Caring for elderly relatives: How home care helps families

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Published on Tuesday, 13 June 2023 11:01

Last Updated on 13 June 2023

Monica Costa

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Caring for elderly relatives is a deeply personal experience and is often a challenging journey for them and for you. As our people age, their needs change and it can be difficult to keep up with their evolving demands without getting experienced support for them and for you. Home care allows elderly relatives like parents to stay in their homes while still receiving the support and care that they need, but what exactly is it?

The Different Ways To Care For The Elderly

Home care services can provide support for both the elderly and their families, and ensures older relatives receive the highest standards of care. The services that they typically offer range from personal care like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, to more specialised medical care like nursing or therapy services. People with dementia or Alzheimer’s often need specialised carers too, in order to make sure their particular needs are met. There’s also live-in care that offers constant support to people who have chronic health conditions.

The most common home care services involve routine visits from care workers to assist with daily tasks and to ensure welfare, such as cooking and cleaning, and spending time with their elderly clients. A Class Care provides a range of high-quality home care in Suffolk from experienced staff members who invest their time with their clients. They emphasise the care in home care services to give your loved ones real, caring support.

This type of care allows your loved ones to stay in their home, where they feel most comfortable and secure, while still receiving the highest standards of consistent care. Understanding these different types of services is crucial in ensuring your elderly parent receives the best and most appropriate care for their situation.

 

Home Care Has Many Advantages

Caring at home is much more preferable than moving into a residential care home, which can be incredibly distressing. Home care services help the elderly to retain their independence and live somewhere familiar that is filled with happy memories for them. The psychological benefits of home care for the elderly should not be underestimated, and this can have a positive effect on their ongoing health and well-being.

Another advantage is the personalised care they receive. Home care services allow for a greater deal of customisation and tailoring than nursing homes or in-hospital care. This level of personalisation is rarely achievable in residential care homes or hospitals where staff often have multiple residents to look after.

Home care services also promote independence, a crucial aspect of ageing. They provide the necessary support for daily tasks, yet encourage the elderly to do as much on their own as possible. This balance helps maintain their skills, boosts self-esteem, and fosters a sense of purpose.

 

Finding The Right Service

Choosing the appropriate home care service is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. Assess your loved one’s specific needs first. Is the support needed for daily living tasks, medical requirements, or both? Once you understand the level of care required, research potential care providers thoroughly. Look into their qualifications, training, and experience, as well as the feedback and reviews from previous clients.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all home care providers in the United Kingdom. You can view inspection reports online to check up on your local services. When you’ve shortlisted potential providers, arrange a meeting. This provides an opportunity to ask specific questions, discuss personalised care plans, and gauge the compatibility between the care service and your loved one.

This is the beginning of what will hopefully be a long-term relationship between you, the care service and their staff, and your elderly relatives. Together you will formulate a care plan, react to changes and challenges, and provide the highest standards of care and support. Remember to work with these service. They are looking for your input to help them care for your loved ones.

 

There Is Help Out There For Funding

Funding home care services in the UK can be managed through various channels, depending on individual circumstances and eligibility. For some, local authority funding may be available. Completing this process usually requires a home visit where the level of care needed will be assessed and this will help your local council reach a decision on funding. It is also possible for the elderly to self-fund their care if they have enough savings or assets.

Your relative may be eligible for the NHS Continuing Healthcare scheme, which is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS. Another potential option is the Attendance Allowance, a tax-free benefit for those aged 65 and above who need help due to a severe disability. It’s crucial to explore all options to find the most financially viable solution to ensure continuing care.

Home care has many advantages over residential care, but the biggest by far is that elderly loved ones can stay in their home but still receive the care and support they need. Home care does not only support the elderly, but it also supports their families too by maintaining a consistently high level of care when they cannot be there. If you have elderly relatives that need extra care, take a look at the above options available near you.