Nursing Care and Nursing Home- Key Differences

When it comes to caring for our elderly parents or family members, two options come up – nursing care at home and nursing homes. They might sound the same at first, but they are very different concepts. Knowing the differences can make it easier for families to make the right choice that provides the care and comfort their loved ones deserve.

By the end of this blog, you will understand the difference between nursing care at home and nursing homes, and also feel more confident when choosing the right kind of care for your loved ones.

What is Nursing Care? 

Patients receive medical and non-medical care in the comfort of their home, surrounded by their loved ones. Trained nurses and staff visit your house, reducing frequent hospital visits. 

These trained nurses provide-

• Timely medication
• Wound dressing and injections
• Monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, sugar, oxygen levels)
• Helping with mobility, bathing, and daily activities
• Post-surgery or post-stroke care

The biggest benefit is that the patient recovers in the comfort of their own home while receiving professional care. This helps them feel safe, loved, and emotionally secure. This is also better for the elderly’s mental well-being.

What is Nursing Home?

A nursing home for elderly people is a residential accommodation with 24-hour medical care and treatment, with meals, and generally with personal care. This option is typically selected whenever homes cannot offer assistance because of distance, work, or lack of resources.

Services at a nursing home may include-

• 24/7 medical supervision
• Assistance with daily activities
• Group activities with other residents
• Accommodation and meals

Nursing homes provide round-the-clock care, but with a separation from family and without the comfort of a home.

Key Differences Between Nursing Care and Nursing Homes

1. Location

• Nursing Care- Patient receives care in the comfort of their home.
• Nursing Home- Patient stays in an accommodation away from the comfort of home and loved ones.
  

2. Personal Attention

• Nursing Care- Patient receives one-on-one personal attention from the nurse.
• Nursing Home- Attention is divided since the number of patients is more than the staff.
  

3. Emotional Well-being

• Nursing Care- Patients feel secure being around their loved ones.
• Nursing Home- Many patients feel lonely or disconnected, being away from home.
  

4. Medical Support

• Nursing Care- Trained nurses handle medications and provide basic care.
• Nursing Home- Advanced medical support is available, especially for critical patients.
  

5. Cost

• Nursing Care- More affordable and flexible.
• Nursing Home- Higher cost since this is a residential facility.

Why Families Prefer Home Nursing Care Today

Nowadays, many families are choosing nursing care at home instead of nursing homes. Reasons include-

• Elderly patients feel happier at home and recover faster.
• Families are closely involved in decision-making.
• Flexible packages are available, making it more affordable.
• Transparency is maintained with the family.

This personal touch makes home nursing care a better option for patients who want to recover in the comfort of their home. 

Shri Manjunatha Home Nursing Services-Care with Compassion

At Shri Manjunatha Home Nursing Services, we provide compassionate and professional home nursing care services to your doorstep.

Our skilled team provides:

• Nursing care for the elderly and bedridden patients
• Post-surgery recovery care
• Palliative care
• Assistance with daily activities (bathing, dressing)
• 24/7 supervision if required
  

We provide your loved ones with the best of both worlds– professional healthcare and the comfort of home. With our help, you can support your loved ones without feeling burnt out.

Making the Right Choice

So, should you choose nursing care at home or a nursing home?

• If your loved one requires round-the-clock medical supervision and it is taking a toll on you, a nursing home may be suitable.
• Patients recover faster in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by their loved ones. Nursing care is the best choice if they can be cared for at home. It ensures safety, health, and emotional happiness while keeping them close to family.

At the end of the day, the decision depends on the patient’s and their family’s needs. But more and more families are discovering that home nursing care offers a better quality of life for seniors.

With Shri Manjunatha Home Nursing Services, you won’t have to choose between medical expertise and emotional comfort – we provide you with both.