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It can often be difficult for individuals to contemplate the need for care especially when they have been independent for the majority of their lives. The main struggle lies in deciding what to do when a loved one becomes less able to care for themselves.

It is generally understood that the elderly would prefer to live at home for as long as their health permits. Sadly, for some individual’s, ill health restricts them from having the benefit of living in their own home.

Benefits Of Living At Home

Being independent for as long as possible is a priority for many elderly individuals. By managing tasks and staying active, the elderly can feel happier and healthier for a longer period of time.

By living in their recognised area, they will be able to reminisce the memories that mean most to them. It will allow them to continue and maintain the relationships that they have built over the years.

Having care at home allows your loved one to enjoy their independence and have more interaction which is important for social and emotional well-being.

Recovery After Time In Hospital

Some older people go into full-time care after suffering serious health issues or spending time in hospital. However, it is more often than not possible for some to return home and live independently with the assistance of care workers. A huge range of staff are available to help vulnerable people find their feet again and regain their independence. NHS staff such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists may be able to help even further, with most of these services provided in the home.

Simple tasks such as washing, dressing, preparing food and cleaning can become difficult for people who have experienced health problems. Care workers can help them regain these skills and assist them with basic tasks.

Care Tailored To Your Individual Needs

Many elderly individuals have a warming and close relationships with their carers. Having carers, even on social visits, can relinquish any feelings of loneliness and social exclusion.

Care needs will be different amongst every individual and your carers will have been trained to address and adapt tosuch needs in a professional yet friendly manner.

How To Find Support

Care workers can help with a wide range of activities that often get harder as people become older. Bathing, shopping and getting into bed, for example, are all routine activities that can become difficult or impossible in later life.

Contact your local council’s adult social services department to find out which type of care your relative may be entitled to, and any financial support that you may receive. There are also a wide range of private home care services available online.

Adapting The Home

There is also a wide variety of equipment and technology available for older people who choose to remain at home. Advancing technology means that people can remain independent for longer whilst they receive homecare.

Depending on the healthcare needs of the individual in question, small modifications can be made to the exterior of their home in order to make it more accessible. Ramps, rails and outdoor lighting, for example, can make the home an easier place to get around.

Stairlifts, additional banisters and wider doors for wheelchair access can make the interior easier for older people to use. Bathrooms can also benefit from walk-in baths, thermometers, flood detectors, shower seats and bath lifts.

There are many devices specially designed to make the kitchen a safe and comfortable place. Kettle tippers, perching stools, cupboards with pull-out shelves, one-handed chopping boards and wheelchair-accessible sinks mean that elderly people can use their kitchens much more easily.

Safety at home is paramount and accessories such as personal alarms, pressure sensors and carbon monoxide detectors can all make the home a safer place to be. If you decide that staying at home is the best option for your loved one, ensuring the safety of their home is vital, and implementing homecare to work alongside assistive technology can significantly increase their quality of life.

Helping To Improve Lives

If you are concerned about an elderly relative or neighbour, home care is an option to seriously consider. By allowing people to stay in their community and receive care in the comfort of their own home, they can remain independent for much longer.

Contact us today to find out more!