Making decisions about care, whether for yourself or a family member, is never easy. When the time comes to consider extra support, many families find themselves weighing up two main options: homecare services or moving to a care home. Both offer valuable services, but which one is right for you?
At Abney & Baker we've helped many families through this tough decision. We offer the support that makes the biggest difference, so you can stay independent while your needs are met.
Your Care Options
What is Home Care?
Home care (also known as domiciliary care) brings the support to you in your own home. Home care can also provide round the clock support for those who need continuous assistance. This can be a few hours a week or 24/7 care. A paid carer can help you with everyday tasks such as:
Personal care (washing, dressing, using the toilet)
Medication management
Meal preparation
Housekeeping
Shopping and errands
Social activities and companionship
Getting out and about
Home care adapts to your individual needs, a flexible approach that changes as your needs evolve.
What is a Care Home?
Care homes (sometimes called residential care homes or nursing homes) offer accommodation and 24 hour support. Residential homes provide accommodation and personal care for individuals who cannot live independently. They provide:
On-site care staff available day and night
All meals prepared for you
Communal living spaces and activities
No household bills to pay
Regular social interaction with other residents
Specialised nursing care (in nursing homes)
Homecare Costs: Home Care vs Care Homes
Understanding the costs is a big part of the care decision. Here's how the two compare:
Understanding homecare costs is important as they can vary depending on your circumstances and level of care required.
Aspect
Home Care
Care Home
Cost Structure
Pay only for the hours of care you need
A fixed weekly fee, regardless of how much care is used
Additional Costs
You maintain regular household bills
Most living expenses included in fees
Funding Options
Various funding options including direct payments, NHS continuing healthcare, and self-funding
Similar funding routes with means-tested council support
Property Considerations
Keep your property
May need to sell or rent your home to fund care
The cost of care varies greatly depending on location, level of need and individual circumstances. We'll help you understand all the funding options so we can find a solution for you.
Home Care Benefits
Maintain Your Independence
The emotional attachment to your home goes deeper than bricks and mortar. Your home is freedom, comfort and years of memories. For many the thought of leaving this sanctuary causes significant anxiety and distress.
Home care offers a solution that honours your connection to your living space while providing the support you need. By bringing professional care to you, you have control over your daily life in ways that just isn't possible in residential settings.
Employing your own carer means you can have personalised care while maintaining your routines and independence.
You've spent decades creating routines that suit you, perhaps you like to have a lie in on Sundays or bath in the evening rather than in the morning. Home care adapts to these established patterns rather than making you adjust to institutional schedules. You decide when to eat, sleep and socialise based on your preferences not facility timetables.
Home care lets you:
Stay in a familiar environment where memories and comfort are built into every corner
Keep your daily routines that have been refined over years to suit your preferences
Control your environment from temperature to decor
Live by your own schedule rather than the facility timetable
Keep your pets who provide valuable companionship and emotional support
Mrs Thompson from Bath said:
"I thought I'd have to leave my home of 40 years but with Abney & Baker's support I can still tend to my garden and sleep in my own bed. That means everything to me."
One-to-One Personalised Care Support
The quality of care you receive has a big impact on your wellbeing and quality of life. Home care services emphasize person centred care, ensuring that the support you receive is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. One of the big advantages of home care is the dedicated one-to-one attention from carers who get to know your specific needs and preferences.
Setting up your own homecare means you can choose a paid carer who fits your specific needs and preferences.
For those who require 24/7 care a live in carer can provide ongoing
support.In
a home care setting carers focus
solely on you
during their visit. They learn your unique preferences like how you like your tea, which arm is easier to dress first, or how you like your pillows arranged. This personal approach creates a more comfortable experience and builds relationships between you and your care team.
The continuity of care from regular carers means they'll notice subtle changes in your health or wellbeing that might otherwise go unnoticed. They become attuned to your normal behaviour and can quickly identify when something is different, so can intervene if needed.
At home you'll receive:
Care tailored to your unique needs and preferences and lifestyle
Care from consistent carers who know your routines and preferences in detail
Care focused on you during each visit, not shared among multiple residents
Care that adapts as your needs change, with care plans that evolve with you
Stay Connected to Your Community in a Familiar Environment
The social connections we build throughout our lives contribute so much to our mental wellbeing and sense of self. Leaving your home means disconnecting from the community networks you've built up over decades.
Staying at home means you can maintain those vital local connections – the neighbour who pops in to see you, the shopkeeper who knows your usual order, or the familiar faces at local community groups. These relationships provide emotional support and practical help that complements professional care services.
