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Home care or a care home? Questions to help you decide

By the Farrell Healthcare team · 4 min read

Older couple relaxing in their own sunny garden

Deciding how best to support an older relative is one of the biggest decisions a family can face. For many people, staying in their own home is the strong preference. Here are some questions that can help you think it through.

What matters most to your loved one?

For many people, familiar surroundings, pets, neighbours, a garden and their own routine are hugely important. Home care allows people to keep all of these, while receiving the support they need.

How much support is needed, and when?

Home care is very flexible. It can range from a short visit once a week to several visits each day, and can include overnight care. If support is mainly needed at certain times, home care may be a better fit than a move.

Are there health conditions to consider?

People living with dementia, physical disabilities or long-term conditions can often be supported well at home, especially by a nurse-led provider who works alongside GPs, district nurses and therapists.

What about safety?

A good home care assessment will look at risks such as falls, nutrition and medication, and suggest equipment or adaptations that make home safer.

What can family members manage?

Home care can work alongside family support, filling the gaps and giving relatives a break through respite care.

Get advice

If you are weighing up the options, our qualified nurses can visit for a free, no-obligation assessment and give you honest advice about what support would be needed at home.

Need some advice?

Talk to our friendly team about care at home. It's free and there's no obligation.

Free nurse assessment

Talk to us about care at home

Every care package starts with a free, no-obligation assessment at home by one of our qualified nurses. Call us, or send us a few details and we will call you back.