Home care: the alternative to nursing homes

Home Instead, Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar - 044 9385260; www.homeinstead.ie

By Jonathan Acton; j.acton@homeinsteadm.ie

Nursing homes can be helpful and they have their place, but there is no place like home.

Home is a place to feel safe and warm, surrounded by the memories that make up a lifetime. Home is the foundation of our lives; a symbol of our families and friends. It’s a personal sanctuary of comfort and familiarity. Home is the one place where we can truly be ourselves.

Young and old, we all understand the importance of home. And especially as we age, home is where we want to stay. Time passes and calendars change, but inevitably the moment comes when you start to wonder if mam can stay safe without you. Who will help dad with the groceries when I’m not around? How can I even start this conversation?

Home care is a very personal and intimate type of care.

A professional CAREGiver in the home will deliver one-on-one care and will provide care that matches the needs of the person. There is no waiting for help with the activities of daily living – as does happen in an institutionalised care setting.

A professional CAREGiver spends quality time with the person and is readily available.

Giving your loved one the freedom to stay at home also allows you to maintain your lifestyle while ensuring that your loved one is receiving the perfect amount of care in their home. Staying close to memories and familiar surroundings can make ageing a much more calming, soothing process – something everyone agrees with.

If you have any questions about home care services and how they can help your loved one maintain their independence and live at home longer, please give us a buzz on 044 9385260.

Whether you are looking for short-term respite, or long-term home care, we are happy to meet with you at a time that suits you and your family. We appreciate your time and look forward to helping you turn this difficult decision into one that will change your life for the better.

You should be confident that you are making the right choice, not only for your parent, relative or friend, but for you and your family as well.

Benefits of Home Care

• Home care is delivered at home

• The person receives personalised, one-on-one care

• Home care encourages older people to maintain their independence

• Home care is often the first choice of seniors – few people choose to be placed in a nursing home unless it’s the only place they can receive the care they need

• Home care is often less expensive than other kinds of care, and people usually feel better about spending money on home care as the care is more personalised and the quality of care is far beyond what it could be in a nursing home.

• Tax relief of up to 40% is available on home care fees. Please contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office for information on how to claim tax relief and how to apply for a home care grant.

Nursing homes have an important role to play by providing care for the sick and elderly. My dear granny spent her final days in a nursing home and was well minded by very caring staff. Her needs were high-dependent and she certainly needed to be there.

Studies show, however, that there are a large number of people in nursing homes that could be cared for in their own home.

I hope this article helps to raise awareness with people that home is proving the safest place to receive care, and that it is also the place of choice for most seniors.

Call us at here Home Instead in Mullingar, and keep your loved ones at Home Instead!