Most people want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible as they get older. Most people want to be independent and surrounded by their own possessions, furniture, and their own pets. But sometimes it can be very difficult for someone to stay independently in their own home without help. Dementia and memory loss make it difficult to undertake daily tasks. Increasing frailty and mobility issues make moving about the home practically difficult. Tasks which were previously second-nature become difficult, like cooking, shopping, and bathing. Fortunately there are ways in which a person can maintain independence while being safe and secure.
What is Live in Care?
Live in care is one valuable option. Care at home allows someone to stay in their own home for as long as they want to, while still benefiting from the help of a professional carer. There are various services available for people in their own homes, from a visiting carer who comes to help at certain times of the day, to live in carers who are in the home 24/7. The level of care needed depends on the medical and social needs of the client in question. Services provided by a live in carer or a visiting carer include helping a person get up and go to bed, help with bathing, help with cooking and meal preparation, mobility help, and household chores like laundry and cleaning.
How to Find Home Care
If you are looking for a care solution for an elderly relative it is important to find out from the council what you are entitled to and if there are any benefits you can claim to help with the costs of care. It is helpful to draw up an individual care plan that will set out the level of care needed, so you can start looking for the right solution for your needs.
Start looking for care services through private agencies as well as by seeking recommendations from relatives and friends. An agency will assist in helping place the right carer with your relative. It may be possible to find a carer independently but then you need to remember that you will directly employ them and that you will be responsible for their tax and benefits payments, as well as their holidays, time off, and other practical factors. This is why many people prefer to get their care help from an agency.