For many the ability to receive visitors on your own terms is priceless. At home friends and family can visit when it suits you both, without visiting hours restrictions. They can stay longer, share meals in your kitchen or even stay overnight if needed.
Home care helps you:
Keep relationships with neighbours who often provide informal support and companionship
Visits from friends and family on your terms, without institutional visiting restrictions
Participate in local community activities that are part of your social routine
Go to familiar places like your local café or park, and stay part of the community
Reduced Infection Risk
Health considerations are paramount when making care decisions, especially if you have a compromised immune system or chronic condition. Living in your own home can offer huge health benefits compared to communal living environments.
Shared living spaces, whilst offer social benefits, inherently increase your exposure to infections and viruses. Care homes do their best to implement infection control measures but the nature of communal living means germs can spread more easily between residents and
staff.At
home you have more control over your environment and who comes into your space. Your carers will follow hygiene protocols but you're not exposed to multiple residents and their visitors. This controlled environment can be particularly important during seasonal illness outbreaks or pandemic situations.
Living at home means:
Less exposure to communal infections that can spread quickly in shared living environments
Control over who enters your space, limiting exposure to illnesses
Familiar hygiene practices that have worked for you throughout your life
Reduced risk of healthcare-associated infections that can occur in institutional settings
Care Homes Benefits
24/7 Care and Safety
For those with complex care needs or conditions that require monitoring, the constant professional presence in care homes can be reassuring, providing round the clock care. This around the clock supervision can be particularly useful for those who fall, those with progressive conditions like dementia or those who get anxious when alone.
Care homes employ staff who work in shifts so someone is always available to respond to emergencies immediately. This instant access to help can be life saving in crisis situations and gives peace of mind for residents and their families. For many knowing help is just seconds away reduces anxiety that comes with living alone.
The care home environment is designed with many safety features for older adults and those with mobility issues. From handrails in corridors to emergency call systems in bedrooms and bathrooms, these facilities are designed with vulnerability in mind.
Care homes offer:
24-hour staff presence for immediate help and peace of mind
Instant response to emergencies without waiting for someone to arrive
Secure environment with comprehensive safety features for vulnerable adults
Regular health checks with trained staff who can spot changes
Social Environment
Loneliness and social isolation can have huge negative impacts on physical and mental health especially in older age. One of the biggest benefits of care homes is the built-in social community they offer to residents who might otherwise spend most of their time alone.
The shared living environment creates opportunities for social interaction throughout the day, during meals, activities or just passing in corridors. For those who've experienced increasing isolation at home as friends move away or mobility decreases, this regular social contact can transform life.
Professional activity coordinators plan varied programmes to engage residents with different interests and abilities. From gentle exercise classes and arts and crafts to visiting entertainers and outings, these structured activities provide enjoyment and cognitive stimulation and a sense of purpose.Many people value the social aspects of care homes:
Daily interaction with other residents, making new friends and social connections
Organised activities and entertainment planned by activity coordinators
Shared mealtimes rather than solitary dining
Reduced risk of loneliness that can impact mental and physical health
No Property Maintenance
Managing a property becomes harder with age or disability. Tasks that were once simple, like changing light bulbs, mowing the lawn or even just cleaning can become a source of stress and hazard.
Moving to a care home means no more of these responsibilities. The burden of property maintenance which often falls to family members when someone can no longer manage independently is removed. This can reduce stress for you and your loved ones.
Beyond the physical tasks, managing household finances and dealing with utility companies can be overwhelming. Care homes usually include all these costs in one fee, making financial management much simpler. For many it's a big relief.
Living in a care home means:
No more household repairs or maintenance to worry about or coordinate
No gardening to worry about that may have become physically challenging
No household bills to manage, track or budget for separately
Meals prepared for you by professional catering teams with your nutritional needs in mind
Specialist Nursing Care Facilities
Care homes are designed for people with care needs, often with features that would be expensive or impractical to install in a private home. These purpose-built environments can make a big difference to safety, accessibility and quality of life.
For those with mobility issues the accessible design of care homes removes many everyday obstacles. Wider doorways for wheelchairs, lift access to all areas without stairs and level flooring means no more tripping hazards. These design elements enable independence that's impossible in a unsuitable home environment.
Specialist care homes for specific needs, like dementia care, incorporate evidence based design principles to support residents' wellbeing. Features like clear signage, memory boxes outside rooms and circular walking routes help residents navigate their surroundings more confidently and independently.
