Making a decision for an aging loved one or family member about housing or a care facility can be an overwhelming, confusing and emotional process. There are many factors to consider, such as the level of care needed, accessibility requirements, medical concerns, insurance coverage and more. Taking the time to assess what’s best for your loved one and the rest of your family takes time, compassion and support.
Two of the most popular options for seniors are in-home care services or relocation to a residential nursing facility. Both have distinct advantages, depending on what your loved one needs most. Learning about available options can help you and your loved one make an educated decision that you’re both comfortable with, knowing that they’ll receive the care they need in the environment that makes the most sense for them.
What is Home Care?
Home care provides personal care services to your loved one from the comforts of their own home. Home health care also falls under the banner of the broader home care umbrella and involves skilled nursing care administered to your loved one while they age in-place. However, not all home care providers offer home health or skilled nursing care. Be sure to check with your local provider to confirm they offer the services your loved one needs.
Home care allows your family member to receive medical and/or practical care alongside socialization in a familiar, comfortable environment. Choosing home care for your aging loved one provides the opportunity for highly personalized care, increased levels of comfort and allows them to maintain their independence as they age.
In-home care is an incredibly flexible option that can be customized to your loved one’s needs, including full-time or part-time care. Respite care is another option to explore that offers care on a periodic basis, offering family caregivers a break from tending to their loved one’s needs with help from professional in-home caregivers.
What is a Nursing Home?
Relocating your loved one to a nursing home facility is a long-term care option that provides housing and medical attention, as well as 24/7 care. Nursing homes are staffed around-the-clock with medical professionals and caregivers to offer immediate care for your loved one, with qualified professionals able to tend to their health care needs. A residential nursing home can be a helpful option for an older loved one who does not need to be hospitalized, but can no longer care for themselves on their own.
Key Differences Between In-Home Care and Nursing Homes
In-home care and nursing homes are distinctly different choices. Both can offer peace of mind that your loved one receives qualified, compassionate care tailored to their needs. Making the best decision with your loved one will require careful consideration of a variety of factors, including the level of care needed, cost and insurance coverage, quality of life and family involvement.
Level of Care
One of the most important issues to consider is what level of care your loved one needs right now and in the future. A nursing home can provide ongoing, constant and immediate medical care with licensed nurses and aides available 24/7.
However, 24/7 home care is also an option, if your loved one prefers to age in-place. In-home care can be a great choice for seniors who only need care on a part-time or occasional basis. Caregivers can provide practical care and assistance with activities of daily living (such as meal prep, bathing and assistance in moving from room to room), while home health nurses have the required training to provide medical care, such as checking vital signs, wound care or administering IV therapies.
Cost Comparison
The cost of a nursing home vs. in-home care cost is a significant deciding factor for many families. Taking into consideration cost, frequency of care and insurance coverage can help you make the best choice for your family. Based on national research and data from a recent Genworth survey(Opens in a new window), partial or fully residential elder care can cost anywhere from $2,000 per month for services such as adult day health care within an assisted living community to over $10,000 per month for a private room at a nursing home facility.
In-home care costs vary depending on where you live and the services needed. According to a 2024 Genworth study(Opens in a new window), the monthly median cost nationwide is between $5,700 and $6,300. These costs are an estimated figure and may fluctuate over time or due to geographic and other factors. At BrightStar Care, we’ll work with you and your family to explore options available to you to pay for the cost of care for your loved one.
Quality of Life
A loved one’s quality of life is at the top of many families’ priorities when deciding between in-home care or a nursing home. Balancing their personality alongside changing needs can help you both decide where they’ll best thrive.
In a residential nursing home, clients receive immediate and around-the-clock medical care. They also have the opportunity to become a part of a new community and expand their support network. Most nursing homes offer a variety of activities and social engagement opportunities for residents.
Skilled nursing and in-home health care can offer comparable services to seniors who would prefer to age in place. If your local home care agency offers in-home health services, you can expect that your loved one can receive prompt medical care from a qualified professional on a full-time, part-time, or round-the-clock basis.
With in-home care, your loved one has the opportunity to maintain their current independence and lifestyle with extra support and resources. Many seniors – and frankly, people of all ages – find comfort in their home, surrounded by memories, neighbors and familiar surroundings. Examining your loved one’s current and future needs can help you determine which option offers them an opportunity to thrive and enhance their quality of life.
Family Involvement
Family members have their own unique situations and preferences in terms of how involved they are able to be in their loved one’s care. Whether your family ultimately chooses a nursing home or in-home care services, the decision-making process creates many opportunities for family involvement so that the decision reflects the well-being of all family members. Opportunities for family engagement differs a bit in terms of nursing home facility vs. in-home care services. Nursing homes typically have designated visiting hours for clients living on-site, while in-home care doesn’t include such restrictions when it comes to visiting or engaging with your loved one.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Home Care and Nursing Homes
Whether you choose a nursing home facility or in-home care services for your family member, there are a few key elements to consider as you make your decision. The most important factor is to determine which option will help your family member experience more of the good parts of their life. Requiring additional care means a new chapter in their life. And while their life has changed, there are some elements that can remain the same without disrupting their life dramatically, or offer new opportunities for socialization.
