When it comes to those worst affected by the coronavirus crisis, the elderly are at the top of the list. Already vulnerable to this awful virus due to old age and ill health, elderly people have also been most susceptible to the ramifications of this pandemic. If you have a loved one who lives in an elder care center or receives care at home, you might be worried about them being exposed to the virus. The question is, is it better to be in a center or at home during this second wave?
In this article you will find helpful guidance on choosing the right place for you and/or your family members at this scary time.
The advantages and disadvantages of elder care centers
Although there have been worryingly high cases of COVID-19 in elder care centers, this doesn’t mean that they are the worst place to be for an elderly relative. Here are some of the advantages.
- Round-the-clock medical attention. In elder care centers, citizens will be given round-the-clock medical attention from the trained nurses who are employed there. This care will allow any worrying signs that could be covid-related to be identified quickly and treated with the same amount of efficiency.
- Less exposure to the outside world (and therefore the virus). Due to the high levels of hygiene practised in elder care centers, alongside fewer interactions with members of the public, a citizen of an elder care center is less likely to be exposed to coronavirus than someone living out in society.
Of course, there are some disadvantages to elder care centers during COVID-19 too. No situation is ideal. Elder care centers are restricted on visitors, meaning that those who live there are less likely to see their families. Although this keeps them safe from the virus, it can provoke loneliness and make people feel alienated.
The advantages and disadvantages of home care
Many people opt for home care, rather than elderly care centers. Here are some advantages of home care.
- The patient feels more comfortable. Although elderly care centers help people with socialization, most people feel attached to their homes and want to stay there. This will allow them to feel more in control of their lives and generally more comfortable.
- Less general interaction. Of course, the benefits of home care include the fact that the patient will generally be exposed to fewer people. While care centers are carefully monitored and restricted to avoid coronavirus transmission, home care does have the advantage of fewer interactions period.
Nevertheless, the disadvantage of home care is that it can produce highly isolated situations in which the person feels very lonely. During quarantine, where home visits are banned by law in some places to stop the spread, elderly people can be vulnerable to extreme loneliness which they wouldn’t experience in a care center.
Overall, there are pros and cons to each situation; at the end of the day, it’s all about making the right decision for you.