Care homes often feature:
Purpose built accessible facilities for people with care needs
Specialised equipment (like hoists and therapeutic baths) that would be costly in a private home
Adapted bathrooms and living spaces that promote independence and dignity
Dementia friendly design (in specialist homes) that reduces confusion and anxiety
Making Your Decision: Important Considerations
Your Care Needs and Mobility Support
Your care needs and mobility support should guide your decision significantly. An honest assessment of your current needs and how they may change is crucial for making a decision that will support you long term.
Some people may need to arrange their own care services if they don't qualify for help from their local council.
People with mild to moderate care needs often thrive with home care which can be scaled up as needed. If you can manage between visits and overnight or have family support to complement professional care, living at home may be entirely possible. But a care home's set up may be better for you if your needs are complex, require frequent intervention throughout the day and night, or involve a complex medical condition that demands specialist skills and equipment.
Progressive conditions require forward planning. While home care can adapt to changing needs to a point, there may come a time when the level of care required makes a care home the more practical and safer option. Having these conversations early helps you retain control over future decisions rather than reacting in crisis.
Consider:
How complex are your care requirements and can they be met in your home?
Do you need supervision throughout the day and night or are scheduled visits sufficient?
Will your needs change significantly in the near future due to progressive conditions?
Do you have specific medical needs that require specialist equipment that would be hard to accommodate at home?
Your Personal Preferences
Beyond practical considerations your emotional wellbeing should be at the heart of this decision. Different people thrive in different environments and what works for one person may not work for another.
For many the emotional attachment to home makes it the clear preference despite the practical challenges. The comfort of familiar surroundings and the maintenance of independence often outweighs other considerations. For others the security and social environment of a care home is a huge relief especially after feeling vulnerable or isolated at home.
The introduction of carers into your personal space requires adjustment. Some find the rotating presence of care staff in their home uncomfortable, others adapt quickly and build positive relationships. Communal living in care homes suits social people but can be overwhelming for those who value their privacy.
Think about:
How important is living in your own home to your sense of self and wellbeing?
Would you prefer the company of others in a communal setting or do you value your alone time?
How do you feel about having carers in your personal space at regular intervals?* What gives you more peace of mind: independence with some risk or total supervision?
Family Support
The role of family in your care arrangements can't be ignored. Their availability, willingness and ability to provide support will impact which option works for both you and them.
Many successful home care arrangements are a partnership between professional carers and family members. If you have relatives nearby who can help with shopping, attend appointments with you or provide companionship between care visits, home care becomes more feasible. But if family members live far away or have other commitments, the comprehensive support of a care home may be better for everyone.
It's important to have open conversations with family about their honest ability to help. Sometimes relatives want to help but can't provide the level of support needed, leading to stress and potentially unsafe situations. Professional care, whether at home or in a residential setting, can actually improve family relationships by removing the carer/dependent dynamic and allowing quality time together instead.
Think about:
Do you have family nearby who can realistically help with your care regularly?
How will your decision impact your relationships with loved ones in the long term?
What do your loved ones think about the options and what concerns do they have?
Will family visits be easier and more enjoyable in one setting than another?
Trial Period
Deciding this big life decision deserves thorough exploration rather than a rush of judgment. Luckily both options offer a way to experience the reality before committing fully.
Many home care providers offer introductory packages that allow you to try the service in practice. This trial period helps you see if scheduled visits meet your needs and how you feel with carers in your home. It also gives you insight into how the care agency communicates and responds to your preferences.
Similarly most care homes offer respite stays, short term residencies, that are a practical trial run. These stays, usually from a few days to several weeks, let you experience daily life in the facility firsthand. You'll get a real feel for the atmosphere, food, staff attitudes and social dynamics that no number of daytime visits can fully reveal.
Talking to people who have made similar decisions is invaluable. Their experiences, good and bad, will help you anticipate things you hadn't thought of and prepare questions to ask potential providers.
Before you make a permanent decision:
Try home care services for a period to see how they fit into your life and meet your needs* Try out care homes with respite stays
Speak with others who have made similar decisions
Visit potential care homes multiple times at different times of day to see different staffing, activities and atmosphere
Home Care with Abney & Baker: Our Approach
We believe being in your own home, surrounded by your own things and people is good for body and mind. Our care is about you: As a reputable homecare agency we ensure our carers provide respectful and personalised care to meet your needs.
Experienced and Confident Care
You can trust our professional carers to provide reliable and consistent support. We're registered with the Care Quality Commission, an independent regulator, so our care meets the highest standards.
