Live-In Care – Is this best for me?

Planning your care and support can be a daunting prospect, but getting it right will make a huge difference to your quality of life. Choosing the right care can also help your budget go further. Live-in care is becoming an increasingly popular option for people, particularly those who need constant support. To help make this decision we have set out some of the benefits and challenges which you should consider if you are considering this option.

1. Is live-in more cost effective?

The cost of live-in care ranges from £950 – £1,000 per week, depending on your needs, which is about the same as 50 hours of care throughout the week if buying by the hour. There are 168 hours in a week so if you needed constant support throughout the day and night then live-in care is probably more cost effective for you. However, if you just wanted someone to come for a few hours per day, then paying by the hour for standard home care is more cost effective.

2. Is your home adequate?

A consideration for live-in care is whether there is enough space for another person to live in your home. There needs to be a separate bedroom with a comfortable bed, ideally with a TV and internet connection.

3. Do you want someone living in your home?

Having someone living with you permanently can be quite an adjustment, particularly if you have been living on your own independently for some time. However the carer should be seen as a companion while you go about your daily life. You won’t need them around all the time so there will be times when you will be in separate rooms, or in the garden while your carer is in the house. It is important to carefully choose your live-in carer to ensure they most closely match your personality and interests, your carer might become your best friend!   

4. Peace of mind

Live in care provides peace of mind for you, and your family, that someone is there to support you at all times. This includes supporting your practical health and care needs as well providing companionship.

If you would like any more information on live in care please contact our main office and we would be glad to answer any questions.

Published 23rd February 2017

Please visit Home Care London for more info

Home from hospital: Returning to independence

One of the great challenges for many people following discharge from hospital is returning to the level of independence that they once enjoyed. This is often a slow and challenging process, although it obviously depends on the seriousness of the injury or illness that the person is recovering from.

Many of us set very high expectations for ourselves, which can be both helpful and counterproductive. Having high expectations can be very motivating, driving individuals forward towards their goals. However, if progress seems slow or is perceived to have stopped it can be very frustrating, with that frustration in turn often hampering the very recovery process that is being strived for.

Reablement

One of the most important aspects of home care provision for people looking to return to independence after treatment in hospital is known as ‘reablement’. The principle of reablement is to help someone ‘do for themselves’ rather than simply ‘doing for them’, with the aim being to regain day-to-day living skills. Reablement sometimes works alongside the more well-known practice of rehabilitation, which is usually formulated around a personalised exercise programme that helps an individual to build up their physical strengths.

At its heart, reablement encourages people to return to independence more quickly, with support that follows a programme of goals which are established before the support starts and are set against time frames. So for example: By week two, Mrs Smith should be washing and dressing independently.

The role of home care workers is to follow up the aims of the programme, monitoring an individual’s progress and making adjustments where necessary. Consistent home care support that enables individuals going through reablement to form positive relationships with care workers can also help immensely with motivation and encouragement, reducing feelings of frustration or failure.

Reablement in this format is a term, and a service, many people are yet to appreciate the full value of. Not only have reablement programmes proven to be hugely successful in returning people to full independence, they also lie at the heart of reducing dependency on the NHS and social care services.

Healthvision are proud to be a preferred provider for Westminster City Council’s Reablement Service. This service specialises in rehabilitating people following accident or injury, often following hospital discharge. More information is available from People First.

Health Vision Uk / Home Care Fulham / Home Care Chelsea