Admitting your loved one needs some extra support can be hard. It’s important not to rush into a decision about their care, especially when there are several options available to you.
Why some consider a care home
Many families choose a care home because they believe they will be a safe place for their loved one, with someone always there to help them day and night. For those supporting a family member with advanced care needs, a nursing home with a trained nurse on site may provide an extra level of reassurance.
However, the disruption caused by packing away belongings and having to leave the familiar surroundings of the home can have a significant emotional impact.
Think about the first time you moved to a new house – the stresses of leaving the place you’d called home for such a long time are sure to have affected you.
Though a residential home can support your loved one with managing personal care and hygiene, it is still possible for this same support to be provided in the place you know and love.
Keeping the same routines
Care homes, on the other hand, tend to follow a timetable with set times for meals and visitors. Though this can sometimes be what a loved one needs. Being able to have a meal when you want it and go out with friends, and still maintain those connections, is often comforting and reassuring.
Maintaining the same routines and following familiar daily pattern also helps to build confidence. We recently supported Desiree, a lady in Monmouthshire, to return home from a care home, initially with live-in care.
Wendy Sears, who oversaw her package of care, says, “You can tell she’s a lot happier and a lot calmer about the future now that she’s back living at home – she’s really gone from strength to strength.”
Today, Desiree has built up enough confidence to start driving again – something that was incredibly important to her – and has even reduced her support from live-in care to regular hourly care.
Support day-in, day-out
Live-in care is another option to explore. In a similar way to home visits, a live-in carer helps with any daily aspects that you might be struggling with. The main difference is they will live with you or your loved one, allowing you to have the support you need at any time.
Though it’s a major step to welcome someone new into the home, much thought and consideration goes into making that perfect carer match. He or she will give you their full attention and allow you to carry on with the things that matter most to you.
As well as carrying out duties such as personal care, housekeeping and preparing meals, your carer will also help to keep your home in top condition – even looking after your pet if needed!
Even if you’ve been diagnosed with a progressive condition, such as motor neurone disease, or have a brain or spinal injury, you don’t have to move out of your home to get the right care.
Peace of mind with a continuous service
With one dedicated carer who is carefully matched to your needs, establishing trust and familiarity with them becomes much easier. Not only that but because you will be their sole focus, they can give you all the attention you need to live the lifestyle you want.
Researching the options for care is never easy. Luckily, there’s so much help out there to help you find the best option for you. If you’d like to talk more about home care, just drop us a line.
