Elderly care homes are increasingly common today, providing care for family members who become dependent on others due to work commitments. Furthermore, many people are reluctant to shoulder the responsibility of caring for their elders even at home; in this case, elderly care centers offer a solution.
Elderly care homes were previously less needed in Türkiye due to the family structure consisting mostly of extended families. In the past, most families lived with their own parents, but today the concept of extended families has decreased due to modern urbanization. With women entering the workforce, institutions such as nurseries, nursing homes, and elderly care facilities have become more popular. In today’s conditions, both increased needs and the rising cost of living have led to changes in the extended family structure.
Even some individuals who have the time and resources to care for their own parents choose to place them in institutions such as nursing homes and retirement homes. Those living far from their families, in particular, find peace of mind knowing their elderly relatives are cared for at home. The services provided by nursing homes ensure that the needs of dependent parents are met and that they are not left alone. The cost of nursing homes is a significant concern for those considering placing their family there. Prices vary from person to person, depending on the services received and the condition of the patient or elderly individual.
Elderly Care Homes
Elderly care homes can be established by the state, municipalities, private institutions, and associations. They primarily serve elderly individuals in need of care who suffer from illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or physical disabilities like paralysis. Care is provided for both ambulatory and bedridden patients, depending on their condition. In particular, the personal needs and care of bedridden elderly patients cannot be adequately met by family members at home today. Therefore, elderly care homes provide specialized care for these patients professionally by nurses and caregivers. Additionally, 24/7 medical services and other healthcare services are available when needed.
The lives and care of elderly and dependent individuals are facilitated by private and state-run nursing homes. Thanks to expert healthcare personnel and professional services, the elderly are given the opportunity to live better lives.
Istanbul has more elderly care homes than other provinces. Due to Istanbul’s large population and demanding work schedules, both private and state-run institutions are abundant. This variety can be confusing for those making choices. State-run care homes are more popular because they are free for elderly people who meet certain criteria. Those who prefer private care homes are mostly financially well-off elderly individuals in need of care and citizens who cannot access free services from the state. Some care homes offer such excellent facilities that they provide services almost like a 5-star hotel. Of course, prices increase in parallel with the facilities offered by private care homes.
There are always important factors to consider when choosing a care home to entrust our family or loved ones to. To briefly summarize these factors: the first and foremost is definitely the human factor. That is, the qualifications, attitude, behavior, and competence of the caregivers who look after elderly and sick individuals in need of care are crucial. Furthermore, in shared rooms, the compatibility of the elderly and sick person with other roommates should be considered. If necessary, it would be beneficial to obtain information about the other people in the room from the staff at the care center.
Generally, when choosing a nursing home, the first things to consider are: Does it meet basic needs? Does it provide specialized care for elderly and sick individuals requiring special attention? Does its comfort level suit you or the family member in need of care? What is its location and transportation options? Do the fees fit your budget? Does the institution offer value for money? Does it have facilities that provide opportunities for socialization? One of the most important factors is, of course, the variety, healthiness, hygiene, and nutritional value of the meals. We recommend paying particular attention to these aspects.
In metropolitan cities like Istanbul, with their heavy traffic and large crowds, elderly care homes are generally preferred in central and nearby areas. Therefore, residents of Istanbul prefer to choose a care home for their elderly relatives that is easily accessible. Elderly care homes on the Anatolian side of Istanbul are very diverse due to high demand. Because of this, you may find it difficult to choose the right one, as you will be faced with many options. If you live on the Anatolian side and are considering placing your elderly family members in a care home, you should prioritize one that is close to you.
Even if their needs are met and they are comfortable in their current location, visits from family members are important for elderly individuals. We also recommend that you gather information about the comfort, cleanliness, staff, meals, healthcare services, and price of the institution you choose. Since you will be entrusting your loved ones to them, it’s beneficial to be very thorough. Do a little research online, create a list of suitable institutions, and visit each one in person to evaluate them. This way, you will choose a place that fits your budget and be sure your family is in reliable hands.
