Home care: Combining Affordability and Convenience

When it comes to health care, cost is an important consideration to take. No one wants to sacrifice quality to save a few pounds, and luckily there are options to suit every person’s unique needs and limitation.  The infographic above outlines some of the key factors that point to at-home care as a reliable, convenient and affordable option. Here are also a few things to remember when making the home care decision for yourself or a loved one.

Inpatient Facilities vs. Home Options

According to statistics from John Hancock, a nursing home with a private room can cost more than £41,000 per year, a rate that’s rising by about 3.6 percent each year. A semi-private room offers some of savings, but at £32,000 annually may still be expensive for some families. Assisted living facilities, which provide seniors with care tailored to their needs, can cost more than £16,000 each year, with prices rising by 2 percent yearly.

Elderly individuals who need daily help getting dressed, bathing, cooking and carrying out other day-to-day activities but don’t necessarily need regular medical care may be best suited for a home health aide. A professional caregiver cost families on average about £7,000 each year – or roughly £18 per hour. Further, statistics show that an at-home carer may actually reduce trips to the emergency room and fewer hospitalisations.

Maintaining a Quality Life

For many older people, keeping a good quality of life trumps cost. Studies have shown that 82 percent of people prefer staying at home because it doesn’t disrupt the life they’ve built for themselves. This kind of care allows individuals to maintain their relationships and homes while still getting the attention and help they need. Additionally, when people are being taken care of as soon as the need arises, they tend to have better health outcomes down the road.