The thought of putting a loved one into care can be a daunting one. In this blog we talk to care experts about why it can benefit our friends and family.
As we get older, our ability to care for ourselves lessens each day, meaning that more and more people are looking to the help of their local care homes. Making the decision to move a loved one into care can be a daunting one and can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and torn about the choice.
As experts in the sector, we explain some of the ways a care home could really benefit your loved one, leaving you feeling at ease that you have made the right decision and they are in the safe and capable hands of experts.
Safety
If your loved one lives in their own accommodation a long distance from your own home, their safety can start to become a worry. With daily tasks like tackling the stairs, cooking for themselves combined with simply being home alone – there is often that worry in the back of your head that they could get injured and have no way to inform you.
Care homes offer 24/7 assistance and nurses on site, meaning that there is always someone around to keep an eye on the safety of the residents. We spoke to Jemma Thompson, the Operations Manager at Westall House Care Home, part of the Abbeyfield group. who told us more about the safety of the residents in their care homes.
“There are trained staff around all the time, they will monitor the resident and take action if needed, calling out the GP etc. and assisting with medication. The reassurance of knowing that they are being cared for and looked after takes the pressure of family members especially when they work or live further away and are unable to visit often.”
Personal Space
The work and maintenance that comes with independent living can become overwhelming and a nuisance, especially in later years when mobility is likely to be lower. In most UK care homes, individual rooms will come equipped with all the essentials a resident could need, as well as an en-suite bathroom and room for all the personal belongings they may want to bring. The home is warm, clean and a safe environment for friends to live alongside one other comfortably and happily.
Even though they have their own space, cleaning and the upkeep that comes with it will no longer need to be a worry. Daily room cleans take place and staff will make sure that all the residents have everything they should need. Along with their own rooms, common rooms, dining rooms and chill-out areas are also on hand should they be needed. Care homes often host games nights, dance classes and other fun activities that’ll allow residents to leave their room for a couple of hours at a time should they wish and get some well-earned exercise and fresh air.
Companionship
“The main thing I feel is important is having peace of mind that someone is around all the time, they can get help easily and also the activities and sociability is a big benefit – some older people can go for days not seeing anyone or speaking to anyone, but in a caring environment there are always people to talk to and activities going on that they can join in with.” Says Jemma.
One of the biggest attributes of taking a loved one to live in a care home is the number of friends they will make. Care homes are full of like-minded individuals who will have similar interests and experiences as one another. Friendships can quickly grow and loneliness will dwindle as the opportunities to socialise become more frequent and organised activities get individuals involved.
Wholesome Meals
All occupants will receive wholesome meals that include all of their recommended nutrients and vitamins, without them having to worry about cooking it themselves. There is always a worry that our elderly friends or family may not be eating properly, but within a care environment, there is no need to worry about this.
“Another main concern with frail, vulnerable or elderly relatives is whether they are eating properly. When living in a care home, residents are served regular and wholesome meals to ensure they receive all the nutrition they need.” Select Health Care Group reports.
“Many older people fail to feed themselves properly or even forget to eat and drink at appropriate times, particularly if they are suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. The nursing home ensures that residents are offered a selection of healthy and nutritious meals at regular intervals throughout the day, with staff providing assistance to anyone who needs it.” Balcombe Care Homes report.
Specialist Healthcare
Specialist Healthcare is something your loved one will receive within a care facility which they may not receive regularly in their own home. Occupants with complex and long-term medical conditions will need expert and around the clock care that a loved one may not be able to offer them. All nursing home staff are trained and experienced in a variety of healthcare conditions and are always on hand to assist your loved one should they need it. Some care homes specialise in more complex conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, offering expert care that’ll provide their residents with the best life possible.
Nurses in homes will also be able to assist your loved ones in the use of modern technology, assisting them with any phone calls they wish to make or help them write any emails they might want to send.
Relieving Strain on Family or Friends
Caring for a loved one who still lives in an independent home can be stressful and a strain at times. Limited time to assist elderly relatives due to work and social commitments can leave family members feeling guilty about the lack of attention they may be committing to their elderly relatives. Making the decision to move a relative into care can seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon feel relief knowing they are being looked after and receiving the full attention they require.
As well as the concerns we have mentioned, when placing someone into care there can always be the worry about the fees that come in conjunction with the care they receive. Here at Compass CHC, we can assist you when applying for care home funding and filling in the CHC assessment. Get in contact with us today and find out how we can assist you or a loved one with care home fees.
Author: Tim Davies LLB
