There is no denying that choosing a care option for an elderly relative or friend is a huge decision. Many find themselves torn between residential care and home care services, and choosing between the two isn’t always an easy process. Unfortunately, there are several misconceptions surrounding care that make it more difficult to make a decision too.
24 hour care, in particular, is frequently misunderstood and many don’t realise just how advantageous it can be when compared to nursing homes. This service is designed to provide around the clock one-to-one care to elderly people who are struggling to live independently but would like to remain in their own homes surrounded by their home comforts and memories. To help anyone who is considering 24 hour care for a loved one, below we have debunked some of the most common misconceptions about this type of care.
“24 hour care is unaffordable for most people”
Home care services are often more affordable than people realise and it isn’t uncommon for people not to know that financial support is available for elderly care too. Simply put, a financial assessment can be carried out by your local authority to determine whether your loved one is eligible for financial support towards the cost of 24 hour care services. Should they have assets less than £23,250, the council will provide them with some financial assistance.
It’s worth noting that the value of their house won’t be included in the financial assessment when arranging home care services, however, it will be included if you’re arranging residential care. So, they may actually get more financial support when opting for 24 hour home care.
“Home carers will only assist with personal care”
Whilst a home care assistant will provide personal care services, including washing and dressing, they can actually carry out a full range of other tasks too, depending on an elderly person’s needs. A care plan will be designed specifically for your loved one and this can be inclusive of everything from assisting with housework and laundry to going shopping and attending hospital appointments.
Companionship care and day-to-day social support is a huge part of 24 hour care, and this comprehensive care service is designed to help an elderly person live independently whilst maintaining the highest quality of life. 24 hour home care is incredibly flexible too and your loved one will have the freedom to choose how much support they want and when they need it.
“In-home care isn’t suitable for people with medical conditions”
Depending on the medical condition an elderly person has, staying in their own home might actually be the best option available for them. A home carer can assist with things such as monitoring nutrition and weight, collecting and administering medication, and incontinence care, and they have the capabilities required to assist a vast range of clients.
24 home care is often recommended for people with dementia, for example. Staying in a familiar surrounding and maintaining the same routine can be really beneficial for someone with dementia, and in-home care will enable them to do so.
“There is no continuity with home care services”
Commonly, 24 hour care services will be provided by a small team of dedicated carers and they will have a person-centred approach to care that isn’t available in most residential homes. Continuity of care isn’t something you need to worry about and your elderly loved one will build a good rapport with the home care assistants they see on a day-to-day basis.
You will have your own Care Manager too who will carry out regular follow-ups to ensure you’re happy with the service being provided. You can even monitor the care your loved one is receiving by reading care notes, reviews and medication charts for peace of mind.
“Home carers aren’t as skilled as nursing home workers”
All care assistants will have to complete a fully comprehensive training program before they provide care and support in the community. They will have the skills and knowledge required to help you and your loved one keep control of day-to-day life. Of course, they will be fully DBS checked too, so there is no need to worry in this regard.
When your elderly loved one receives 24 hour care, you can rest assured knowing they will have a kind, caring and compassionate person around to provide them with assistance whenever required. Ultimately, a home carer will provide security and complete peace of mind.
Arranging 24 hour care in Sale
Hopefully, now you know the truth about 24 hour home care, you will find it easier to decide whether it is the best option for your elderly relative or friend. If you would like to find out more about long term home care, don’t hesitate to contact us at Beloved Homecare today. We provide 24 hour care in Sale, and the surrounding areas, and we will be happy to provide you with any additional information you may require about the services available.
Our high-quality home care services help our clients continue to live independently in their own homes and our care team prevents them from having to move into residential care. We are proud to say that we assist elderly, convalescing and disabled clients maintain the highest quality of life, and there is no better company to turn to for 24 hour care in Sale.