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The Difference Between Care Homes and Home Care

Home Care Carers enjoying Afternoon Tea

Choosing the right type of care for your loved one can seem daunting, especially when different types of care are available.

Care homes and home care are two common types of care for older adults in the UK. Although they may sound very similar, each offers diverse benefits, meets various needs and has a different cost. Understanding these differences is crucial to making an informed choice that best suits your loved one.

In this article, we’ll cover what care homes and home care are and how they differ.

One of the main distinctions between care homes and home care is the type and level of care they offer.

Care homes offer residential care, meaning that your loved one moves into a residence. They offer 24/7 care, meaning residents have round-the-clock access to support for their personal and medical needs. In addition to care assistants, care home staff may include nurses and specialised healthcare professionals.

A care home can offer support with day-to-day tasks such as bathing, dressing and eating, as well as nursing and medical care. Specialist care homes are also available if your loved one has a condition such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease.

A care home provides activities such as group outings, singing, dancing, art classes, and can offer hair dressing services too.

Home care involves professional caregivers providing care to your loved ones in their own homes. Depending on tyour loved one’s needs, this care can range from a few hours a day to full-time live-in care.

Home care is more flexible and personalised, allowing care professionals to provide specific services such as meal preparation where the carer can prepare your loved one’s favorite meal or cook with them, assist with personal care such as bathing or showering, or provide some companionship. Skilled nursing care can be arranged at home for individuals with complex medical conditions.

To summarise, care homes tend to provide more continuous, structured and comprehensive care, particularly for those with round-the-clock health needs. In contrast, home care offers a more flexible and personalised approach for those who wish to maintain as much independence as possible whilst continuing to live in the family home.

Cost is another factor that differentiates care homes from home care.

According to Age UK, the average cost of a care home can range from £800 a week for residential care to around £1,078 a week for a place in a nursing home. The average cost of a care home is often higher than that of home care, as it includes housing, meals and full-time staffing.

Home care tends to cost less than residential care and, on average, can cost between £25-£45 per hour. However, the more specialised the care needed, the higher the hourly cost can be. At-home care can be a cost-effective option if you wish to ‘top up’ the support your loved one receives from friends or family.

One of the most significant advantages of home care is the ability for individuals to maintain a greater level of independence and control over their daily lives. Remaining in their own home allows your loved one to stick to familiar routines, live in a comfortable and known environment, and retain more autonomy. They can live their life according to their own routine and schedule.

The option of home care is particularly appealing if your loved one has an adequate level of physical strength and mobility, as well as good cognitive and mental functions but requires support to maintain their independence.

In contrast, care homes provide a structured environment where daily schedules and routines are often predetermined. While care homes offer opportunities for social interaction with other residents and organised activities, the trade-off can be a loss of personal freedom and the need to adapt to the home’s routines.

This can feel restrictive for some individuals, primarily if they are used to a more independent lifestyle. However, for those who require constant care and supervision, the structure and predictability of a care home can provide a sense of security and will reduce the stress of managing their own needs.

Home care can offer a more flexible and personalised care service than care homes. The care professional can tailor the care to your loved one’s needs, routines, and preferences. The amount of care provided can also be adjusted over time. This personalisation allows for a care plan that evolves with the individual’s changing health conditions and care needs.

Alternatively, care homes offer more comprehensive care, but they are generally less flexible and don’t have the same personal touch. The level of care is often more generalised to fit a broader range of needs. Many different care professionals may also be involved in looking after your loved one in a care home setting.

Home care can offer greater flexibility and independence for your loved one. Here at Comfort Care At Home, our care professionals can help with tasks such as preparing your loved one’s favourite meals, supporting them with the medication, helping with practical tasks around the house, providing companionship, and assisting with appointments or social outings.

Contact us or visit our home-based care service page to understand the difference our care professionals can make in your loved one’s life.