For anyone who needs support with everyday tasks, it can be difficult to decide what’s best. Perhaps you are struggling to cook meals or keep your home clean, but you may be reluctant to move into a residential care home. Don’t worry. There are plenty of options out there. You might benefit from a form of home care, such as live-in care or scheduled home caregiver visits. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of home care vs. care homes to help you make the best choice, whether for yourself or on behalf of a loved one.

Home Care vs. Care Homes – What’s The Difference?

Firstly, let’s break down the differences between care homes and home care. A care home is a residential facility that provides accommodation and care for older adults. Care home staff assist residents with tasks like washing, dressing, taking medicines, and going to the bathroom. Home care, on the other hand, is where you receive support from a caregiver in your own home. The caregiver could be a family member or a professional.

Benefits of Home Care

Home care is a very popular option among older adults in Canada and it can come in many forms.

Flexibility

The flexibility of home care means that it really can be tailored to the person’s needs. The care recipient can be supported in ways that suit them best, this might mean as little as a weekly visit from a caregiver to help with shopping, or as much as having a live-in caregiver providing 24/7 support. You can also request a medically trained caregiver for specialized medical needs.

If your needs change in the future, your home care service can easily adapt. It might be as simple as increasing the number of caregiver visits. Of course, you may decide later to move into a care home. However, if you choose a care home based on your current needs and your condition changes, you may need to move again to find the right level of care.

The Personal Touch

Most home care services, including CDN ElderCare, work hard to find the right caregiver for you. You’ll be able to make specific requests to help you find a caregiver who’s a perfect match—perhaps someone who drives, knows sign language, or is comfortable around pets. This personal touch is one of the biggest benefits of home care.

Happier and Healthier at Home

Studies have shown that older adults are significantly happier when receiving care at home.

According to a study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), 1 in 3 seniors admitted to residential care in Canada might have been able to remain at home if appropriate community supports were available. The benefits of home care extend to both mental and physical health. Hospital admissions are often higher among care home residents than among older adults receiving support at home.

Stability

People with specific needs and conditions like dementia can benefit from staying at home. One of the biggest advantages of home care is remaining in a familiar environment, surrounded by your own belongings and memories. Home care allows the individual to maintain their daily routine as much as possible, supporting a sense of independence. Staying at home also means remaining close to family, friends, and neighbours, which can help maintain confidence and prevent feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Home Care: Things to Consider

While the benefits of home care are clear, there are a few things to consider before arranging it.

Is Your Home Fit For Purpose?

To remain at home, you may need to make some adjustments. This could be as simple as installing grab bars in the bathroom or a larger investment like a stairlift. If you need help funding these modifications, there are various Canadian government and provincial grants available.

Finding the Right Match

While most home care providers will do everything they can to match you with a suitable caregiver, it will take time to adjust to having a new person in your home. Whether you choose live-in care or scheduled visits, it will take some time to settle into a new routine. However, this adjustment period is similar for anyone moving into a care home.

Benefits of a Care Home

If living at home is no longer a viable option, you may choose to move into a care home. In Canada, there are different kinds of care homes: retirement residences provide accommodation and sometimes personal care, depending on independent living or assisted living, while long-term care homes provide nursing care and medical support.

Socialisation

Moving into a care home offers opportunities to meet new people and stay social. There may be organized activities and outings to help you stay active and avoid boredom, ideal if you feel isolated at home.

Routine

Long term care homes provide a stable routine, with regular attention from caregivers. You won’t need to worry about preparing meals, doing household chores, or managing medication.

Regulation

All care homes in Canada are regulated by provincial authorities. If you’re considering moving into a care home, research inspection reports and ratings online. Each province has its own oversight and standards for safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness.

Care Home: Things to Consider

Moving from your own home into residential care is a big step. It’s important to understand all the facts before making a decision.

Staying Local

If you have a condition that requires specialized care, it may be difficult to find a suitable care home nearby. This could mean travelling further than you’d like or waiting for a spot at your preferred home. The highest-rated homes often have waiting lists.

Safety Rules

Care homes are responsible for the safety of residents, so many have rules for both residents and visitors. You may have to adapt to changes in your daily routine, such as set meal times or scheduled activities. Before making your decision, ask about day-to-day life in the care home, and if possible, arrange a visit or speak to staff.

Cost

The cost of residential care in Canada varies widely based on province, location, and level of care required.

• Retirement homes and assisted living facilities are typically privately paid and not covered by provincial health plans. As of 2024, the average cost ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 per month, with higher-end or downtown locations in major cities (like Toronto or Vancouver) exceeding $8,000 or more per month.
• Long-term care (nursing homes) are often partially funded by provincial governments, but residents still pay a co-payment or accommodation fee. As of 2024, these fees generally range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, depending on province and room type typically involve shared accommodations with another resident, while private rooms in privately run long term facilities are available at a higher cost.
• Home care visits (for personal support or nursing) typically start at $35 per hour for private services. Government-subsidized home care may be available depending on assessed need and location.
• Financial support may be available from provincial health authorities, Veterans Affairs, or other government programs, especially for those with medical or financial need.

Tip: Always check with your local health authority or provincial government for the most accurate and up-to-date costs and funding options.

Typical Costs (2024–2025):

Note: Prices can be significantly higher in major cities or for premium services. Always verify with local providers for exact rates.

Final Tips:
Consider your needs, preferences, and budget. Talk to your family, and check with local health authorities for the latest rates and funding options.

Stress

Moving into a care home is a significant change, which can be stressful and affect both physical and mental health. Research has shown that a notable percentage of care home residents experience depression or anxiety during the adjustment period.

Home Care vs. Care Homes

We’ve outlined the benefits and considerations for both home care and care homes. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that fits your needs and preferences. Speak with your family and friends for their opinions and support before making a decision.

CDN ElderCare an Accredited Home Care Agency, offers a range of home care services, including live-in care, scheduled caregiver visits, and temporary respite care. We understand the importance of choosing the right support, which is why we offer a FREE Care Assessment to help you find the best solution.

To book your Cares Assessment or find out more about our services, call 1-888-978-9656 today.  www.cdneldercare.ca