Working out what care you need

As we get older we may find that we aren’t able to do as much as we used to, and we may need to ask for some assistance – but we know that some elderly people worry about losing their independence or having to go into a care home: there are so many alternatives and ways to aid someone with everyday tasks in their own home, and care doesn’t need to mean moving.

As we get older we may find that we aren’t able to do as much as we used to, and we may need to ask for some assistance – but we know that some elderly people worry about losing their independence or having to go into a care home: there are so many alternatives and ways to aid someone with everyday tasks in their own home, and care doesn’t need to mean moving.

So what kinds of care is available, and how can you be sure what you need? Of course care homes are one option – but what if your loved ones want to remain in their home, but just need a little bit of support to retain their independence and mental health?

Home carers can visit elderly people in their own homes to help with a wide range of things, allowing people to stay in a home they may have loved for decades, and to maintain some independence without relying on their family members, which may make them feel low, and allows them to take pride in their lifestyle.

Sometimes this help is needed short-term, for example when recovering from an illness or accident – sometimes it’s long-term. Sometimes a carer may just pop into the home once a day to help with getting up, washed and dressed and preparing some meals, sometimes a carer might pop in twice to also help with getting ready for bed and settling down for the night.

There are times when someone is needed for more hours, aiding with a wider range of tasks around the home, for example cleaning and housework, or there could be a need for equipment or adaptions to the home – things like bath seats, stairlifts, bars for support getting up and down steps into the house.

Some people also request help with getting out and about – going to a day centre to spend time with friends, or perhaps with getting shopping and packing it away.

Home care means that nobody has to be disrupted, but there is also no worry about not being able to cope, struggling alone with tasks which get more and more difficult, or safety being at risk with things like stairs and bathing, when trips and slips could cause serious harm.

Meals can be brought to the home, saving worries about cooking and clearing away afterwards, and a home carer will always be professional and caring, helping without making the person being supported feel like their dignity or confidence is impacted, allowing them to be clean, well presented and take pride in their home and appearance.