If this is your first time considering care, whether for yourself or for a loved one, you may be wondering ‘What are the main differences and benefits between the two forms?’

Even though these two options seem so similar they are actually very different from each other. While we cannot say which one is the best option out of the two, we can offer you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Home care is a very popular option and is becoming increasingly more and more sought after. The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of home care and has led many people to opt-in for home care and opt-out of care homes.

The main reason why home care is the most desirable choice is that it allows the care recipient to remain in their home for as long as possible and maintain their independence.

The truth is, most people do not want to end up in a care home. In some cases, indeed, the option to move into a care home is the most reasonable one. An example of this is when a person has severe dementia and their condition can no longer be managed at home. People usually choose care homes as a last resort.

Home care is actually better for the health and well-being of a person. The main reason for this is because the care offered at home by a single carer (or multiple) is person-centred. The care is tailored made to one individual only.

In contrast, carers who work in care homes are required to work on a schedule and look after multiple people’s care on a daily basis. Person-centred home care has a positive impact on a person’s health and well-being. It has been shown to increase a person’s confidence and make them happier.

Another benefit of home care is the cost. Enlisting home care is more cost-effective in the long run. Many people assume that home care is extremely expensive and unattainable but this could not be further from the truth. The cost of home care is equal to the one of care homes. However, most of the time it can even be cheaper.

Furthermore, if you decide to go for home care, you may be able to qualify for funding to cover your costs. You typically need to go through some assessments which will establish how much funding you are entitled to. The funding can cover part or all of the home care costs.

Home care is a very popular option among those who suffer from dementia. In fact, more than 50% of all home care placements that Guardian Carers make are for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the main reasons for this is that loved ones wish to keep their family members in their home, around their own belongings, in a place full of memories. The fact that they get to stay in the place they’ve lived in most of their life, near friends, family and neighbours contribute to their general well-being.

It has also been shown that remaining in one’s own home can also slow down the progression of dementia. Human contact and familiarity are essential in dementia care. Uprooting a person with dementia from the place they have known all their life can be a particularly distressing experience and can do more harm than good.

Home care is a particularly popular choice because it maintains a person’s independence. Here at Guardian Carers, our main goal is to promote and maintain people’s independence for as long as possible.

Our wonderful carers do a wonderful job at that. They treat their clients with the dignity and respect they deserve after a life well-lived. By receiving home care support at home, people can continue to live life as they love, on their own accord, or as close as possible to what they want, depending on their cognitive abilities.

Home care services are adjustable to a person’s needs and requirements. As a person’s needs change, their home care package can be adjusted to suit their needs. Typically, clients of Guardian Carers may start off with a smaller care programme, then gradually increase it over time.

For example, some of our clients have started off with part-time or temporary care placements and progressed into full-time live-in care, seven days a week. Normally, when a person gets to 24-hour live-in care, this tends to be the last step before moving into a care home. Or, depending on the situation, if the arrangement is suitable for a long time, they will keep receiving live-in care for as long as they need it.

Guardian Carers are leaders in live-in care placements. One of the main reasons for this is that our live-in care service is completely customisable to the needs of each and every individual client. When a client rings us they are assigned a consultant who will work with them to find the live-in carer who will fit them best.

The personal consultant will conduct a search and then send live-in carer profiles to the client who will get to pick the ones they like the most. Once they have made their choice, they will get to interview the carers themselves in order to ensure that they do not only look good on paper but that they are a great personality match too.

Once they have made a decision, the live-in carer is ready to move into the home and be there for as long as possible. The same goes for all of our other home care services, such as full-time, part-time, temporary or permanent care.

If you would like to learn more about our home care services and whether it’s just the right fit for you or your loved one, you can speak to one of our specialist consultants on 0207 183 1395 for a no-obligation enquiry.