Home Care vs Care Home
Which is Right for Your Loved One?
When it comes to making decisions about the care of an elderly parent or loved one, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. One of the biggest questions families face is: Should we consider a care home, or is home care the better option?
It’s a deeply personal choice—and often an emotional one. At Home Instead Newport, Cwmbran & Chepstow, we speak to families every week who are wrestling with this decision. They want the best for their loved ones—safety, comfort, dignity, and meaningful companionship. So let’s explore the differences between home care and care homes, weighing up the pros and cons, and most importantly—what it means for your loved one’s wellbeing.
What Is Home Care?
Home care is when a trained caregiver visits (or lives with) your loved one in their own home, helping with daily tasks such as personal care, medication reminders, meal prep, mobility support, and meaningful companionship.
Pros of Home Care:
🏠 Familiarity: Your loved one remains in the comfort of their own home.
🧍♀️ One-to-one care: Care is personalised, with consistent carers building trust.
🧠 Better mental health: Remaining in familiar surroundings reduces confusion and anxiety, especially for those with dementia.
📉 Cost-effective: In many cases, live-in care is cheaper than a residential care home, especially for couples.
🕊️ Independence: Clients keep control over their daily routine and lifestyle.
👪 Staying local: Older adults remain part of their local community—visiting familiar shops, places of worship, or even just chatting with neighbours.
Cons of Home Care:
🕐 Limited medical needs: If someone needs 24/7 medical care from multiple clinicians, a care home may offer quicker access.
🏡 Household management: The home may need some adaptation—grab rails, stairlifts, or fall detection devices—to make it safe.
What Is a Care Home?
A care home (also called a residential or nursing home) is a facility where older people live full-time and receive care from staff. Meals, accommodation, and help with personal needs are provided.
Pros of Care Homes:
💊 24/7 oversight: Staff are available round-the-clock.
🧑⚕️ Nursing care on-site: Good care homes may offer nursing on-site for those with complex, ongoing health needs.
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏻 Structured environment: Activities and meals are pre-organised.
Cons of Care Homes:
🧍 Less personal attention: Carers look after multiple residents; care can be rushed.
🏚️ Unfamiliar surroundings: Moving out of their home can be distressing and confusing.
💸 High cost: Residential care fees can exceed £1,500 per week, whereas live-in care at home is often more affordable.
😔 Emotional toll: Feelings of loneliness, displacement, or loss of independence are common.
👨👩👧👦 Restricted visiting: Especially during health crises, family access may be limited.
The Emotional Impact: Why “Home” Matters
There’s something deeply powerful about staying at home. A favourite armchair. The sound of birds in the garden. The photo frames on the windowsill. For elderly people, these aren’t just comforts—they’re anchors.
Research in the UK shows that older adults who remain in their own homes often report higher life satisfaction, better mental health, and greater feelings of autonomy.
One daughter of a client recently shared:
“Mum’s dementia has been life challenging, but having a carer visit every day means she still feels like herself. She’s in her home, surrounded by memories. I don’t think she’d have coped in a care home—and I’d always be worrying about her.”
At Home Instead, our goal isn’t just to support with tasks—but to bring joy, dignity, and companionship into our clients’ daily lives.
What About the Costs?
Let’s talk money. Many people assume that live-in care must be more expensive than a care home. That’s often not the case.
In South East Wales, care home fees can easily exceed £1,400–£1,800 per week. For a couple, that’s double the cost, as both would need separate accommodation and care packages.
In contrast, a single live-in carer can support a couple in their own home, providing one-to-one attention at a lower cost. And there are no hidden extras—no laundry charges, top-up meals, or activity fees.
Plus, home care allows you to:
Avoid selling the family home.
Keep pets.
Stay in a beloved community.
Maintain full control over the type of care and schedule.
What Do Families in Monmouthshire & Newport Say?
Here’s what some of our local families have told us:
“I was worried Dad wouldn’t get the care he needed at home—but Home Instead made it possible. The carers are kind, punctual, and understand his routines. He’s calmer, happier, and even laughs again.”
“Mum used to dread the idea of a care home. With home care, she’s blossomed. She loves her daily walk, her carer brings her news from town, and she feels seen and heard. It’s made such a difference to our whole family.”
These aren’t just testimonials—they’re real stories of transformation.
Home Care Is Flexible—And That’s Key
Whether your loved one needs an hour of help each morning, companionship visits, or 24-hour live-in support, we build the care plan around them.
With Home Instead, you’re not locked into rigid schedules or standard services. We tailor everything to your loved one’s needs, interests, health, and personality. That includes:
Matching clients with carers who suit their hobbies and values.
Creating routines that feel empowering—not clinical.
Offering flexibility when care needs change.
And most importantly, we take the time to build trust.
The Verdict: Care Home or Home Care?
The answer depends on:
Your loved one’s health and mobility
Their personal preferences
Your family’s capacity to help
Financial circumstances
But for many families, home care offers the best of both worlds—support and safety, without giving up the comfort of home.
Ready to Talk?
📞 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
We’ve helped hundreds of families in Newport, Cwmbran, and Chepstow find the right care solution for their loved one. Whether it’s a few hours of companionship or full-time live-in care, our team will guide you every step of the way.
📍Take the First Step Today
Your loved one deserves care that feels like family.
✅ Call us now for a friendly, informal chat about your situation.
✅ We’ll listen, offer guidance, and help you explore what’s possible.
✅ No pressure—just expert advice, when you need it most.
Because care isn’t just about tasks—it’s about trust, dignity, and living well at home.