How Home Care Services Will Help You Stay Safely In Your Own Home
Whether you’re recovering from an illness or a fall, or you need help with your long-term care, there are various support services to help you without the need to go into hospital or a residential care home. This type of care is known as homecare, domiciliary care, or sometimes home help.
Most of us don’t want to go into a care home, but thankfully having a professional care for you in the comfort and security of your own home is not only cheaper, but also better for your overall health, happiness, and wellbeing.
If you only need a few hours help a day and your house can be adapted to your needs, care at home might be the most practical and cost-effective solution. Not only do you avoid any upheaval and get to remain in familiar surroundings, having a paid carer come to visit you in your home can help you continue living independently.
What types of home care are there?
Different families have differing needs, and you’ll find that home care is very flexible whether you or your loved one is elderly, disabled or managing an illness. You might need a paid carer for only an hour a week or for several hours a day. Or you might need a live-in carer. It can be temporary – for example for a few weeks while you recover from an illness. Or it can be long term if you suffer from a serious, ongoing health condition or disability.
Home care workers are always professionally trained, and DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked in order to guarantee your personal safety. Home care companies usually require a new, enhanced DBS check when hiring new staff.
The benefits of home care
Keeping to your own routine and being at home with your books, your photos, your memories, and your favourite armchair can make an enormous difference to your quality of life. This familiarity is especially important for people affected by dementia, where strange environments can lead to confusion and distress.
- A paid carer can visit you at home to help you with all kinds of things including:
- Getting out of bed in the morning
- Washing, dressing and brushing your hair
- Using the toilet and bathing
- Preparing meals and drinks
- Remembering to take your medicines
- Doing your shopping
- Cleaning your house
- Collecting your prescriptions or your pension
- Getting you out and about, for example to a lunch club
- Walking and feeding your pets
- Getting you settled in the evening and ready for bed
It’s important to remember that home care isn’t for everyone. But frequent visits from carers and a few home modifications can help you keep your independence for much longer.
About the Author: Helen Say is a freelance copywriter and blogger www.cblservices.co.uk
