For many, care in their own homes doesn’t appear on the radar when thinking about their later years. Care Homes are well known, and a lot of us assume that this is the next step when we are unable to look after ourselves at home.
What is Home Care?
Home or domiciliary care is a major part of the care provision available. It usually starts with the family helping where they can. As needs grow, they find that work and other commitments mean they can’t provide the support or increasing expertise at the times needed. That’s where home care comes in.
With home care, our loved ones continue living independently in their own homes with the support of a trained team of carers. Carers can help with personal care such as:
They are also trained in other aspects of elderly care from common skin conditions through to dementia support, and work with other healthcare professionals in ensuring the all-round wellbeing of the service users.
The provision of care is tailored to the users need – there isn’t a one size fits all approach. This level of personalisation allows clients to get exactly the support they need.
What types of care are available?
There are three categories of home care:
Daily or hourly care: Daily care is the most common type of care.
Carers visit when required and for as long as they are needed to fulfil the care needs. It allows flexibility from a few days a week to multiple visits every day, for short-term as in settling back home from hospital to longer-term support.
Visit durations can be as little as half-an-hour which is suitable for support such as a morning wash, dressing, simple meal preparation, and medication. Longer visits may be required when mobility is limited, for companionship, respite, or additional help around the house. Carers can also visit around lunchtime, tea times, and later for bedtime as required.
Having the same carers visit regularly builds familiarity between the clients and carers. This allows the carers to identify changes in behaviour and medical needs early enough that the appropriate measures and treatments can be put in place.
Visits are arranged at pre-agreed times from 7am till 10pm, seven days a week.
Over-night care: Over-night care can help those who need support during the night for getting to and from the toilet or having somebody close by, especially for those suffering from dementia which can leave the individual confused and prone to falls and accidents. It also means that families or partners who support during the day get some well-deserved rest.
The flexibility of home care, and the skills of the carers, means there are many options that give us the support we need to stay in our homes longer. It has proved invaluable for many of our clients and their families, some who didn’t realise this kind of support was available.
Contact us today and let us show you how we can make things that little bit easier.
In Home Care (Hertford)
(T) 01992 911345
( E) Hertford@in-homecare.co.uk
