Care Homes vs Home Care in Bournemouth

Care homes and home care in Bournemouth have the potential to make a significant difference to families.

20/12/2023

Care homes and home care in Bournemouth have the potential to make a significant difference to families.

Care homes and home care in Bournemouth have the potential to make a significant difference to families. When someone needs extra care, it can be a challenging time for many of the people who are involved.

Every person deserves great attention and support when factors such as increasing age and health conditions become an issue. Finding the best option for the person in need and their loved ones is crucial for everyone’s comfort, happiness, and peace of mind. That is where care homes and home care services can step in.

Each has different components that may be beneficial to different people, and one option may suit your situation more than another. Both care homes and home care aim to help maintain or improve a good quality of life for people who require extra assistance, promoting comfort and independence. They also work towards alleviating stress and reducing the difficulties that caring for someone at home may create for loved ones.

Care homes and a home care service offer different options for people requiring support. Deciding which is best for a certain situation comes down to personal preferences, needs, and goals. Find the right balance when choosing between care homes in Bournemouth and home care in Bournemouth with this detailed guide.

 

What is a Care Home?

A care home offers permanent accommodation for people who need help with various daily tasks and requirements. Diverse and comprehensive support is delivered by professionals and trained support staff to cater for the broad array of ways people may need help. This may include factors such as healthcare, hygiene assistance, and emotional support.

Examples of people who may find the specialised care at these facilities suitable include those with:

  • Age-related challenges.
  • Disabilities.
  • Chronic illness.

People who do not have someone available to help them when needed or are lonely at home may also benefit from living in a care home.

If you are currently caring for a loved one or their needs are shifting towards this requirement, a care home can offer a different option. Supporting  a loved one with complex needs at home can be demanding on your energy and time. Your own physical and mental health may also be affected.

No matter the commitment and dedication you have for this special person, there may come a time when the best option for you all may be the professional, around-the-clock support that is available away from your own home, at care homes in Bournemouth. This may provide you with peace of mind, knowing your loved one is being looked after, and allow you to maintain a good quality of life too.

 

What is Home Care?

Home care is a multi-faceted and personalised form of healthcare and support that is delivered at a person’s home. In similar ways to care homes, home care helps people who are facing challenges that make living independently difficult, unsafe, or unfulfilling.

The assistance that home care offers is akin to what is available in care homes, such as medical care and help with activities of daily life, like dressing and eating. However, a significant and marked difference is that home care allows the person in need to remain in their own home, whether they live by themselves or with family or friends.

This works to promote improved independence and safety while enabling the person to experience the comforts and familiarity that can be found at home. Home care can be customised to suit the preferences and goals of the person and their family. This may involve a structured approach to care and support or may take a more flexible approach. Home care can involve different services, such as live-in care and visiting home care experts.

Like the support of a care home, home care may promote a better quality of life for the person in need of help as well as the people who have been assisting. With tailored support plans, you can be as involved in the care of your loved one as you like, knowing the appropriate level of professional support is there when you need it. 

 

Care Homes vs Home Care in Bournemouth

If you are exploring your options and working towards a decision between a care home or home care, there are various factors to consider.

 

Care Homes

Care homes may work well for people who require constant access to care. They can provide a place of medical and physical support or supervision, as well as encourage companionship, independence, and contentment. Many people thrive in the structured and supportive environment, where experienced, qualified staff and care home residents create a sense of community.

 

Home Care

Home care can be tailored to suit each individual and their family. At Bluebird Care, we offer:

These options mean that the care your loved one receives suits them as best as possible and incorporates your preferences and requirements too. Home care  experts that visit at set times during the week may work well for you, or live-in care might be more appropriate. The latter option means that personal care can be provided around the clock.

 

Pros and Cons of Care Homes and Home Care

Care homes and home care offer a broad array of services, which may include elements that are more advantageous for some people than for others.

 

Pros and cons of receiving care in a care home may include:

Pros

Cons

Healthcare and support services delivered by experienced professionals.

Potentially less personalised care.

Access to care at all times of the day and night.

Reduced personal space, control, and perceived independence.

Daily routine and structure.

Changes to personal routine and activities.

Personal care, including aspects such as hygiene assistance and food preparation.

A need to adjust to a new setting and living situation.

Respite and peace of mind for family and friends. 

Changes to staffing and residents, which may be unsettling and emotional.

Access to groups, activities, resources, and facilities.

 

A sense of community.

 

 

Some pros and cons of receiving home care may include:

Pros

Cons

Ability to stay in familiar surroundings with friends and family nearby.

Potential for family members to remain more involved than need be, leading to burn out.

Care and support delivered by dedicated, experienced, and qualified professionals.

Safety concerns if the home environment does not fulfil requirements (we can recommend any urgent changes and work together with other healthcare professionals to help arrange necessary equipment).

Customisable care services including options such as live-in care, night or day care, and morning visits.


 

Flexibility in terms of family involvement and schedule.

 

 

Questions to Consider When Choosing Between Care Homes and Home Care in Bournemouth

Various factors are worth considering when deciding whether living in a care home or receiving care at home is right for your loved one. Questions that may be beneficial to ask include:

  • Are the most appropriate medical care and support services available?
  • Do the costs fit with your budget or that of your loved one? It may be helpful to include factors such as insurance and government assistance in your financial planning.
  • Which lifestyle factors are most important to your loved one? These could include aspects such as independence, social activities, and family interaction.
  • Is there a care home in a location that suits the preferences of your loved one and those important to them?
  • Can your loved one’s family and friends be as involved in their life and care as desired?

 

Other Considerations


When it comes to choosing care, it’s all about the needs and wants of the individual. At Bluebird Care Bournemouth, we can cater to each individual as our services are always tailored. Here are a few extra things to consider when selecting care:
 

  • Cost: How are you paying for care? Does the level of care your loved one needs match your budget?
  • Level of care: What level of care does your loved one need? Do they need 24-hour attention or just a bit of extra support? Our Bluebird Care Bournemouth team can help you find home care that’s tailored to your needs – give us a call today.
  • Thecustomer’s preferences: Ensure your loved one has a say in their care. This can not only ensure their mental and emotional health but also support their physical health. For many, the priority is to maintain independence in the comfort of home. If this is a preference for your loved one, a care home may not be the right option.

 

Access The Most Suitable Care Option For Your Loved One

If the time comes when your loved one requires care and assistance, it may be difficult to know what the right path is to take. There are so many aspects to consider. At Bluebird Care, we understand that you want the best for your loved one. That is why we are dedicated to providing them with the most suitable care.

We have many service options and a fantastic team of experienced and committed staff to help the person who is so important to you get the care they deserve. If you are looking for care for your loved one, please contact our friendly team for more information.

 

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