The conversation about organising care for your loved one as their age or illnesses cause their needs to change is never an easy one. There may be several relatives that all need to agree on one plan and reaching a satisfactory arrangement with the needs of the loved one in mind, can be a long process. From Live-In Care to Home Care, the options are wide and varied and it can be a daunting prospect when it comes to making the right choice for the well-being of someone else. By fully understanding each option, you will have the information you need to make a truly informed decision that is going to help support the lives of you and your loved one.
Live-In Care
Live-in care is a great option when it comes to providing help to an individual on a full-time basis while still allowing them the comfort of their own home. The purpose is to help a person remain in the environment they feel most settled in, while also providing the constant support they need to do so safely. If meal-time pop-ins or hourly visits just aren’t enough, and the toll of care is becoming a burden on family members who need to look after their own well-being too, live-in care provides an excellent solution. A great deal of freedom is retained for those who receive care from a live-in carer. Not only are they able to enjoy the home comforts they are used to, but if they have pets they do not have to be separated as they would if they were moved into a care home.
A live-in carer could accompany the person on a holiday and be available to help entertain guests or enjoy hobbies and other activities, greatly adding to the quality of life for your loved one. Furthermore, the challenges of dealing with the changing needs and behaviour of your loved one can be distressing, to say the least. To care for your whole physical and mental health, you need a realisable support system in place, involving several people. The reassurance that comes with a live-in carer can be of great benefit to you as your deal with the stress and emotional toll that comes with this particularly challenging time of life.
Home/Domiciliary Care
Across the UK, research shows that more than 950,000 people receive domiciliary care. These hourly care services offer similar benefits to live-in carers, by providing help and support while allowing the individual the independence to remain at home. If the needs are not quite severe enough to require around-the-clock care, home care is a great alternative. Whatever the needs of your loved one may be, a specific care package can be designed and continue to be adapted to suit the requirements of each individual. From simply helping with chores at home, to assisting with medication and personal care, visits from a carer at home ensure the independence of the individual while providing the support they need to continue in their environment safely.
How to Have the Conversation
Now you know the options available to you, you might realise that the time has arrived to approach the topic with your loved one and other responsible family members. It won’t always be easy, but with the right information based on your own research, you will have the confidence to offer options and solutions that can suit everyone. Think beforehand and anticipate any questions or issues that might arise. You may find it beneficial to discuss the topic with other responsible ones first so that can be a united support to your loved one.
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