It is often really hard as most families in Singapore have difficulty choosing which is best for their elderly family members: a nursing home or a live-in helper? You have to really, really balance between each of them because it can be better or worse for a different type of person, considering older ones are so choosy, weighing the pros and cons. That is why it’s important to know the difference and make the smart choices! Which is the best for the health, happiness and the quality of life of your elderly family member?

The classic nursing homes offer well-structured care in a community environment.

We’ve seen them on TV dramas and, most of us, in person, nursing homes are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week! They really offer five star medical care, hands on, and they also help with daily chores, even the most complicated ones, like cleaning the comfort room. They are staffed with our very own modern heroes: trained medical professionals like nurses that are certified, registered, and licensed. Yep, you can be 100% sure these professionals are able to handle a wide range of medical conditions at any given situation.

Really, really, really good reasons why nursing homes are good for your loved ones:

1. Medical supervision is superb and that’s about right. Your loved ones, the residents of nursing homes are watched over like a hawk, by doctors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure they get the quickest professional care.
2. It helps them socialize with other living beings, residents can talk to each other through fun planned activities, a common living and eating areas where they can chatter. This really helps them feel less lonely and separated from you.
3. Nursing homes have different specialized services for every one. Each one of the lovely elderly gets personal care like “spa day” but everyday, they get the help they need specially those with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and those who want to get better after surgery.
4. Nursing homes have extra security and elderly people can feel safe there. They have additional handrails, emergency call systems, and even locked doors–these are just a few of the safety features that nursing homes have to ensure that older people feel safe and secured.

The “not really that bad” disadvantages of nursing homes:

1. Nursing homes have different prices based on where they are, especially in Singapore, and also the services they offer, and the level of care an elderly requires. Don’t be shocked because you might have to pay a lot and even out of your own pocket, but don’t worry because your insurance or the government may cover some of them.
2. Your elderly loved one may be dependent more on the help inside the nursing home and they may not be able to be as independent because they have set habits and less personal freedom.
3. There are “huge” effects on their emotions because when someone moves to a nursing home they may experience a difficult time because they aren’t used to a new place–it’s really hard.

Live-in caregiver can give you a “warmth” personalized care at home.

A live-in caregiver is a great person who takes care of your special elderly person. They are the ones who helps with the medicine, the daily job routines and even the social interaction that a senior needs. They is very good because you know you get the best care in a place where you know.

The super AWESOME benefits of having a live-in caregiver:

1. Live-in caregivers makes sure that each and every person will get a very close attention by giving their utmost care that’s tailored to what they need and want.
2. Seniors staying at your own home can be very good for their mental and emotional health because it can give them a feeling of security, comfort, and cozy warmth.
3. It’s really known that caregivers can work with the person’s plan and way of life to give help that is easy to use in everyday life.
4. When someone has a live-in caregiver, family members can stay involved in taking care of them. This makes family ties stronger and gives the family more control.

The “not really that bad” disadvantages of a live-in caregiver for your dearly beloved:

1. It’s known to be very pricey to hire a live-in caregiver, this isn’t really good if you’re saving some extra money. But it depends, because the cost will rely on how skilled the caregiver is, where they live, and how much care is needed. Also, don’t forget to add where the helper will live and the changes.
2. The people who live with you might not have as much medical training as the people who work in nursing homes, but they can help with daily chores and give basic medical care. People who need a lot of medical care might have trouble with this.
3. If your elderly person or “you” becomes too dependent on a single caregiver, let’s say you became attached, you might feel useless, or let’s say, it might be hard for you to find someone new or someone else to do the job if the caregiver gets sick or can’t work anymore.

Think, think, think, which one is best for you?

You have to think and thread lightly what are you going to choose for your loved one, is it a nursing home or a live-in caregiver? It just depends on your preferences, the medical needs, the personal info, your finances, and even how your family works.

Here are the things you have to think about when making the decision:

Assess Medical Needs

You have to figure out what kind of medical needs you have because there are people with complicated medical problems. For instance, there are some that should go to nursing homes, while there are people who need less intensive care should which is more suitable for a live-in caregiver.

Think About Preferences

Ask yourself, even better, ask your elderly loved one, if they want to stay in their own home or if they are open up to living with another person? Personal preferences are important and impacts the overall health and their happiness.

Look at the costs

Compare the prices of each choice, taking into account possible insurance coverage and financial aid programs. Think about both short-term and long-term costs.

Family Involvement

Think about how the family can help with care and supervision. If you hire a live-in caregiver, you can be sure that your family is more involved in the caring process, while a nursing home on the other hand, offers an organized setting with professional care.

In conclusion, both nursing homes and live-in caregivers are all good options for people who want long-term care while being comfortable. You have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each choices you make, just be sure to put your loved one’s health and happiness first before everything else.