Home care for the elderly: the advantages of aging at home

Aging is a natural process that brings with it a new set of needs and care. Our home, with its comfort and security, is often the place we want to stay as we age. Home care for the elderly presents a viable solution, offering a quality alternative to traditional nursing homes.

Despite the increase in the senior population, nursing homes have been unable to respond satisfactorily and promptly to the needs of the elderly, and problems such as long waiting lists and unreasonable prices make the situation even more worrying.

As a result, people are paying considerable amounts of money for conditions that do not correspond to the attention and care that seniors so desperately need.

We explore home care for seniors as a preferable alternative to nursing homes, providing greater comfort, safety, and dignity. Discover the benefits of aging in a familiar environment, maintaining routines, and allowing unrestricted visits.

Home care for the elderly or a nursing home — What is the best choice in an increasingly aging society?

According to the most recent statistics, Portugal is the fastest-aging country in the European Union . It has twice as many elderly people as children and young people, making it the third-largest country in the world, surpassed only by Italy and Germany.

These statistics might lead us to believe that the State and successive governments are implementing plans and promoting measures to ensure that all seniors can age with dignity, assistance, and companionship. Unfortunately, reality shows us otherwise.

The current situation regarding nursing homes in Portugal is bleak and causes great concern: waiting lists that last years to find a place in a state-subsidized home, and private homes that charge prices that are inaccessible to most seniors.

The prices charged by nursing homes do not reflect the quality of the treatments and conditions offered. Schedules, meals, and activities are standardized for everyone, without meeting the individual needs of each senior. This lack of personalization raises concerns, as each senior has unique characteristics and needs that must be addressed in a personalized and attentive manner.

Ao contrário do apoio domiciliário, os lares de idosos não conseguem garantir apoio e acompanhamento personalizado às necessidades individuais.

Why choose home support for the elderly?

1. Autonomy and Independence

Aging at home promotes autonomy and independence for seniors. In their own space, seniors can maintain familiar routines, maintaining a sense of normalcy and control. With home care, the caregiver provides the necessary assistance, always respecting the senior's space and autonomy. Compared to a nursing home, where there are predefined rules and schedules, home care offers flexibility that adapts to each senior's individual routine.

2. Comfort and Familiarity

Home is a comfortable environment, filled with positive memories and associations. A nursing home, while capable of providing an adequate level of care, cannot replicate this feeling. Home care for seniors allows them to age in a familiar environment, which can have significant benefits for their mental well-being.

3. Personalized Care

Home care for seniors is personalized to meet their specific needs. At Grupo Hug, for example, we perform a rigorous and accurate diagnosis that allows us to consider the person as a whole and develop a comprehensive plan. This level of personalization is more challenging in a nursing home, where care is often customized to accommodate a large number of residents.

4. Family Support

Aging at home allows for more frequent and easier contact with family and friends. This regular contact can significantly contribute to the elderly person's emotional well-being. In a nursing home, visits may be limited, and interaction with family is less spontaneous.

O apoio ao domicílio é uma boa alternativa aos lares de idosos, pois oferecem a possibilidade de envelhecer em casa, num espaço familiar e confortável para o idoso.

Home Support for the Elderly: Hug Group Services

At Grupo Hug, we offer different types of home support, adapted to the individual needs of each user.

We offer an inpatient service, specifically designed for dependent patients, those with cancer, those recovering from an incident, or those with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. We also provide an outpatient service, suitable for semi-dependent, independent, or convalescent patients. Finally, we offer a dedicated personal hygiene service, ideal for semi-dependent and dependent patients.

In each case, the goal is to provide personalized care and quality support in the comfort of your own home, respecting your individual needs and preferences.

Home care for the elderly: what are the prices?

The prices of home care for the elderly depend on the type of care and regime contracted, varying according to the specific needs of each individual.

For example, the cost of a daily visit for personal hygiene care may be lower than the monthly fee for a nursing home. On the other hand, it may be higher if we're talking about a monthly fee for in-home care for a 100% dependent elderly person, requiring permanent care and 24/7 assistance, and possibly even additional services.

Despite the higher price, this type of care is exclusive and the caregiver will be 100% dedicated to just one person, providing them with personalized and continuous attention.

Private home care allows for even greater flexibility, both in terms of costs and services provided, adapting to the needs and financial possibilities of the elderly person.

Thus, aging at home with appropriate home care has many advantages. However, it's crucial to choose a trustworthy service that respects the dignity and needs of the elderly. At Hug Group , we strive to provide the highest level of personalized and holistic care to promote physical, mental, social, and spiritual health at every stage of the aging process.

For more information about our pricing options, service types, and modalities, please contact us . We're ready to meet your needs and answer all your questions to offer the most appropriate solution for your specific situation.