Is Family Caregiving Better Than Institutional Care?

Assuming the role of caregiver for a loved one can be challenging and with the amount of stress and aggravation that comes with the job, you would think that the caregiver would rather turn the loved one over to a nursing home or other organized care facility. However, the opposite it true!

While the trials and tribulations of caregiving can be quite intense, most of the time caregivers are grateful to have had that time with their loved ones. They report that it is an experience they were glad to have, despite the problems – financially, emotionally and physically. For them, the positive experiences far outweighed the negative and they would choose the caregiving role over again over institutional care. Here are a few of the reasons why:

1.  Life and responsibilities get in the way of maintaining close ties sometimes with family members so when one requires the need of a caregiver, you should view it as an opportunity. Daily care of the loved one entails personal contact so you often end up engaging in long conversations about anything and everything.

There is opportunity to talk about the important things in life as well as the inconsequential ones too. You get to know each other better and learn about family history. You can laugh together and share stories about family as well as forge new memories together. Talking openly and honestly about caregiving decisions and what the future holds will cement not only those familial ties but create a newfound intimacy that is priceless. If there has ever been a time to reconcile differences or seek forgiveness, this would be it.

2.  Caregiving, while it may fall to one person in particular, still has a way of forging bonds with other family members such as siblings who may share in the concern of the loved one. Collaborating with family forces communication, first to benefit the loved one who needs care and then it extends into other familial realms. You just might end up learning more about your family and appreciating the differences that everyone brings to the table. While deciding on caregiving responsibilities can be heartbreaking and stressful in certain situation, it also has a way to bring families together.

3.  Making a difference in someone’s life, especially a loved one like your parent, can be quite satisfying. Yes, it can be tiring, emotionally draining and nerve wracking at times but at the heart of it all, there is a strong love and need to give back the support that loved one always gave you. You may view the opportunity to take care of a loved one as a gift because the time you spend with them could not be recouped if they lived in a nursing home or some other institutional care. Many caregivers report that their families benefit through stronger familial ties with the loved one and positive ideals and principles are indoctrinated in their children.

4.  A whole new world is opened to you when you assume a caregiver role. All of the sudden you will find that many others around you are serving the same role and you are not alone. Through support groups and meetings, you will meet new people and learn so much about health care advances as well as tips on making your job easier. You end up forging new relationships that could last for years.

Playing the role of caregiver can be quite rewarding. However, as your loved one’s condition starts to decline, there is a fine line between the benefits of caregiving on your own and seeking an institution of some kind that could offer better care. Consulting with your loved one as well as your family and the doctor is important. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease could end up requiring 24 hour supervision, something you may not be equipped to handle. Knowing when institutional care is necessary is part of the growth process for a caregiver.

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