Are you considering care for yourself or a loved one? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This article summarizes three of the main types of care: home care, live-in care, and care homes. We discuss the differences between the three to give you more insight into which option would be best suited for you or your loved one.
Home care
Home care allows you or your loved one to receive assistance and support from the comfort of your own home, while still preserving your independence. It allows for a more personal one-on-one relationship with the caregiver because you or your loved one can receive care from the same individual each day. Home care is also a more affordable option than staying in a long-term care home or a retirement home. It can be short-term or long-term, ranging from simple needs such as meal preparation and assistance to more complex ones such as catheter care. In addition to living at home, there are numerous benefits to home care such as being in a comfortable and familiar environment, having companionship, and having control over meals.
Live-in care
With live-in care, there is typically only one caregiver. The Boom Health app provides vetted caregivers so you can rest assured that someone is always watching you or your loved one, offering support, and assisting with daily activities. These caregivers can provide many services, including but not limited to, nighttime support, light housework, managing appointments, answering the door and phone, and planning, shopping, and cooking meals.
Care homes
Care homes, also referred to as nursing homes, are places where people can live and receive help performing daily activities. They also provide personal and 24-hour nursing care. They best suit people with difficulty directing their own care. Studies show that 17% of people admitted to long-term care homes in Ontario only have low, mild, or moderate needs. For this group, other options such as home care or live-in care are cost-effective alternatives which would be more suitable to meet their needs. In Ontario, the government funds all personal and nursing care provided by care homes, however, you have to pay accommodation costs. Accommodation rates vary depending on the length of the stay and whether it is a basic, semi-private, or private room.
Love them without losing yourself. The Boom Health app helps you manage your loved one’s home care in one app. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