Elderly Care Home Prices
Nursing home prices are determined according to regulations set by the state. However, it’s impossible to talk about a standard fee. Every service has a cost, so nursing home prices vary from person to person. The city you live in, the facilities and physical structure of the nursing home, the elderly person’s mental health, whether they are bedridden, and the healthcare services they receive all affect the price. If the service provided fully meets the needs of the elderly and sick individual, then the fee should be secondary. Of course, not everyone has the same financial means. Therefore, you should choose an institution that best suits your financial capabilities and provides the best service for the price.
State-run nursing homes are free of charge. However, there are certain conditions for staying there for free. Prices for private elderly care homes vary. Briefly, the factors affecting price variations include the institution’s structure, the services provided, the number of people in a room, the elderly resident’s illnesses, and health and rehabilitation services.
Home Elderly Care
Home-based elderly care services are provided to patients who are unable to leave their homes or care for themselves at home due to age or disability. Some of the services provided at home include: home-based physical therapy and rehabilitation services, post-operative care services, and services to treat and meet the needs of bedridden patients. Home-based elderly care can be provided by government and non-governmental organizations, family members, or volunteers.
If you have family members or people in your community who require care and you lack the time or resources to provide it, you can benefit from home care services. Increased illnesses, cancer, and disabilities associated with aging have led to a recent surge in demand for home care services. Home care services for the elderly allow elderly and sick individuals to receive care in the comfort and hygiene of their own home.
Individuals receiving services in the comfort of their own homes feel more relaxed and at peace. Home care services for the elderly also reduce the burden on hospitals and nursing homes. It is particularly difficult for bedridden elderly individuals and their families to travel to the hospital for treatment. Furthermore, home care services contribute to reducing transportation and hospital costs.
Some families want their elderly relatives to be with them and for their health to be constantly monitored. However, life circumstances or working for a good career are also necessary. Thanks to home care services for the elderly, their mother or father will be in their sight, and their necessary needs and treatments will be met. Furthermore, family members who meet the necessary conditions can receive a monthly allowance from the state for providing home care services to disabled and elderly individuals. In this way, you both take on the responsibility of caring for a member of your own family and receive a salary from the state.
So where can you apply for home care services for the elderly? The first option is for the patient or their relatives to contact the coordination center within the public health institution. The second option is to apply in writing to the home health care unit of a hospital.
Elderly Care Center
Elderly care centers provide services for elderly individuals with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s, or those who are unable to care for themselves. These institutions can be state-run or private. While home-based elderly care has advantages, it also has some disadvantages. Although home care is advantageous for both the elderly person and their family, finding a good caregiver can be difficult. When elderly care centers or nursing homes are institutionalized, there are no problems with service. Elderly individuals, especially those who are mentally incapacitated or unable to speak, may be subjected to various forms of abuse or torture by unqualified caregivers. To prevent such situations, care centers are more advantageous, particularly for those who live alone or whose families live in different cities.
Elderly individuals who do not wish to stay in nursing homes can receive home care services with their families. Those receiving home care feel psychologically better because they are surrounded by their loved ones. Family members are also very satisfied with this service. Individuals who value their families and are willing to take on the responsibility of care feel more at ease morally. Everyone wants to be cared for and looked after by their children and grandchildren when they become elderly and dependent. However, due to current life circumstances, both men and women need to work. Therefore, those who do not have the time to stay home and care for their elderly relatives find relief thanks to home care services.
Where to apply for home care services for the elderly: Throughout Turkey, you can apply for home care services for the elderly by calling the phone numbers of home health care units or by filling out a patient application form. After applications are submitted for patients and elderly individuals, they are registered. An on-site assessment is conducted by the family physician according to the necessary procedures. The suitability of home health care services is evaluated, and the applicant or family members are notified with a positive or negative response. This service is provided by the Turkish Ministry of Health and is free of charge.