A closer look at institution and home-based care options
Each chronic health condition is unique, so does the choice of care come down to the patient?
With the rising costs of institutional-based care for people with chronic health conditions, the pros and cons when compared to home-based care was discussed at the recent Act of Random Kindness (ARK) Support Group meeting.
ALSO SEE: Making connections and getting help with ARK Support Group
Nine people gathered at the AFM Church in Brickhill Road for the monthly meeting. ARK Support Group and the cancer support group are made up of members who suffer from debilitating illnesses that have made them reliant on their caregivers, who also attend meetings where supporters are also welcome.
Saturday’s topic brought to the fore the difference between institution-based care and home-based care, with Johan Jooste chairing the meeting. First, the definitions of both were explored.
Institution-based care is when a patient goes to a care centre or a facility where professional caregivers take care of the patient.
Home-based care is when a patient stays in his house and is cared for by his own family.
Members agreed that institution-based care, despite being favoured for its many benefits such as 24-hour security and medical attention, is expensive.
One member explained that even after a government contribution and pensions, she would have to fork out R12,000 for accommodation for her husband and herself at Shepstone Place Home for the Aged.
“This is just not affordable for us,” she commented.
Home-based care could be cheaper, but in most cases, caregivers (who are often family members) may not see the enormity of the tasks that await them. It is estimated that in South Africa, there are more than 10 million unpaid caregivers.
“Caregivers are the heart of home-based care,” said ARK Support Group co-founder Shailen Sunderpersad.
Professional nursing staff at institutions are trained and well-equipped to deal with everyday and emergency situations.
In conclusion, members agreed that the choice of care is based on the decision of the individual and family, and is unique in each case.
If you would like to be part of the ARK Support Group and cancer support group meetings, attend the next meeting on July 27 at the AFM Church at 2pm.
READ THIS: ARK Support Group reflects on 2018
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
