Burbank Residents: Why Seniors Prefer Home Care Over Nursing Homes
As people age, they fear the loss of independence and self-sufficiency that endured through their adult years. Many avoid taking actions that reduce their capacity to make their own decisions, like agreeing to move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. To compromise, these individuals opt to engage a home caregiver. Keep reading to find out five reasons that Burbank residents prefer home care over nursing homes.
Maintaining Independence
No one wants to lose their independence. Staying at home through their elderly years with the help of a home care provider can help seniors maintain their independence for as long as it is safe. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, home care maximizes “independence while minimizing the effects of disability and illness.” Caregivers for seniors help them remember to take medications, provide them with meals, and help with activities of daily living. They can provide care for a terminal illness, long term chronic diseases, following an accident or other health concern. Receiving this extra help provides a sense of empowerment to seniors without impeding their independence.
Social Relationships
Most people develop social relationships with people based on where they live and the places they frequent. Seniors are no different, and usually have deep roots in their communities—especially if they have lived there a long time. Choosing to receive home care instead of moving into a nursing home helps seniors preserve their existing social relationships.
Remaining At Home
In addition to helping maintain social relationships, opting for home care has other benefits. Remaining at home, instead of a nursing home, reduces exposure to infectious diseases, helps limit stress for seniors and their families, and leads to better health outcomes. Growing old in the home where they raised a family and achieved so many of their goals helps seniors adjust to old age more gracefully.
Avoiding Elder Abuse
Abuse to the elderly isn’t a new phenomenon. It first came to the national stage in the 1970s, despite efforts to address it that began in the 1950s. The most frequent type of elder abuse that receives the spotlight is physical abuse. It also happens to be the most frequently perpetrated type, accounting for 27.4% of complaints of elder abuse in nursing homes.
There are numerous stories of elder abuse at the hands of employees at nursing homes. In fact, more than 60% of nursing home staff confessed to committing elder abuse or neglect toward the seniors in their care. As a result, it’s no surprise that public perception of nursing homes is less than positive.
Lower Cost
The cost of receiving care is often a concern for clients and their families. On average, nursing home care costs twice as much as home care. The average cost for home care in the United States is just over $3,800 per month, while nursing home care costs range between $6,844 and $7,698.
Arranging care for your elderly family members depends on a number of factors. Many families choose home care instead of nursing home care for a variety of reasons. If you’re looking for Burbank senior care, you can count on A Better Solution In Home Care to meet your needs. Give us a call to discuss how we can provide the best care for you or your family members!
