Role of Nurses in Home Visits for Old Age People

With people increasingly moving away in search of jobs and higher education, their elderly parents are often left behind at home. It is difficult for the old people to move along with their children,as they may find it challenging to adapt to new environments, lifestyles, and social settings. Additionally, their health concerns, long-standing social ties, and the comfort of familiar surroundings make relocating impractical. This separation can lead to feelings of loneliness and neglect among seniors, highlighting the need for reliable support systems to ensure their well-being, dignity, and independence.

This has led to an increase in prominence of old age homes. However, though there are conveniences in availing of old-age home services, some disadvantages also restrict families from choosing them. Therefore, it is important for you to know about old age home advantages and disadvantages​ to avail the best old age care for your ageing parents or family members.

What Are Old Age Homes?

Before understanding the advantages and disadvantages of old age homes, you need to have a clear understanding of their services. Old age homes are especially accommodable residential places for seniors with physical and mental or security-oriented issues.

With a range of services, including regular health check-ups, daily assistance in dressing, grooming, and community services for well-being, old age homes provide all-round support to the vulnerable old age people around.

Advantages of Old Age Homes

A few key advantages of old age homes highlight their relevance in today’s world, including:

· Professional Care and Support

Old age homes provide access to professional medical staff, including nurses, doctors, and therapists, who can offer specialised care. So, any medical needs or emergencies of your elderly family member will be addressed promptly here.

· Safety and Security

With CCTV surveillance, ramps, guardrails, and emergency alarms, old age homes are extremely safe for seniors. They will get an immediate 24/7 emergency in cases of injuries and other medical illnesses.

· Social Interaction and Community

Old age homes offer opportunities for residents to interact with peers, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Social activities, group outings, and events foster a sense of belonging and friendship among the seniors.

· Structure and Routine

The well-trained and experienced caregivers provide daily timely support in bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and medication for your seniors. This routine support ensures that your loved ones receive the necessary assistance while maintaining their dignity.

Disadvantages of Old Age Homes

Despite the above advantages, there are a few disadvantages of old age home​ that may keep you wondering about alternatives. These are;

· Emotional Impact of Leaving Home

Your elderly parents have a deep emotional connection to the home where they’ve spent so many years. Leaving behind their familiar surroundings, cherished belongings, ancestral house, and a lifetime of memories can be incredibly difficult for them.

· Lack of Personalised Care

Old age homes often provide standardised care that may not cater to the unique needs of each resident. Seniors have diverse requirements based on their health, preferences, and emotional well-being, which are difficult to address in a group setting where caregivers manage multiple individuals. This lack of tailored attention can make residents feel neglected or overlooked, potentially impacting their physical health and emotional happiness.

· Cost Implications

With the addition of more facilities and comforts, the cost of old-age home accommodation also rises significantly. These annual or monthly fees can be quite expensive in the long run, especially for high-end establishments that offer quality services. In India, only the really expensive old-age homes provide decent living standards and proper care. Those run by charitable institutions often struggle with limited resources, leading to neglect of residents, substandard services, and uncaring staff. This disparity means that affordability often comes at the cost of quality, making it difficult to find a balance between budget and adequate care for seniors.

· Reduced Family Bonding

After a certain period when you get busy with your daily chores, family bonding is bound to reduce when you are not in regular contact with your elderly. This physical distance will result in emotional disconnection.

When Is an Old Age Home a Suitable Option?

An old age home may be a suitable option for seniors in various situations, especially when they require care or support that exceeds what can be provided at home. Such as, elders with chronic health conditions requiring all-time attention may get it proactively at an old age home.

Elderly individuals with children living abroad or far away often find themselves managing daily tasks alone, which can be increasingly challenging. Over time, their ability to remain safe and self-sufficient may decline, making it difficult to cope with everyday responsibilities. In such situations, transitioning to an old-age home may eventually become a necessity.

However, as an alternative to an old age home, you can opt for in-home care services from organisations like Samarth Elder Care. We provide similar professional support and caregiving to the loving elders of yours right in the comfort and bliss of theirhome.

Comparing Old Age Homes with In-Home Elder Care

When deciding between old age homes and in-home elder care, several key differences can impact the decision-making process for families and elderly individuals. These differences revolve around levels of personalisation, cost factors, and the ability to stay connected with family.

· Levels of Personalisation

In old age homes, care is often generalised due to the large number of residents. In contrast, in-home care provides personalised attention, with a trained caregiver dedicated to your loved one, creating tailored plans and routines based on their specific needs and health conditions.

· Cost-effectiveness

Old age home care services are significantly costly as they consist of meals, accommodation charges, healthcare and maintenance charges. You may have to pay a handsome amount for an annual or monthly fee. However, in the case of in-home services, you can choose between part-time or full-time services. You can pay on an hourly basis only when you feel the necessity to have assistance.

Conclusion

When it comes to caring for elderly loved ones, families face an important decision about whether to choose old age homes or in-home care solutions. Old age homes offer consistent medical care and attention at times when you cannot actively provide it. However, their care can get generalised and make your loving senior feel lonely away from home.

Considering the old age home advantages and disadvantages, you can opt for in-home senior care services too. Contemplate the needs of your elderly at home and the issues that you are facing in looking after them. Only then decide whether you will take the support of old age home or in-home services.