Are you sure you need a care home?

EIGHT WAYS TO HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION.


Moving into residential care is a big decision and sometimes it is clear that it is the best decision you can make, if this is the case visit preparing for residential care and discover how to make it a positive move.

Looking after somebody who is unable to care for themselves is exhausting, emotionally draining and isolating. Here are eight suggestions that might make life a little easier and help you, or the relative you are caring for to stay at home.

1. Get an assessment from Social Services.

Whether you qualify for financial help from Social Services or not, this assessment is free. The assessment will help you to recognise what your needs are and who might be able to help you.

The carer can also have their own needs assessed and may be eligible for help.

2. Home Improvement Agencies.

Concern about maintaining your house can be a great worry – poorly maintained homes can also create hazards; cold is a killer for the elderly.

Foundations is a government appointed national body of ‘home improvement agencies’. They will offer advice on keeping your home warm and safe and the types of equipment available to help you stay in your own home. They will also advise you on any grants that you may be able to apply for.

STEP 3. Help at Home.

Home help is called ‘Domiciliary Care’ and if you are relying on this to get out of bed, bathing, dressing or your meals you need to make sure that the agency is reliable and that you like your carers. This can be tricky if you are funded by Social Services.

Alternatives are Direct Payments, where money is paid directly into your bank account and you employ your own help.

Private or voluntary agencies also provide domiciliary care. All agencies need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), have a look on their website for a list – my advice would be to start with the agencies that have the highest rating – 3 stars.

STEP 4. Food.

Keeping well depends upon eating well. Everybody has heard of Meals on Wheels, well they still exist so get in touch. Alternatively there are many companies that are local to you that deliver high quality food, find one that offers the food that you like with reliable drivers.

STEP 5. Pets.

Having a pet can be enormously rewarding, especially if you life alone. However, it can also be very worrying – who will look after him if I am ill, how will I get food in? The ‘Cinnamon Trust’ is a national charity that holds hands with owners to provide care for their pets – if your pet needs it, they will do it.

STEP 6. Disability Register.

The disability register is a not for profit organisation and provides details of new and second hand equipment that may make life a little easier. Items are bought and sold on a direct one-to-one basis, no middle men or commission involved.

STEP 7. Day centres.

Day care centres provide the opportunity to spend time with other people, as well as offering a range of activities – they also give the carer a break and some time to themselves. Run by the local authorities and local voluntary groups a national register doesn’t exist, but your local Age Concern will have a list of day centres.

STEP 8. Loneliness.

Being lonely can be a big problem when you are trying to remain independent in your own home. ‘Contact the Elderly’ is a volunteer organisation that organises regular Sunday afternoon tea parties for people over 75, who live alone with little or no social support.

If you decide that a care home is the right option for you, make sure you know what to ask when you visit your short list of homes, Questions to ask a care home gives you a list of questions that you can print off and take with you.