As we age, certain everyday activities become difficult. We may not be able to perform easy tasks such as cooking, cleaning and even bathing.

Safety also becomes a concern as we get older. Besides forgetting to take our daily cocktail of medications, we may have trouble getting out of bed, or we could slip and fall and become severely injured.

If you or your loved one needs everyday assistance, you have many care options available. Do you hire a home care worker or do you opt for a residency in a long term care centre?

Pros of using home care:

• Caretakers and nurses come to you on a daily basis to assist with everything from bathing to cooking, cleaning, buying groceries and taking you to doctor’s appointments.
• You don’t have to leave the home you’ve been living in for many years.
• If you’re someone who prefers to keep to themselves, a long term care facility may be very overwhelming, while home care allows you to only interact with your assigned caretakers.
• Your family can come over at any time.
• You can maintain your independence.

Cons of using home care:

• You may have to retrofit your home with ramps, railings and chairlifts, which can become costly. If you don’t revamp your home you may have portions of it that remain unused like a basement or second and third floors.
• In-home care is often more expensive than long term care, however government assistance can help relieve that financial burden.
• If you’re a social person, you will not have the company of other people your age that you would find in a senior long term care centre.
• Your home caregiver may have to move into your home as you get older and become less mobile, in which case you’ll be paying the same prices as you would to live in a residence.

Pros of long term residential care:

• You are provided with room and board and do not have to worry about making your own meals.
• Medical and non-medical care is available 24/7.
• If you are married, your spouse/partner can come with you.
• Most senior care facilities offer activities and field trips so you are not confined to your room.
• Staff can take care of making your bed, ensuring you take your medication and cleaning your room.

Cons of long term residential care:

• You are essentially paying rent to live in a long term care facility, which some seniors cannot afford.
• Although most residences have all-day visiting hours, the location of the care centre may be far away from where your family lives and they will not come visit often.
• Some people find it hard to adapt to their new surroundings and have trouble dealing with the hustle and bustle of a care centre.
• Due to dietary restrictions of many of the residents, meals may be bland. Plus, you are not cooking your own meals leaving you with no control over the menu.

If you’re looking to make a choice for yourself or your elderly family members, contact our team today. We’ll help you choose the best option for your loved one.