Find out why you should avoid a care home for later life care, instead, opting for options that could mean you remain happy within your home for longer.
As much as we should all be living in the moment more, the fact remains that there may come a time in later life that we need care and may have to move home. Looking to the future can provide you with the peace of mind that you will have the quality of life you deserve when you need to rely on others. A care home might seem like the most popular choice, and even the only choice, but realistically, there are quite a few reasons to avoid care homes if you can:
- Most People Don’t Want To Go Into A Care Home
A study by The Live-in Care Hub found that a huge 97% of people would rather avoid a care home if they become unwell or unable to care for themselves. Let’s be honest, it isn’t the ideal of most of us to have to move into a home for care and it shouldn’t feel like something we have to do when we need care.
- Your Physical Health Is More At Risk
A British Medical Journal study showed that those in care homes are 3 times more likely to fall than those who have live-in care at home. Worse still, those who do fall are 10 times more likely to sustain a serious injury as a result. This is unfortunately just one example of many when it comes to physical health and increased risks in care homes.
- Your Emotional Health Is More At Risk
Overwhelming evidence shows that emotionally, those in care homes can face numerous challenges. Because the care system is so strained, a major issue is that carers simply do not have enough time to spend with individual residents. In addition, a lack of trips out of the centre, a lack of control over the environment and food consumed, and lack of stimulation can all contribute to issues with mental health.
- A Lack Of Dementia Care
Statistics from NICE show over two thirds of those in care homes have dementia, and yet sadly, the care provided is not person-centred. This can decrease quality of life, cause the person to be depressed and might even cause quicker physical deterioration.
- You May Have To Move Without Your Partner Or Pets
Sadly, lots of care homes do not take pets, which can mean a heartbreaking separation from your furry friend at a time you likely need their love the most. In some scenarios, there aren’t any spaces for both husband and wife, which can mean you have to be separate from your spouse.
- You Don’t Have To!
Most importantly it is vital you understand that if you don’t want to go into a care home you don’t have to – they are not the only option for you in later life. There are many options including: sheltered accommodation, day care and home care. Home care in particular is a great option because it means that your needs are cared for on a one to one basis. Companionship, nutritional needs, physical needs, specialist needs and personal care are all taken care of. In addition, help with pet care, home maintenance, running errands and medicine schedules can all form part of your care package. There’s no need to leave your pets or the place you love the most. There’s also no need to separate from your spouse. In fact, the cost of home care has been shown to be favourable against care home costs when applied to a couple who both require care at home.
If you’re interested in avoiding a care home in the future, then perhaps it is a good idea to start looking into alternatives now. The more informed you are, the more likely you are able to make a great decision for your future care needs.