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Who needs home care and how to get help

By year 2020 there will be an estimated 15.5 million people in the UK over the age of 65 years old. This is up from 10 million in 2012. Life expectancy in the UK is increasing year-on-year, and so too is the demand for care. With the growing awareness of  the types of care available including home care, which provides individuals the option to live independently in their own homes for longer, families are realising that there are viable and affordable alternatives to residential care, or nursing homes.

With growing work demands and family commitments, it is often difficult to offer an elderly parent the care they need and so are likely to source an alternative. Care in the home is a first choice for those who recognize that they need help but want to continue to lead an independent life in their own homes. Knowing what good home care is about and the types of services offered, will help you make choices about your care plan and what you can expect from the services of a care provider. A good home care provider will respect the dignity of the client as well as being respectful towards their needs and requirements.

The tell tale signs that help is needed are being able to recognise that everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning and running errands are increasingly becoming a challenge (becoming more sedentary due to a fear of falling is also a clear indication). It can also be the caregiver (partner or family member) who recognises that they can no longer cope alone with giving the support needed. Home care is for anyone who needs help with activities such as domestic chores, personal care, meal preparation, laundry and ironing, medication administration or could just be the need for companionship. Care might just be needed for an hour a day to give the caregiver some respite.

The cost of home care very much depends on what level of care is required on a daily or weekly basis as described in your overall home care plan.

How are home care needs determined?

Once you have decided on a home care provider, they will make an arrangement to meet with you to discuss your requirements, frequency of visits needed and expectations.  A field supervisor will carry out a complete Care Needs Assessment that will involve confirming details on your Personal Care Plan, carrying out a Health and Safety assessment (to ensure you and the home care workers will be safe offering support in your home), and answering any questions you may have about the start of your care package. They will also note any preferences with regards to language, dietary requirements etc so that any specific requests can be accommodated and a suitably matched care worker provided.

Following a care needs assessment, the cost of care will be determined.

The relationship between the family, person requiring assistance and the home care worker are very important so finding the right provider is key to a successful outcome enabling independent living.

What one client had to say about the home care provided to his mother by our Novus Care team in Cranleigh >>

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to you and your team for the excellent care you provide for my mother.
This was proved above and beyond over the recent holiday period. As you know I was in France with a houseful of guests when my mother was taken into hospital .
I felt trapped, unable to get back to England but at the same time very worried about her. What made things bearable was what you did for us. Not only keeping me informed of how things were going on a regular basis but also going to the hospital to check up on my mother and getting the things that she needed. It was especially wonderful of you to visit her on Christmas Day – when you took in presents that her friends had left for her at her apartment ; making her feel special and wanted, I cannot thank you enough. It showed to me just how lucky she is to have you looking after her, particularly after the previous care provider let her down so badly and left me so worried. If you remember they had not organised cover from when they stopped providing care .
I was in a panic and Chloe at your office could not have been more helpful to me even though your contract had not even started then.
I felt that was a good sign and you and your team have continued to impress me. Thank you once again,” 
Nigel

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