Most older people want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, but often they are placed in residential care homes when it isn’t really necessary. Fortunately, awareness of the services provided by home care companies is growing.
The home environment is often more suitable than a residential care home for a variety of reasons. Perhaps most important is that care at home promotes empowerment and independence in the individual. Such a state of mind can promote mental health, and the stability that living at home provides boosts the sense of being in control.
Choosing between home care and a residential care home is not a decision that should be taken lightly. If you are researching your options for yourself or a family member, here we offer some pointers for you to consider including the many benefits home care can provide.
The advantages of home care
Maintain independence
The loss of independence is a major concern as we get older. One of the many benefits of home care is the ability to maintain control over your schedule, your routines and your lifestyle. A home carer can also help you do the things you they want to do, helping to maintain a ‘normal’ routine while improving quality of life through self-fulfillment.
Personalised care
In a care home, you will have to adjust to the strict time schedules and rules of a care facility. With home care, you will receive a home care plan that is completely tailored to your situation. This care plan will take into consideration not only your needs but your likes and preferences so that you can continue to live the life you love.
Whether you only need support a few times a week or round-the-clock care, home care is flexible and can be adapted to the needs of each client.
No on-going contract required
Home care does not require an on-going contract in some cases, with a carer being readily available for as long as you believe you may need one. The best option is to research home care companies and to talk with them directly about the possibility of care at home and what exactly they provide in their service.
Peace of mind for family members
While home care is for the benefit of the client, friends and family members can also enjoy greater peace of mind. They can visit their friend or relative who is receiving care whenever the time is mutually appropriate while side-stepping the regulations that may be in place at a residential care centre, such as specified times for eating meals and visiting.
Remain in your much-loved home
Care at home totally eliminates the upheaval of moving into a residential home, which may prove to be an anxious experience for older people. Selling assets and using the money to pay residential care home fees is not the only option available. In fact, home care companies can often provide a greater range of possibilities for care and tailored solutions that can result in a higher quality of personalised care.
Cost effectiveness
Live-in home care services costs are typically in line with a care home, and sometimes less. This is especially true for couples that are usually charged double for two bedrooms in a care home. Costs in care homes can be much higher if you need nursing care for complex conditions like dementia or Parkinson’s.
Companionship
With friends and family near, loneliness and vulnerability are less likely. Thanks to the increased amount of time available to perform their duties, home carers can establish a strong bond of companionship with the person they are caring for. This bond with a home carer is central to the highly personalised and individually tailored care programmes provided by the best home care companies.
The cornerstones on which all quality carprovide assistance for their patients ande at home is founded on – trust, personalisation and continuity of care – make for an experience that explains why home care is becoming so popular.
Home care from The Good Care Group
For over 10 years, the Good Care Group has been providing families across England and Scotland with award-winning live-in care. We provide a highly-tailored and fully-managed care service that received an ‘Outstanding’ rating in all areas by the Care Quality Commission.
We’re committed to helping you find the right home care solution so that you can receive the quality care you need right in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. We offer a number of bespoke and highly-personalised care arrangements that are tailored to your choices, wishes and preferences, so that you can maintain the lifestyle you are accustomed to.
If you are living with a specialist medical condition like dementia, Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis, our expert live-in carers can provide you with dedicated care on a one-to-one basis. This arrangement will enable you to maintain your independence, while improving your health outcomes and overall quality of life.
To arrange for live-in care, contact our friendly team to learn how we can help you and your family.