At BrightStar Care, we’re here to help listen to your concerns and needs. If you have questions and want to learn more to make the best possible decision for your family, get in touch with us today.
Medical Needs
Your loved one may suffer from a chronic illness or have severe mobility issues that necessitate constant care. Or they might just need occasional assistance with getting dressed. Both in-home health care and a nursing facility can offer high-quality, attentive care and professional support. If your loved one requires medical care, in-home health services can deliver the same degree of expert care that they’d receive in a nursing facility. An honest and thorough evaluation of your loved one’s medical needs and frame of mind can help your family decide between a nursing facility or in-home care services.
Living Environment Preferences
Is your loved one a social butterfly or a homebody? Do they easily adapt to new situations or do they have difficulty with change? Your loved one’s personality and the type of environment they prefer will also play a big part in deciding between in-home care and a nursing facility. Socialization, stimulation and interaction with others can have a positive impact on their mental and emotional state. Consider their social needs and comforts when making a decision.
Although a care facility can give seniors more opportunities to socialize, in-home care can help loved ones with an already robust and thriving social life maintain existing friendships and relationships. Often, nursing facilities have designated visiting hours, which limits the amount of time and visitors your loved one can see. Home care allows them to receive guests whenever they want, plus benefit from adding reliable, professional caregivers to their circle. In addition to providing social stimulation, many home caregivers are often able to transport clients to various social gatherings within their community, keeping them connected while receiving quality care at home.
Safety
Safety is often top of mind for aging seniors like your family member. In many cases, families consider either in-home care or a nursing home facility due to worries about a loved one’s safety. Maybe they’ve had a bad fall recently or have memory issues. Assessing the level of safety measures that are necessary for your loved one can help determine which situation suits your family best.
Residential nursing homes offer a sterile environment alongside staff that is consistently available to ensure that safety measures and protocols are followed throughout the facility.
However, in-home care also ensures that your loved one stays safe while receiving care. A home care professional can assess and make suggestions around any changes or modifications to your loved one’s home environment to increase their safety. At BrightStar Care, our team will conduct an initial assessment before creating a customized care plan for your loved one, which includes understanding more about their health needs and home environment. Additionally, 24/7 in-home care is available to ensure a qualified professional is present at all times while your loved one receives care from home.
Budget and Financial Planning
Evaluating the costs of qualified care for your loved one is another significant part of the decision-making process. Your budget and any out-of-pocket costs depend on your situation, your loved one’s care needs and any funding options available to you. Whether you plan to pay for services out of pocket, with private health insurance, or with long-term care insurance, there is a way to make it work.
Future Care Needs
While there is much to consider as you start thinking about your loved one’s current needs, you’ll also want to think about their future. Situations change and needs evolve. As your loved one’s journey progresses, their care plan may change over time. When weighing your options, look for flexibility in care plans that can accommodate your loved one now and in the future.
When In-Home Care Might Be Best
In-home care services can be a great fit for seniors who are mostly independent and/or have few major medical needs that require hospitalization. When clients choose in-home care as their personal best option, they typically experience higher levels of satisfaction and independence while maintaining personal relationships.
If your loved one is someone who feels most comfortable in their own home and may form a strong bond with a specific caregiver, in-home care can help them stay independent on their own terms. In-home care also benefits seniors who may not need to be hospitalized, but experience difficulty with some aspects of daily living.
When a Nursing Home Might Be Necessary
Both nursing homes and home care provide individuals with necessary care, tailored to their needs. Both in-home health care and a nursing facility can be a good fit for those who require around-the-clock medical attention, are suffering from a long-term chronic illness or struggle to take care of themselves on their own. In some cases, seniors who do not have relatives nearby or active social lives may prefer the social activity a care facility can provide them with. However, they can also build strong bonds with a trusted in-home care team if they find a facility to be too overwhelming an adjustment. Families who choose either a nursing home facility or in-home care for their loved one often find greater peace of mind that their loved one is in capable hands, ensuring that their medical and safety needs are met on an ongoing basis.
Hybrid Options: Combining In-Home and Facility-Based Care
Hybrid care options can involve a combination of facility-based care with in-home care provided between facility stays, or it can also involve providing supplemental care to your loved one within a nursing home. For instance, your loved one may have an in-home caregiver they prefer who also provides supplemental care while they are temporarily. A hybrid approach can support your loved one’s preferences and ensure they receive care from someone they trust. Combining in-home and facility-based care is a less common choice, but BrightStar Care is able to give you that flexibility if it makes the most sense for your family.
BrightStar Care: Your Partner in Choosing the Right Path
When making a decision about your loved one’s future, it helps to have the benefit of compassionate expertise on your side. Evaluating everything from level of care, budget and cost, consideration of quality of care and more will help you determine whether a nursing home facility or in-home care is the best choice for your loved one. BrightStar Care is here to support you in assessing your needs, answering questions and helping you find the best path forward for your loved one’s well-being and care.