There comes a time when your ageing parent may have additional care needs so you need to look into support services to give them an extra helping hand. Knowing whether to opt for a residential care/nursing care facility versus care at home, can be a difficult decision for many.
However, the overwhelming majority of loved ones would choose to remain in their own homes, if given the option. With help at home, they can enjoy a high quality standard of care and support every day. Help at home can help your parents with regular tasks like cooking meals, running errands, tidying their homes, getting dressed, bathing, and ensuring they are taking their medication.
Getting older doesn't mean your parents need to stop enjoying a good quality of life. With support from the right specialist care company, your loved one can live life to the full in the comfort of their own home.
The emotional and mental benefits of care at home also mean your parent will feel safer and more confident. They can continue enjoying being surrounded by caring neighbours, friends, loved ones and pets.
If you're on the fence about whether or not an at home care provider is your best choice, read on to discover why so many loved ones prefer in-home care:
1. Maintain Independence
Leaving their own home to live in a residential care home is something that many older people don't want to do. Doing so can make them feel as though they're losing their independence which can cause your loved one to experience a faster decline in mental health and well-being.
By bringing in care at home carers, you’re enabling them to enjoy their latter years in the comfort of their own home. They can can stay in the place they feel confident and safe whilst still enjoying the independence of being able to do tasks around the home.
2. Alleviate Anxiety
The fear of the unknown often leads to anxiety. But this is especially true for older people who may feel a lot of uncertainty when it comes to their future. When your loved one can be sure that they can at least remain within their own home, their anxiety is often reduced.
With the ability to stay in familiar surroundings and the option to maintain a space that is all their own, your family member can stay confident and happy, whilst enjoying a good quality of life.
3. Maintain Safety
When your loved one remains within their own home, they're likely to be safer than going into some care homes. You can assist them in choosing an at home care provider that they like and feel safe and comfortable with.
When they receive care at home, you can drop in and check on them at any time you choose without having to fit around a care facility's visiting schedule. It can be hard for your loved one when they become one of the new residents in a care home because it can be tricky to adjust to new people and an unfamiliar environment.
Your parent has easier access to you, too. They will find it easier to let you know if they have any problems or concerns. That’s something that many loved ones find harder to share when they're living in a nursing/care home.
The CQC Care Quality Commission website can help you find which services are in your region and show you information about how they have been inspected, to give you reassurance and peace of mind that you're making the right choice with your loved one.
There are also some useful online directory listings such as Homecare.co.uk and Autumna.co.uk. Homecare.co.uk also includes independent reviews from past and existing clients, so is a great place to get honest insight.
4. Save Money With Care At Home
The average cost of an assisted-living or care home facility is often high and while many of these places are good and offer many personal care services, there’s nothing quite like staying in your own home. Plus, in a care home, if they would like the comfort of their own bedroom or en-suite bathroom it can add a significant extra cost.
Of course, you want the best for your loved one. But, you might be surprised to discover how much money you can save with personalised at home care without sacrificing the quality of care.
It’s a good idea to sit down and create a budget first. Then speak with a nearby nursing home and with a home care provider to understand the difference in costs. Also keep an eye out for any hidden extras, you want a provider that is completely transparent so there’s no shocks when your direct debit comes out! That way you can make the decision that's best for your family.
5. Combat Isolation
With care at home, your parent is likely to feel happier, more confident and less prone to isolation. They'll be in a familiar, comfortable setting where loved ones and friends can visit easily and often. And when you can’t be there, the home caregiver can provide much-needed companionship and respite care. Many of our clients have told us recently what a lifeline our carers have been to them during the pandemic - both for their physical and mental health.
When visitors and neighbours visit, your loved one can continue to welcome them into their own home. Where they can offer a drink, share old family photo albums, and have a good catch up for as long as they would like, more easily than they might in a home.
6. Enjoy Home Comforts
Simply put, there's no place like home. With care at home in Bath, your elderly parent can rest easy and enjoy life within comfortable and familiar surroundings where they've built years of memories.
They’ll be able to continue enjoying their favourite chair, their cosy room, the familiar views they've enjoyed from their own windows for many years, and the nearby neighbours who have got to know them over time.
Most people almost always prefer home to moving into an unknown place. And your own home is especially appealing in the later years of life, especially if the home holds many special memories.
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help
Hopefully, this article sheds some light on why care at home in Bath is a good option for your loved one when they need some support and help. We understand that this decision isn't an easy one for most families to make and many factors have to be taken into consideration.
Our business began with a genuine desire to provide quality care at home for beloved family members when they need it most. We are proud to create a company built on three core values - doing the right thing, doing the best job we can and showing everyone we care.
We cover Saltford, Keynsham, the City of Bath & North East Somerset area as well as West Wiltshire.
Do contact us to learn more about the care at home services that we offer. We’re happy to answer any questions you have and chat through any of your concerns. Visit our blog to learn more or contact us today, we’d love to hear from you!
Helping you to continue living independently and confidently in your own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 or email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com