Designed around You
You might worry that accepting care means losing control of your routine. With us you're always in charge. We will work with you to create a care plan that fits around your preferences, whether you'd like to:
Keep up with friends at your weekly club
Maintain your appearance just as you like it
Continue your favourite hobbies
Stay connected with family through technology
Dignity and Respect
We never rush your visits. To make sure you get exactly what you want from your care we'll be with you for at least 30 minutes. So whether you want us to make sure your best shirts are clean, your lunch is freshly prepared or you've sent the right emojis in that message to your grandchild we do it your way.
Making the Transition Easier
Whatever option you choose changing your care arrangements is a big life change. Here's how to make it smoother:
Start with a full needs assessment to ensure all your needs are met.
When you arrange homecare make sure to start with a full needs assessment to ensure all your needs are met.
By doing these steps you'll have a smoother transition and better care.
If Choosing Home Care:
Start with a full needs assessment
Begin gradually if possible
Keep open communication with your carers about what works and what doesn't
Involve family in the process
Make simple home adaptations to improve safety and accessibility
If Choosing a Care Home:
Visit multiple homes before deciding
Bring familiar items to personalise your space* Stay in touch with friends and family
Give yourself time to adjust – it's normal to feel mixed emotions at first
Join in activities to meet new people
When to Review Your Decision
Care needs change and what works today may not work tomorrow:
If home care is no longer sufficient to meet increasing needs
If loneliness is a big issue despite home care visits
If managing at home is no longer safe despite adaptations
If care home life isn't working out as expected
What Next? How We Can Help
You don't have to do this on your own. At Abney & Baker we'll:
Listen carefully to your situation
Give you clear, honest information about your options
Guide you through the funding and practicalities
Support you through the transition
Review your care regularly to ensure it continues to meet your needs
Homecare agencies like Abney & Baker employ carers who visit clients in their own homes to provide personal and professional care.
You know your home best and no one knows your preferences better than you. We can help you keep your independence and quality of life whether that's through exceptional home care or by supporting you if a care home becomes the right choice for you.
Contact us today
for a friendly, no-obligation chat about how we can help you achieve greater independence and peace of mind.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on your blog article:
Home Care vs. Care Home: FAQs
1. What is the main difference between home care and a care home?
Home care provides personalised support in your own home, allowing you to maintain independence and daily routines. Care homes offer 24/7 support in a communal living setting, which may be beneficial for those with complex care needs.
2. How do I decide between home care and a care home?
Consider your care needs, personal preferences, level of independence, social interactions, and family support. If you value staying in your home and having flexible, tailored care, home care might be best. If you need continuous supervision and enjoy a communal setting, a care home may be a better fit.
3. Is home care more expensive than a care home?
Home care is charged by the hour, allowing you to pay only for the care you need. Care homes charge a fixed weekly fee, which covers accommodation, meals, and care. The total cost depends on your needs and how much care you require.
4. What kind of support can a home care provider offer?
Home care services include personal care, medication management, meal preparation, housekeeping, errands, companionship, and support with outings and social activities. Some providers also offer live-in care for those who need continuous support.
5. What are the benefits of staying at home with care support?
Maintain independence and daily routines
Stay in a familiar and comfortable environment
Have one-on-one personalised care
Keep your pets and remain connected to your community
Reduce exposure to infections compared to communal settings
6. What are the benefits of moving to a care home?
24/7 care and supervision
No household maintenance or bills to manage
A built-in social community with activities and entertainment
A secure and accessible environment with safety features
Immediate response to emergencies
7. Can I get funding for home care or a care home?
Yes, funding options include local council support (means-tested), NHS continuing healthcare, direct payments, or self-funding. Each situation is different, so it's best to explore what financial assistance is available based on your needs.
8. Will home care meet my long-term needs as my condition progresses?
Home care can be adapted as your needs change, including increasing care hours or transitioning to live-in care. However, for advanced medical conditions or continuous nursing care, a care home might become a more practical option.
9. Can I try home care or a care home before making a long-term decision?
Yes, many home care providers offer trial services so you can see how it fits into your lifestyle. Care homes often offer short-term respite stays, allowing you to experience communal living before committing.
10. What should I consider when choosing a care provider?
Quality and reputation of the provider
Flexibility of services to meet changing needs
Qualifications and experience of caregivers
Costs and available funding support
Level of personalisation and care continuity
11. How can Abney & Baker help me make the right choice?
At Abney & Baker, we provide personalised home care tailored to your needs. We also offer guidance on care funding and can support you in understanding your options, whether you choose home care or a care home
We’re always here if you want to chat about your care options
Speak to a real person about how care at home can help you or your loved one.
