As the UK population ages and there is much talk about the pressure this puts on healthcare services for the elderly, many seniors question their options for the future when they are unable to live home alone and look after themselves. The UK has a strong legacy in nursing homes and residential care homes, but in recent times (due to the aforementioned conditions), live-in care is growing in popularity.
Live-in care is an extension of the home help concept. An elderly person who has become less able in caring for themselves is assisted by a trained live-in carer in their own home. There are a number of advantages of live-in care which makes it the best alternative to care homes:
Sense of independence
The person needing care has spent most of their lifetime building their home and being able to remain there means they are able to retain the feeling of independence and also pride in what they have worked for. Being able to remain at home and the retention of familiarity can also mean reduced stress for the patient. There is also the advantage that family and friends are not restricted to specific visiting times or reduce access.
One-on-one Care
This is possibly the biggest of the advantages of live-in care. Unlike in care homes, support and assistance are provided on a one-to-one basis by a care agency in Bournemouth. Care is bespoke, and the highest level of care is provided, building a level of greater trust in the patient/caregiver relationship.
A carer will also get to know the patient and is able to communicate with a doctor and other health and social care workers changes in condition or routine that might else go unnoticed. A live-in carer can also be trained in specific conditions (such as dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke…) so is able to provide a better standard of palliative care than a home.
Round the clock support
Unlike care homes where they, by necessity, operate on a shift basis, a live-in carer provides continuous care so there are no unreported or missed issues as can happen with changeovers of staff. This is particularly advantageous when the patient requires a high level of care. This provides security and reassurance, particularly during the night.
Greater flexibility
To ensure the seniors in their care receive the best service, care homes need to maintain schedules and routines. This greatly reduces the flexibility of the individual resident. A live-in carer can personalize the plans and provide individually-focussed attention and support according to the patient’s wants and needs.
Companionship
Loneliness is a major issue of age and a live-in carer prevents this if the patient is widowed or single. A close bond can be formed between patient and carer where companionship and friendship result in benefits for both individuals. A live-in carer also enables elderly couples to stay together.
Easier emotional burden for relatives
Many children find the idea of putting their parents into a care facility emotionally stressful. By engaging a live-in carer, children have the surety than Mom or Dad is being cared for without having to leave home and can feel less guilty. There is also greater confidence that the elderly relative is receiving good, personal attention and they have someone knowledgeable to approach any concerns about their loved one’s well-being.