My mum can’t bear the idea a care home, but what’s the alternative?

Care can be given in the client’s own home by an experienced, skilled and trusted carer.   For someone that has been independent for all their lives, it is often hard to accept that they now need some support for daily living activities that they have managed to do themselves for the last 70 or so years. Receiving care in the familiar environment of one’s own home is a far gentler way for a person to be introduced to the idea of receiving support. Leaving a much-loved home, possessions and pets can be distressing for both a client and their family. Why undergo the upheaval of that when care can be provided in the home environment?

Homecare services enable the client, family and the carer to have the time to establish a routine and a relationship. This is rarely the case in a nursing or residential home as carers have a number of residents to care for each day and cannot focus on just one.

An initial step should be to speak to the person who needs care and ask them what they want. Questions to think about could be- where they would like to live and what they prefer from an emotional and practical standpoint.  Medical needs can be addressed by talking to the doctor. Homecare providers are experienced in working with doctors, district nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure the homecare service complements the any medical needs.

Three benefits of Live-In Care vs Care Home:

1. One to one care: When you elect to bring the carer into your own home, the carer is there to give one to one care and to adapt to the individual needs and schedule of the client. The carer has the time to develop a relationship and a sense of trust and familiarity with client.  You can work with the carer to make sure the needs of the person receiving care are met.   However, in a care home the client must fit in with the routine of the home which can be impacted by staff shortages and rotas.

2. Calm environment: Receiving care at home means a client isn’t rushed. Care homes have strict routines for example, meals at certain times. Carers have to rush to get all the clients ready for this time. In the home environment, clients have more freedom.

3. Familiar environment: In the weeks following a serious injury/illness, it is important that clients feel as secure as possible. What better way to aid recovery time than receiving support within your own home surrounded by familiar belongings, friends and family and even pets? There are no set visiting times at home. Children, grandchildren and friends can pop in at any time. Our carers are discreet and flexible so will give clients the time and space to spend with their loved ones whilst they carry on with other tasks in the home.

If you would like to read more about live-in care and the different aspects of care at home, you can read our all-encompassing guide to live-in care here.