Research has shown that living in a nursing home or assisted living facility can make elderly people feel helpless and even defeated.
By continuing to live at home, you’re able to maintain – and on occasion – even increase your confidence levels, and these feelings of confidence and independence can be extremely beneficial to your mental health and wellbeing.
Here are eight advantages that home care can have for you….
Independence
Loss of independence is always a major concern for elderly people, who are considering care options, and remaining at home means that you’re able to retain control over many aspects of your daily life. Not only are you able to continue your own routine, you’re also able to retain all of your belongings, continue with the activities that you want to do, welcome visitors at any time of the day, and eat when – and what – you want! Nursing and care homes generally mean smaller living spaces and a ‘timetabled’ routine that is scheduled to suit all of the other residents. Remaining in your own home means that you can live life at your own pace in your own space.
Flexibility
Even if you need to have some sort of care – whether it’s formal or informal – remaining at home gives you flexibility. If your family is supporting you with things like transport and home cleaning, you can organise it for times that suit YOU. This flexibility will make you feel that you’re retaining your independence and will ultimately retain your sense of wellbeing.
Cost effectiveness
We’ve all heard about the often exorbitant costs of care homes, so remaining at home can be a much more affordable option. Even if you need to employ a carer privately, who calls in with you for a few hours a day, the savings will still be significant.
Getting out and about
By continuing to live in your own home, you have the freedom and flexibility to go and about as and when you want to. If you are still continuing to drive, then you can stay connected; by continuing to travel to the places and events that you’ve always loved, but even if you’re no longer driving, there are plenty of other transport options that will enable you to continue with your favourite activities and to meet up with your friends.
Hobbies and interests
By continuing to live at home, you are able to continue to exercise both your body and mind, and to focus on the things that bring you most enjoyment. By retaining an interest in your hobbies and interests, you will be able to stay healthy, positive and motivated.
Staying connected with your social networks
Living in a care facility means that you have to adhere to the facility’s routines and timetable. This means that you’re limited in where you can go and how long you can stay. It’s vitally important that you stay connected to your friends, social groups and family members as this is an important part of maintaining your independence.
One-on-one attention
Even if you do have to have some form of assistance – whether it’s from a family member of formal care giver – by remaining at home you can continue to receive this help on a one-to-one basis. In this way you’re sure to be receiving the care that you need and want, and aren’t forced to comply with a timetabled form of care. By living in your own home you know exactly what you need – and when.
Benefits for mental health
Being in familiar surroundings is very important as you get older. When your surroundings are comfortable and familiar, and you can continue with the life that you’ve always had, the effect on your mental health will be extremely positive. This is especially true if you suffer from any type of progressive condition that’s affecting your memory.