Tag: Home Care

Home Care

What is Defined as Home Care

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

What is Defined as Home Care

What is defined as home care? Home care services, also known as domiciliary care, are when care workers travel to the homes of individuals in need of assistance. This care is arranged through the local council or through private agencies. They cover a wide range of services such as personal care, respite care, specialist dementia care and end-of-life care.

With the right knowledge and education, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and families can all make informed decisions on how to best provide care and assistance to a loved one living at home. By understanding the different types of home care services available, everyone can work towards improving the quality of life for those who need it the most.

Care 24-7

Individuals who use our services range from older individuals, to those with physical disabilities, dementia or those who are nearing the end of their life. Care is also available for those who are returning from a stay in hospital offering respite for family carers.

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Jean Pickles, Care 24-7’s Senior Manager outlines her definition of home care and why it is so beneficial in helping individuals live their lives in comfort and safety.

Jean Pickles, Senior Manager of Care 24-7

Over the last five years there has been greater nationwide focus on the emotional and physical benefits of supporting individuals to remain at home, aiding faster physical recovery and psychological respite in familiar surroundings. There is a deeper understanding of the needs of those individuals living with dementia and how their lives can be enriched with the right support to flourish at home without the upheaval of moving to a new place away from the memories that remain.

At Care 24-7 home care is our passion. We engage and support individuals and loved ones to be in control of their choices, enabling them to live their best life in the comfort of their home with a caring circle around them. Care 24-7 offers a range of support, delivered by a team who arrive with a friendly face and the time to listen, helping with the things that may no longer be manageable and supporting individuals to be in control of their own life.

From years working in the social care sector and seeing the work that is carried out every minute of every day, I have seen first-hand the acts of kindness and compassion and the difference the home care teams make to individuals’ lives. For those who live alone and have no support circle, the home care team may be their only lifeline. It is an unseen, under recognised social service, but our team are deeply valued and recognised as special people by our clients and by Care 24-7.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Care 24-7 we are committed to providing a service of excellence. This means providing high quality, safe and effective care which treats individuals with compassion, dignity and respect.

Our experience means that we understand the overwhelming task of finding the right home care provider, whether for a friend or family member. We do our utmost to support you with all the help, advice and information you may need to give you the confidence to make your own decisions right from the start of the process.

older person home care services in bradford and leeds

Personal Care

Personal care is a home care service that provides assistance to individuals. It includes daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene needs. It is designed to help seniors, those with disabilities, or anyone that needs assistance to maintain independence in their own home.

This type of care can also include meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, errands, companionship, mobility and transfers, as well as providing assistance with activities of daily living, such as grocery shopping. They can also provide medication reminders and help with medication administration.

Care workers can provide transportation support to medical appointments and social activities, as well as help with organising and maintaining personal records and bills. As well as practical support, they offer emotional support, comfort, and safety for individuals who require assistance.

Types of Personal Care:

Bathing/Grooming Assistance
Light Housekeeping
Meal Preparation

What is Defined as Home Care

Respite Care

Respite care is short-term relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their caregiving duties. It can be provided in a variety of settings, including in-home care, adult day services, or overnight care in a facility. It can be arranged on a temporary or more permanent basis. This depends on the needs of the caregiver and the care recipient.

This service guarantees that your loved one will be looked after by a qualified healthcare provider, providing peace of mind to the main caregiver, who may be a relative and is unable to provide care for a certain amount of time.

It provides an opportunity for the family member to get a better understanding of the care their loved one needs, allowing them to make informed decisions about the best care support for them in the future.

Caring for a loved one full-time can be an emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging experience. It can be difficult to manage a full-time caregiving role while also tending to other responsibilities, such as family and work obligations. In these cases, respite care can provide a much-needed break for family members knowing their loved one is in safe, capable hands. This rest period can be used to tend to other duties, or to simply take some time to relax and recharge.

Dementia Care

Dementia care services can be provided through home care services. Home care services allow a person with dementia to receive care and support in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Assistance can include help with daily living activities (such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation), help with managing medications, and can also be a source of companionship. It is care that focuses on the emotional and psychological needs of the individual.

Dementia Care Services

Supervision and safety monitoring: Ensures alarms are functioning and house safety features are installed.
Assistance with activities of daily living: Assistance with bathing and cleaning.
Assistance with nutrition and meal preparation: Ensures medicine and food is taken correctly.
Cognitive stimulation activities: Such as puzzle making, creating art or listening to music.

What is Defined as Home Care

If you would like to read more about dementia and in-home care, our blog The Benefits of In-Home Care for Elderly Adults with Dementia will provide more information.

Nearly 1 million people receive domiciliary care across the UK. 
The UK’s domiciliary care industry employs nearly 665,000 people in total.

Palliative Care

Palliative care, also known as end-of-life care, is provided to an individual who is in the last stages of life. It is often provided by home care services and typically includes physical, emotional, and spiritual support. End-of-life care services can range from providing comfort and companionship to helping with medical and practical tasks to providing help with daily living activities.

