If you have an older family member who can no longer care for themselves, then there are two approaches you may be considering: nursing home care and in-home care. More and more families are choosing in-home care over the nursing home, and for good reason. Here are some key benefits associated with hiring an in-home caregiver rather than putting your loved one in a nursing home.

1. Your loved one will remain in a familiar environment.

Transitioning into nursing home care can be traumatic for the patient. Often, they do not want to leave the home they have been in for so long, and they can feel out of control when made to do so. With in-home care, your loved one can stay in their own home, which tends to be the better choice for their mental health. This is especially the case if your loved one is visually impaired and has a hard time getting to know new places or if they have dementia and are prone to forgetting where they are.

2. You will have an easier time communicating with the caregivers.

At a nursing home, there is typically a whole team of nurses and caregivers. You may not be sure who to talk to in order to get information about your loved one. And you may get conflicting information and reports from different staff members. On the other hand, with an in-home care service, there will be just one, or at the most two, caregivers taking care of your loved one. You know exactly who to communicate with about their care, and you will form a relationship with the caregiver over time, making this communication even easier.

3. Your loved one will bond with a caregiver.

From the perspective of an older patient, it can be a little embarrassing and uncomfortable to have someone else, like a nurse, taking care of things like your bathroom habits and bathing. With an in-home caregiver, though, your loved one will get to know and trust this person over time, which will make the situation more comfortable for them. Your loved one will be more likely to take their medication and care for themselves as advised when the advice is coming from a single caregiver that they know and trust.

While nursing homes have their place, you may want to consider caring for your loved one at home, with the help of a live-in caregiver. Talk to a home care agency in your area to learn more about live-in care options.

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