Home Care vs Residential Aged Care: Which is Right for Your Loved One?

Home Care vs Residential Aged Care

As our loved ones age and require additional care and support, the decision between home care and residential care becomes a significant consideration. Both options have their advantages and key factors that should be evaluated carefully.

The decision to consider residential aged care for a loved one is a significant one that should be based on careful consideration of their needs and circumstances. In this blog post, we will explore key factors to help you determine when it may be appropriate to consider residential aged care as a viable option for your aging loved ones.

Home Care

The Home Care Package Program allows individuals to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, maintaining their sense of familiarity and comfort whilst being able to access needed assistance with their daily tasks. Eligible participants are able to continue living independently and accessing their community with the support of subsidised care services.

Home care packages can be tailored to your loved ones’ needs, and can be adjusted by an Aged Care Assessment Team review as additional assistance becomes necessary. This keeps your loved ones in their homes for as long as possible.

At St Jude’s, we offer a range of services to fulfil your loved ones’ care needs at home. These include:

  • Personal care
    • Bathing or showering
    • Medication management
    • Skin care
    • Toileting
    • Assistance managing continence
    • Mobility assistance
  • Cleaning and domestic assistance
    • Vacuuming and mopping
    • Making beds
    • Washing dishes
    • General cleaning and tidying
  • House maintenance
  • Meals & shopping
  • Gardening
  • Assisted travel
  • Specialist care e.g. for dementia or impaired vision
  • Equipment
Home Care

Residential Care

For some people home care is not an option, as the level of support needed is simply too great and it is too challenging to continue living independently.Sometimes our loved ones are prone to medical emergencies and require ongoing care, or may be feeling lonely or isolated living by themselves.

Moving a loved one into a residential aged care facility can be a major adjustment for somebody who has spent a significant portion of their life in the family home. But, while it may not be your loved one’s ideal choice, there are significant upsides to moving into retirement villages.

Guildford Village – Western Australia

At our Guildford Village and Guildford Village Club House facilities, residents can enjoy a purpose-built aged care home that is designed to be functional for our residents but also homely, to maximise a sense of belonging. We offer rooms designed for both singles and couples, which include:

  • Remote controlled, adjustable bed, fitted with a quality bedspread and bedding
  • Spacious ensuite
  • Large, built-in wardrobe
  • Comfy armchair
  • Lockable bedside table
  • Nurse call bell
  • Reverse cycle air conditioner

We also offer a range of aged care services to make your loved ones’ stay with us as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. These include:

  • Exclusive bar (Guildford Village Club House)
  • Hair salon (Guildford Village Club House)
  • Fireplace (Guildford Village Club House)
  • Activity space for mental and physical wellbeing (Guildford Village Club House)
  • Private car parking for guests (Guildford Village Club House)
  • Private gardens (Guildford Village Club House)
  • Bed making
  • Laundry services
  • Cleaning and domestic supports
  • Four season menu
  • Special diets (cultural and prescribed diet options available)
  • Tea and coffee making facilities.
  • Nurse call systems

On top of these amenities we offer a range of in-house and external services, as well as a diverse activity and lifestyle program. Our residents have various options available, so they can engage as much or as little as they would like with our staff and with other residents.

Bethania Gardens – Queensland

In Queensland at our Bethania Gardens Residential Aged Care Facility, we provide a warm, welcoming environment for our residents with friendly staff who are dedicated to providing person-centered care at all times. Conveniently located a short distance from Brisbane, our premium aged care facility seeks to provide the highest quality of services to those seeking utmost care and comfort. Our rooms at Bethania include:

  • 24 hour care from experienced and qualified nursing and personal care staff, including assistance with activities of daily living including dressing, eating, going to the toilet, bathing, moving around and managing medications
  • Quality furniture and fittings
  • Access to medical and pharmaceutical supplies and equipment
  • Basic toiletries such as tissues and toothpaste
  • Full laundry, bedding and cleaning services

We also offer:

  • Access to mobility aids, such as walking frames
  • Access to visiting allied health professionals including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, podiatry, dentistry and optometry.
Bethania Gardens-Queensland

Deciding Between Home Care vs a Residential Care Facility

Making the decision to move a loved one into a residential aged care accommodation facility is difficult, but for some, it might be necessary. This decision is a significant one that should be based on careful consideration of their needs and circumstances.

Significant factors include how vulnerable they are to medical emergencies. If falls and other medical situations are an issue, then it may become too much of a risk continuing to live independently, even with assistance from family members and in-home care services.

There are also additional social benefits to moving into a residential facility. If your loved one is living alone then there is the a of becoming isolated and detaching from the world. Living in a care home offers residents the chance to make new connections and enjoy a busy social life.

To read more: How Lifestyle Activities Enrich The Lives of Aged Care Residents

Home Care vs a Residential Care Facility

If your loved ones are able to continue managing in their own home with assistance, then home care might be the best option. In-depth consultation with your family and caregivers will help enable you to make the best possible decision.

Helping You Make the Right Decision – Home Care vs Residential Care

With extensive expertise in both home care and residential care services, St. Jude’s is well-equipped to offer valuable knowledge and support in the realm of caregiving. Whether you or someone you know requires assistance in this crucial area, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in making the best possible choice for you and your family’s needs. You can find out more information regarding our Home Care and Residential Aged Care services via our website.