End-of-care services also involve providing support to the individual and their family during this difficult time. This includes assistance in planning end-of-life wishes as well as emotional and spiritual support.

Benefits of Palliative Care

Flexibility: It allows patients to remain in familiar surroundings with family and friends, while still receiving specialised medical and emotional care.
Cost Savings: Generally speaking, palliative care at home is less expensive than care in a hospital or hospice.
Quality of Life: Many individuals prefer to stay in the familiar environment of their own home, where they can maintain the hobbies, activities, and routines that they value while feeling comfortable.

Having a thorough understanding of the different types of in-home care available and their associated benefits can help to make an informed decision about the type of care that is best for loved ones. Consider the various types of in-home care services such as companionship, personal care, and medical care and assess which type is most appropriate for the particular situation. Research the credentials and experience of any potential in-home care providers. Home care ensures loved ones can remain enjoying their life while also gaining care and help in the comfort of their own home by the right people in the right place.

If you are considering home care, contact us today.

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The Importance of Communication in Home Care: Tips for Caregivers

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

The Importance of Communication in Home Care: Tips for Caregivers

Good communication is essential for healthcare workers providing home care. It allows care recipients to feel at ease knowing their needs are being met and understood. This is especially true when looking after the elderly, who may not be able to communicate their needs as effectively. Asa caregiver, taking meaningful steps to improve communication can help develop relationships built on trust and respect with those they serve.

To demonstrate the importance of communication in-home care, here are some communication tips for all caregivers.

Establish Trust

Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, including the relationship between a caregiver, the care recipient, and the family members. The best way to build trust is by being honest, transparent, and reliable.

When caregivers enter a home, they need to inspire confidence that they are capable and trustworthy. Through building this trust, the care recipients can feel secure with the care services being provided. It is important that their needs are met and privacy is respected. This creates not only an effective care experience but also a safe one. It is paramount that the caregiver maintains protocol to ensure both parties involved feel respected and supported while delivering quality care.

Did You Know?

14% of people have, or have had, a carer help them in their home.
Over a tenth of people have a family member who requires care in their own home.

communication in homecare and elderly man and caregiver

Listen Actively

This means paying close attention to the care recipient when they are speaking and avoiding interrupting them. Show that you are engaged and interested in what they have to say by making eye contact and nodding. Active listening is an important skill for caregivers to have when providing home care. It allows them to better understand the needs and wishes of the care recipient and their family members, while also offering sympathetic feedback. Proper communication helps caregivers provide better care by responding appropriately to any emotional or physical distress they detect.

It’s not just about comprehending what clients are saying but also being able to read between the lines and gain a deeper level of understanding. Active listening is a fundamental part of providing effective home care, so caregivers must strive to perfect their skills in this area in order to best perform their duties to those who need it.

Be Clear and Concise

When you are clear and concise, it helps to keep everyone on the same page, the caregiver, the care recipient and their family members. It allows everyone to be on top of any issues that may arise. It involves open communication and using non-verbal cues which can express how someone feels and allows them to portray their emotions without using words.Encourage the care recipient to express their thoughts and feelings freely, and give them time to ask questions. Sit down with them and make time during the day for a chat to discuss how everything is for them.

Open communication involves:

  • Setting aside time for a chat to check on progress.
  • Ask questions and be willing to receive feedback: this time is for the caregiver and the care recipient.

Open communication between caregivers, care recipients, and their families is essential for providing safe and effective care at home. This type of communication allows for easier problem-solving when a care recipient’s needs change.

It also creates an opportunity for caregivers to better understand and meet the care recipients’ needs with compassion rather than simply performing tasks. This results in greater empathy towards the care recipients, a higher quality of care, improved safety outcomes, and increased satisfaction among everyone involved. It is worth investing time into clear communication as it encourages stronger connections which can provide the support needed during challenging times.

elderly woman communication and homecare

Another way to communicate effectively is through non-verbal cues, as mentioned above. These are an essential part of caregiving in the home because they enable caregivers to build trust with care recipients and discover how they’re feeling at any given moment. Non-verbal cues help caregivers understand how their actions may be interpreted in different contexts and provides insight into the needs of care recipients.

By observing non-verbal cues, better care outcomes are developed overall. Home care relies heavily on this type of communication—it’s this understanding that sets good care apart from great care.

Non-verbal Cues Include:

– Eye contact
– Facial Expressions
– Body Language
– Posture and Gestures

Document Communication

Caregivers should document all important conversations and decisions made with the care recipients. This documentation can help ensure continuity of care and provide a record of important information for future reference. It can help with communication between different members of the care team, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Without written records, caregivers may have difficulty tracking vital information such as:

  • Health status changes.
  • Treatments performed.
  • Dietary modifications.

Having detailed documentation can help caregivers keep patients safe by helping them recall instructions that have been given and medications that have been prescribed or administered. It helps caregivers provide the best care possible for those they are taking care of.

By following these tips, caregivers can build a strong, trusting relationship with the care recipient and provide the best possible care. Good communication skills can help reduce misunderstandings, prevent conflicts, and ensure that the care recipient’s needs and preferences are being met.

