Caring for an elderly family member at home is not uncommon, though there are still a lot of people who prefer professional assistance in a retirement home or long-term care facility. As old age and an affliction like dementia sets on, an elderly person should receive more attention and proper care even in the home.
The home is a more familiar environment for an elderly, and having family members around may help improve his or her health conditions. The elderly patient could also respond more positively to the treatments lovingly administered at home by a trusted spouse or adult child—something that could not be provided even at the most expensive care facility. However, like any other important decision in family life, there are benefits and disadvantages to caring for an elderly family member at home.
Benefits
As mentioned above, the home is a familiar place for the elderly. Staying in this place will assure them that their family did not abandon them in their time of need, especially if there is a spouse, a child, or a grandchild that will attend to their treatment and medication. Surrounded by family and other familiar forms of stimulation, the patient will probably respond positively to treatment.
Also, caring for an elderly family member at home is generally cheaper than committing him or her in a professional care facility.
Disadvantages
Even if a family member is greatly concerned for the health of the elderly patient, there will be times that professional medical training is more beneficial to the patient. Also, a retirement home or a long-term care facility is equipped with medical amenities, as well as doctors and nurses on staff, that can come in handy should something serious happen to the patient.
Caring for an elderly patient at home can also take physical or psychological toll on the caregiver if not well prepared for the task.
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