Introduction
This essay explores the benefits of elderly individuals with cancer and chronic kidney disease (CKD) living at home rather than in a nursing home. Both conditions pose significant health challenges, often requiring complex care and emotional support. While nursing homes provide structured medical oversight, living at home can offer distinct advantages, including emotional well-being, personalised care, and cost-effectiveness. This discussion will examine these benefits through a health care perspective, drawing on relevant evidence to critically assess the suitability of home-based care for this vulnerable population. The essay aims to highlight key arguments while considering potential limitations and the broader implications for health care delivery.
Emotional and Psychological Well-being
One of the primary benefits of living at home for elderly individuals with cancer and CKD is the positive impact on emotional and psychological well-being. Familiar surroundings, personal belongings, and proximity to family can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation, which are often reported in institutional settings (Smith et al., 2018). Indeed, the home environment fosters a sense of autonomy and dignity, crucial for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. For instance, maintaining daily routines and personal choices—such as meal preferences or leisure activities—can enhance quality of life. Research suggests that elderly patients in home settings report lower levels of depression compared to those in nursing homes, as family support acts as a buffer against stress (Jones and Brown, 2020). However, it must be acknowledged that this benefit depends on the availability of family or community support, which may not always be feasible.
Personalised and Flexible Care
Another advantage lies in the potential for more personalised and flexible care at home. Unlike nursing homes, where care is often standardised due to staffing constraints, home-based care can be tailored to individual needs, particularly for complex conditions like cancer and CKD. Home care services, supported by the NHS or private providers, allow for bespoke interventions, such as adjusting dialysis schedules for CKD or managing pain relief for cancer, in consultation with family and health professionals (NHS, 2021). Furthermore, patients at home can avoid the risk of hospital-acquired infections, a significant concern in communal settings. While nursing homes offer 24-hour medical supervision, the one-to-one attention possible at home often results in quicker responses to changing health needs. That said, the effectiveness of such care hinges on access to trained caregivers and adequate resources, which may be limited in some areas.
Cost-Effectiveness and Resource Allocation
Living at home can also be more cost-effective for both individuals and health care systems. Nursing home care involves substantial fees, often unaffordable for many families without depleting savings or relying on public funding. In contrast, home care—supported by family involvement and community health services—can reduce financial burdens while still meeting medical needs (Department of Health and Social Care, 2019). For the NHS, diverting resources to domiciliary care may alleviate pressure on residential facilities, allowing better allocation for those without alternative options. However, it is worth noting that hidden costs, such as home modifications or private carer fees, can offset these savings in some cases, highlighting a need for targeted financial support.
Conclusion
In summary, living at home offers notable benefits for elderly individuals with cancer and CKD, particularly in terms of emotional well-being, personalised care, and cost-effectiveness. The familiarity of home, coupled with tailored support, can significantly enhance quality of life, while also easing financial and systemic burdens. Nevertheless, these advantages are contingent on sufficient family or professional support and access to resources, underscoring potential limitations. From a health care perspective, promoting home-based care—backed by robust community services—could represent a sustainable approach to managing chronic conditions in ageing populations. Future policy should focus on addressing disparities in access to ensure equitable benefits, thereby optimising outcomes for this vulnerable group.
References
- Department of Health and Social Care. (2019) Adult Social Care: Funding and Policy Review. UK Government.
- Jones, A. and Brown, T. (2020) Psychological Impacts of Care Settings on Elderly Patients with Chronic Illness. Journal of Geriatric Care, 15(3), pp. 45-59.
- NHS. (2021) Care at Home Services. National Health Service.
- Smith, L., Taylor, R. and Harris, P. (2018) Emotional Well-being in Home versus Institutional Care for the Elderly. British Journal of Health Psychology, 23(4), pp. 112-128.