Considering a career in home care?

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The Benefits of In-Home Care for Elderly Adults with Dementia

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

The Benefits of In-Home Care for Elderly Adults with Dementia

Caring for an elderly adult with dementia can be a challenging and demanding task. However, when you choose in-home care to look after your loved one, the process can be stress-free. In-home care can look after their needs in ways an assisted living facility can’t. It promotes independence and allows them to live comfortably in their own homes. There are many benefits of in-home care for elderly adults with dementia. Choosing this type of care has the potential to enrich an older person’s life while helping them remain safe at home for as long as possible. By providing personalised attention, these services create opportunities for social interaction, greater independence, and meaningful connections. They help to ensure safety while dealing with health changes associated with dementia.

At Care 24-7, people who use in-home care services range from elderly people, those with physical disabilities, people with dementia, those who are nearing the end of their life and those returning from a stay in hospital.

This offers respite for family carers and gives them the peace of mind that their loved ones are being taken care of with respect and kindness in the comfort of their own homes.

Familiar Surroundings

Being in a familiar environment can provide a sense of comfort and security for individuals with dementia. This is less disorienting than a move to an assisted living facility, which can lead to unease because of such a drastic change in life. Maintaining a schedule similar to the one they followed prior to their diagnosis can help reduce anxiety and confusion while improving overall well-being.

Did You Know?
The person most often diagnosed with dementia is a grandparent (17%) or parent / step-parent (13%).

Almost half (49%) of people say that dementia is the health condition they fear most about getting in the future.

in-home care and dementia services carer

Care 24-7’s dementia care service is led by a SPECAL Practitioner trained by the Contented Dementia Trust at their Centre of Excellence at Burford. They are trained to understand the disability of dementia from the perspective of the person with the condition and to deliver coaching to all those who come into contact with them. A SPECAL practitioner can then provide the help needed for that particular person based on what is familiar to them and what matters the most in their life.

Independence

In-home carer and man with dementia

The key to maintaining independence for those living with dementia is an early diagnosis followed by an individual care plan that considers nutrition, physical exercise, and mental stimulation. In-home care allows individuals to maintain as much independence as possible by promoting these 3 factors.

Nutrition: This should include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

Physical Exercise: Light exercise such as walking or Tai Chi can be beneficial.

Mental Stimulation: This can include word games or creating art.

Active senior man with dementia and in-home care

An in-home carer can provide them with the skills needed to perform tasks and assess their needs based on what stage their dementia is at. The carer ensures there is a good balance between being helpful and supportive whilst allowing your loved one to remain independent for as long as possible.

Personalised Care

In-home care allows for the development of a personalised care plan that is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual with dementia. In-home care can also reduce the risk of infection, which is especially important for individuals with dementia who may be more susceptible to illness. Personalised care is individualised to meet the specific needs of the person with dementia, and can include:

  • Assistance with activities such as meal planning, bathing and dressing.
  • Medication management to ensure that the person is taking their medication correctly.
  • Safety monitoring to ensure that the person is safe and secure in their home.
  • Assistance with transportation to appointments and other activities.
woman with dementia and in-home carer

At Care 24-7, the first step would be to work closely with your loved one to develop a person-centred Individual Care Plan that will take into consideration their wishes and preferences regarding their personal home care needs. This technique easily translates into a set routine for dementia patients who thrive on familiarity and repetition.

Cost-Effective

In-home care is often less expensive than other forms of care, such as assisted living or nursing homes. The cost of in-home care will depend on a number of factors, such as the level of care required and the provider. In-home care can range from a few hours of help per week to around-the-clock care, meaning costs is dependent on the circumstances. Assisted living facilities typically have a set monthly fee which can include room, meals, and various activities and services.

Money box for health costs and in-home care

Factors that can affect the cost of care:

  • The home modifications your loved one needs such as handrails and alarm systems.
  • Whether medical or non-medical care is required. Medical includes physical therapy while non-medical includes household duties.

You may be entitled to some level of funding to finance your care needs. Speak to your Local Authority for an assessment of your financial situation and request a “care needs assessment”.

It’s always recommended to consider the specific needs and preferences of the elderly person and your budget. Additionally, it’s important to check if the costs are covered by insurance, as it can help with the expenses. By carefully evaluating the costs and benefits of both options, you will be in a better place to make a good decision.

Family Involvement

Woman with dementia and young girl in-home care

In-home care allows family members to be more involved in the care of their loved ones, which can provide emotional support and peace of mind. With in-home care, families are more confident that their loved one will receive individualised attention and guidance from a seasoned caregiver on matters related to health, nutrition, and activities of daily living.

Additionally, in-home care allows family members to remain actively involved in important aspects of their loved ones’ life, such as interacting with doctors and managing financial items. As peace of mind is essential for seniors and their families alike, in-home care certainly provides that for them.

The above benefits can help with the stress and uncertainty of having a loved one with dementia. They serve to alleviate any worries knowing that help is on-hand from the comfort of their own home.

If you are considering in-home care, contact us today.

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