If you or your loved one is considering what type of healthcare may be best for older age, the question of home health versus nursing home may arise. Which is better? What are the requirements for each? Questions like this can make it difficult to choose which is the best one for you.
However, with a bit of guidance, you can make the right decision for yourself or your loved one. The most important thing is to find something that is a good fit for your family in multiple domains, including type of care, finances, dependence, etc. Below, we will talk about the differences between them so you can identify which is the best option for you.
Amount of help necessary
One way to decide which is the best option is to determine the dependence of the individual in question. Can they get around on their own and just need a little additional help, or are they completely dependent on care for even the smallest of daily tasks? What about medically? Do they only require maintenance of a few minor ailments, or is their health quickly deteriorating to the point where they need constant supervision?
Deciding which level of care necessary is an important deciding factor as home health and nursing homes appeal to a different population based on some of these characteristics. Once you’ve identified the level of care they need, then you may have a better idea of exactly what services are necessary and which modality of care can meet that.
Home Health
Home health provides assistance for either a few hours a week to 24/7 constant care. As the name suggests, it’s in the home, meaning that individuals can stay in their homes, homes of family member or loved ones, and receive necessary care without having to leave their home. Most individuals receive 44 hours or less per week. All day care can be very expensive, and in that case, caregiving would be hospice or palliative care related. Home health provides basic needs such as companionship, activities of daily living – including hygiene, meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, and housekeeping – among others.
Skilled professionals such as physical therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, doctors and others can provide basic services in addition to far greater levels of in-home care. Under the direction of a licensed physician, professionals can use their skills to assist with any medical needs: IV changes and insertions, feeding tubes, catheters, injections, medication administration and other physical needs beyond activities of daily living and mobility.
Certified professionals for dementia and other memory care are also available in homes, but are generally best for those with mild to moderate stages of these conditions. As they start to progress, then it may be necessary to consider a more advanced level of care.
This is a great option for people who want to enjoy the freedom of being in their own home and in familiar surroundings. Many seniors have a greater quality of life and happiness with this model of care. Stats show that these individuals have up to 50% less doctor’s visits annually.
When considering in-home care, families decide whether to hire a caregiver privately, or to use an agency. Agencies handle a lot of the work of finding qualified individuals, running background checks, confirming their credentials, handling the financial aspects including caregiver payments, and calculating withholdings for taxes.
Nursing home care
Nursing homes, also known as convalescent homes, can be a great option for individuals needing more than basic care that is handled in home health settings. Nursing homes provide around the clock medical care and assistance for patients in a residential setting. Caregivers will assist beneficiaries with all of the activities of daily living, personal care, mobility, meals, cleaning, laundry, and provide skilled medical care and/or therapy whenever it’s needed.
Many families who may feel that full-time care is needed may instead opt for a nursing home model of care over the home health. They. handle a lot of the minute details that alleviate the caregiver’s stress levels.
Facilities offer different options for accomodations, including semi-private and private rooms. Private rooms cost more, and some homes may have restrictions such as age, cooking, and pets. Many seniors prefer the amenities in nursing homes because of the regular in-house activities, like crafts, games and fitness, in addition to outings like the mall, entertainment, and others with transportation included. Many of these facilities also offer advanced memory support for those with severe dementia, Alzheimer’s and any other disease that may be degenerative to the brain.
Those with chronic health problems where mobility issues are very prevalent may also benefit from nursing homes.
Comparisons
These two models of care are pretty similar except for some key differences. Most notable is the price difference. Nursing homes are about twice the price of in-home care (averaging ~44 hours a week). They both are paid for privately with limited support and coverage from Medicaid and Medicare. The exact cost of each will depend on a number of factors including location, amount of care needed, and level of care required. The average cost varies between states, with higher costs being where the cost of living is higher.
Average nursing homes cost $225 a day for a semi-private room and $253 for a private room. Monthly charges total anywhere from $6900-$7700. Annual costs can range anywhere from $82000-$92000 for full time nursing care. Additional costs can add up if there are other considerations such as dementia, memory care, or other special services required.
In-home care is a little cheaper with non-medical professionals who are assisting with activities of daily living, housekeeping, and companionship services averaging $164 daily for a total cost of $59000 a year for 40-44 hours a week.
Skilled medical professionals can provide similar care to the health aides, but also can perform more intensive services. Therefore the cost of these professionals average about $220 daily, $6600 a month and a little more than $79000 annually.
Paying for advanced care
When looking at the differences between these two services, their costliness is not a difference. Both options can create a financial strain on families or anyone else paying for these services. There are normally many options when it comes to payment including cash for a few hours of service, financial assistance from the government, state or local agencies, and various types of insurance benefits and grants. When you are organizing care, be sure to speak with the agency to see what others have done to cover their costs.
Diverse Health Services has a home health option for your family that includes many of the services mentioned in this article. Please contact us or click our services button to find out more about us and get a consultation today.
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