to a nursing home.

Home care allows seniors to receive completely tailored support.

This support is based on their specific needs and personal preferences. It enables them to live safely and comfortably in their homes.

Home care is for elderly people who need varying degrees of help with daily activities. But they don't need round-the-clock care and medical supervision. 

It provides a level of flexibility.

It allows seniors to receive the specific services they need. But they can still have control over their daily routines and decisions.

Home care also promotes social engagement. It enables seniors to maintain connections with their local community. 

They can also take part in outings or activities organised by the program.

Residential Care vs. Home Care - How to Choose?

At some point, your elderly loved one reaches a certain stage in life. They need some extra help to continue living normally.

You have a few options for their aging care needs. 

You can move them to a nursing home, where they can receive the care they need. Or, you can hire in-home care professionals. 

In this case, your loved one will receive all the care they need at home.

Making this decision is not easy. Before you do, think about these three factors: 

1. The type of care that you need
2. Your preferred living arrangements
3. Your financial situation

One important factor is the type of support needed. 

Home care services provide a range of support services. This includes healthcare, personal care, transport, housework, social support, and home modifications.

Residential care homes offer a higher level of care. It's better for those who have more complex needs that can't be met at home. 

These facilities provide 24-hour clinical care. They also offer specialised accommodation. This is ideal for those who need constant supervision and medical attention.

Another factor to think about is the priority of living at home.

Many seniors value the familiarity and comfort of their own homes. They prefer to stay in familiar surroundings as they age.

Some may prioritise access to round-the-clock professional caregiving. 

They also may have specific health requirements because of which they need to move into a residential facility.

Financial Considerations

Your financial situation is also an important consideration when comparing these two options.

The cost of residential aged care includes:

• A basic daily fee
• Accommodation costs
• A means-tested care fee

The government subsidises some of these costs based on individual financial circumstances. Home Care Packages can also cover the cost of residential aged care for those eligible.

If you want to apply for a Home Care Package, these are the fees you have to pay:

1. The basic daily fee
2. The income-tested care fee
3. Other fees

The Australian Government funds Home Care Packages. It divides those funds to your chosen home care provider. 

The funds are then divided into monthly payments that cover your care services.

In-home care tends to be more cost-effective than residential aged care. But this can depend on several factors. For instance:

• The level of care needed
• Your location
• The duration of care
• Necessary additional services

Benefits of Residential Aged Care

Here are the most important benefits of residential aged care:

• A community-like environment that promotes social engagement
• No need for household tasks
• Non-stop access to specialised care
• A supportive and safe environment
• Regular support and monitoring

These facilities provide a community-like environment. Seniors can talk with their peers whenever they feel like it.

They can also take part in scheduled activities for their age group. 

The structured programs offered in residential care homes promote social engagement. They allow seniors to form new connections.

This is particularly important for those who may have lost long-term connections. 

Seniors can build new relationships in residential aged care communities. They can enjoy companionship on a daily basis.

Seniors in residential aged care facilities don't need to worry about household tasks. For instance, cooking, cleaning, or home maintenance. 

This allows them to focus on enjoying their daily lives. They will also receive the necessary support from trained staff members.

Residential care provides a supportive environment. That way, seniors can maintain an active social life.

They can also receive personalised care when needed. This comes with the peace of mind of knowing that their well-being is prioritised.

Residential care facilities also offer on-call care. This is important for residents who may not need help with acute conditions but still need regular support.

By doing so, the health needs of seniors are being met whenever needed. What's more, it doesn't minimise their independence.

Benefits of Home Care

If you're interested in home care, here are some of the most important benefits of Home Care Packages:

1. Being able to stay in a familiar environment
2. Maintaining one's independence and control
3. Family support and involvement
4. Personalised support services
5. Flexibility
6. Potential cost-effective services

One key advantage is independence.

Seniors feel much better when they receive the care they need at home. Everything is familiar, making them much more comfortable.

Home care allows seniors to maintain control over their daily lives. They can make their own decisions about their routines, schedules, and personal preferences.

They can continue living in a familiar environment. This provides a sense of security and emotional well-being. 

This level of independence makes daily tasks much easier to manage.

Another advantage is the opportunity to receive personalised and tailored care. 

Care plans are designed to meet your specific needs and preferences. You'll receive the appropriate level of support while maintaining your autonomy.

This personalised approach promotes a sense of dignity and respect. This is especially important for seniors as they age.

Home care can also be cost-effective compared to residential care. But it depends on the individual. It might pay off more for those with low-level care needs.

Understanding Your Options

As an elderly person, you may be eligible for a Home Care Package. This lets you receive support at your family home.

This is a major life change, and Haisey Home Care can help you make the transition easier.

Haisey Home Care is a dedicated aged care provider with a mission to make life as comfortable as possible for elderly people.

We offer specialised care solutions designed to meet our clients' needs and preferences. With our help, you can maintain independence and live a happier life.

If you want to know more about our services or if you would like to book a free in-home consultation, don't hesitate to reach out to us. 

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