Thinking About Home Care? Here’s What Families Need to Know: Home care is something that many might need for their family members in the future or even for themselves, even if it’s to put in initial plans that can be shared with loved ones. The benefit of home care is that ageing relatives can maintain their independence in familiar surroundings. It ranges from brief companionship to complex, 24-hour live-in support.
There are several key steps needed when it comes to home care, which include assessing the individual’s needs, researching the regulated local providers, and evaluating the costs to make them affordable for the individual/family.
With that being said, here’s everything you need to know as a family member looking at home care for a loved one.
Three Main Types of Care
There are three main types of care to consider:
- Personal Care – Help with washing, dressing, mobility, and managing medication.
- Companionship – Social interaction, helps with attending appointments, and assistance with light housekeeping.
- Specialist Care – Targeted support for complex conditions like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and post-hospital recovery.
The Assessment Process for Home Care
Before picking the home care type, there needs to be an assessment conducted to pinpoint specific areas where assistance might be required.
Council and agency assessments might be needed at this point, too, in order to ensure funding for the care is provided, as well as the care plan is tailored correctly to the individual.
Funding and Costs
There are different aspects of funding and costs to consider, from self-funding to council and NHS support.
If you’re self-funding, it’s likely because you have savings and assets above £23,250, which excludes your primary residence when care is in-home. For council support, you’ll receive direct payments to manage all the services yourself.
NHS support is provided to those who are discharged from hospital and therefore have up to 6 weeks of free rehabilitation or immediate care.
Finding and Vetting Providers
When you’re looking for a care agency, it’s important to find providers who focus on communication, continuity and compassion. You want to make sure that the agency you choose is registered and rated. There are local options to consider, so always make sure to do a quick Google search to see what’s nearby.
You may find it helpful to speak to friends and other family members for their advice. Reviews are worth checking over to ensure prior and current customers have been looked after.
Actionable Advice for Families
For families that are considering home care for families, then it’s important to think about the approach yourself.
Start conversations early, where you can, by involving your loved ones. That way, it allows them to share their views and gives them time to adjust to the idea of having a paid carer in place.
You do not need to commit to full-time care immediately. Many families start with 1-2 hours a week for companionship or perhaps for meal preparation or cleaning. Pair care with practical home aids like stairlifts and telecare alarms.
If you’re thinking about home care services, then assess the options and put plans in place.
