old man in residential care

The Disadvantages Of Residential Care Homes For The Elderly

Residential care homes have advantages and disadvantages and it is important to consider both when looking into care. Here we look at the disadvantages.

 

Residential care homes for the elderly vary in quality, but most adhere to a good standard of care that enables residents to enjoy good quality of life on a daily basis. There are many benefits to residential care homes such as:

 

  • Having company all the time with people of a similar age
  • Enjoying food and drink being provided
  • Help with things like bathing and getting dressed
  • Having somebody there round the clock to ensure you are safe
  • Relatives having peace of mind that their loved one is safe

 

However, there are also disadvantages to residential care homes and it is important to understand them before making a decision about your care or your loved ones care in the future. Here are some of the disadvantages of residential care homes for the elderly:

 

The Cost

A good residential care home is not cheap and care home fees can cost thousands of pounds a year for a person to stay in a residential care home. If the person needs a nursing home the care home fees can escalate even more.

 

Loneliness

A lot of people think that residential care homes are likely to provide more company for the residents when in fact residents can feel lonelier than ever. Taken away from their pets, perhaps their partner, their neighbours and friends and everything they have ever known, they can feel isolated in their new environment.

 

A Lack Of Control & Freedom

If a person has previously led an independent life they may feel distressed at suddenly losing a sense of control and freedom. They have to go with the schedule of the home so they can’t just enjoy a bacon sandwich late at night just because, or watch a film in the early hours because they feel like it. This kind of schedule can contribute to a person losing their sense of self worth.

 

The Worry Of Choosing The Right Care Home

All care homes promise the best possible care for our loved ones, but the horror stories are always there and there is always that worry that your loved one is not somewhere that they will be cared for properly.

 

Health Issues

Studies have shown that every year 5,000 people die shortly after suffering a hip fracture and shockingly 1 in 5 of those accidents happen in residential or nursing care. Despite high standards of care, unfortunately it has been proven that certain health issues like falls are more likely in this kind of environment.

 

Never Going Out

According to the Live-in Care Hub Better At Home report, a third of people in residential care never leave their homes. The report also showed that 4% of those in residential care felt they didn’t do anything that they loved anymore. This means they lose touch with old friends and they stop going out to do the things they love. This can contribute to mental health issues like depression, and a general lack of quality of life.

 

Looking At All The Options

If you are unsure as to whether or not residential care is right for you or your loved one, consider all the options before making a decision. Live-in care could be a great alternative which ensures that you or your loved one are able to stay in your own home and receive the necessary care from a qualified provider. It has many benefits and the costs can compare to residential costs. It is certainly worth considering if residential care is not the ideal solution for your loved one’s care needs.