home care for the elderly in their own home

Home Care For The Elderly In Their Own Home

Home care for the elderly in their own home is becoming increasingly popular as more people choose to remain in their own house for longer. On this page we will:

–       Discuss what home care services are

–       Share the benefits of home help for the elderly

–       Explain what type of person home care is best suited to

–       Offer advice to help you source elderly home care

–       What home help for the elderly services cost

Previously the only option available for home care for the elderly in their own home was relocation to a residential or nursing home. Now there are several different options available which allow individuals to access care in line with their personal preferences.

This provides much better outcomes for all involved and often significantly improves wellbeing both physically and mentally.

30 second round-up of this article on home care for elderly in their own homes

–       Private home care is a great option for those needing help for the elderly living at home especially as you would otherwise have ended up accessing residential or nursing care

–       It allows you to access the care you need whilst staying in your own home

–       Home care services have increased in popularity over the last few years

–       There are lots of different types of home care available

–       Care at home isn’t suitable for everyone

–       Funding options for homecare for the elderly are different compared with residential care

1. What is home care for the elderly in their own home?

As the name suggests, home care for elderly in their own homes allow individuals to access the care they need in their own home. This means they’re less likely to need to move out into alternative accommodation, or go into a residential or nursing home.

It also extends the time someone can spend living at home – even if they do need to access residential or nursing care at a later date. Home care services are commonly provided by trained professionals or nurses, who come in on a daily basis.

Live in care for the elderly is a 24 hour home care service where you have a carer live with you permanently.

Here is a short video explaining more about elderly care at home.

 

Responsibilities covered by a home carer include:

–       Making meals

–       Administering medication

–       Washing and dressing

–       Personal care

–       Companionship

–       Shopping

–       Transport and support at social events and appointments

–       Help getting out of and into bed

–       Cleaning and housekeeping

The role a home carer will take and how often they visit depends on your personal situation and needs.

Here is a short video that explains more about private home care services.

2.Why are home care services provide help for the elderly living at home?

Home help for the elderly services are popular mainly because they enable a person to stay living in their own home for longer and provide help for the elderly living at home. This greatly enhances quality of life for the person and can even help with certain conditions like dementia as confusion and disorientation are minimised.

Elderly homecare services are also versatile and can help save money for people who would otherwise have ended up paying for full-time care in a residential setting. This means that over the course of their care provision they’ll pay much less for care at home compared with residential care.

As an example let’s use Mrs Smith. Mrs Smith has dementia, so she needs someone to come in three times a day to help her get up and go to bed, and prepare meals for her. But she’s safe and happy in her own home.

She will pay around £70 a day for care provision that perfectly suits her needs, compared with over £100 per day for round the clock care in a residential home.

If you need a home elderly carer for 24 hours a day then this is called Live in care.

Here is a short video that explains what a live in carer does.

3. Can you use equity release to pay for your home help for the elderly services?

Home care services for the elderly can become expensive quite quickly.   One of the most popular methods for paying these costs today is through the use of equity release.

It allows you to take a lump sum, tax-free, from your home whilst allowing you to still live there.

Here is a short video that explains how equity release works.

 

Here is a short video that explains the advantages and disadvantages of equity release schemes.

4. Who are home care services best suitable for?

Home care services are flexible and diverse. They cater to a wide range of needs and can be tailored to suit your specific requirements. Types of people home help for the elderly services are best suited to include:

–       Elderly people living alone: Home care can ease loneliness and provides an extra pair of hands to help out around the house. This can be especially useful for elderly people who are infirm or have mobility issues.

–       Individuals with low-level care needs: Low-level care needs (such as help taking medication, getting dressed and making meals) can easily be addressed with home care.

–       Individuals in the early stages of Dementia: Many Dementia patients can safely stay at home for a number of years following diagnosis. Home care provides a flexible option which can increase as their needs progress. You may start for example with one visit a day, increasing to two or three as the Dementia progresses.

–       Individuals with long-term health issues or disabilities: People with long-term health issues or disabilities that are unlikely to worsen are ideal candidates for care at home. Home care can be tailored to their specific needs and additional shifts to cover holidays and social events can be arranged.

–       Individuals with progressive illness or needs who wish to stay in their own home as long as possible: If you have been diagnosed with a progressive disease or illness, you can access care at home for as long as is possible, delaying the possibility of nursing home requirement.

–       You require palliative care: End of life care can be administered at home in certain circumstances, provided specialist medical equipment is not required. This can be offered in conjunction with support from NHS nurses and charitable organisations such as Marie Curie and Macmillan.

However it’s worth remembering that home care isn’t going to be suitable for everyone. Home care services may not be right for you if:

–       You need round the clock care and support:  . If you still wish to stay in your own home live in care may be a better option.

–       You need specialist medical care:

–       You need more than three or four visits per day:

–       Your home is not suitable or safe for you:

5. What are the advantages of home care for the elderly?private-home-care

Advantages of home help for elderly people include:

–       Continuity and comfort: Remaining in the environment you call home is beneficial to all involved. You needn’t suffer the upheaval of moving and have space of your own surrounded by your belongings. This is particularly important for people with Dementia, as often living somewhere new can cause significant confusion and upset.6

–       Financial savings: You won’t need to pay for residential care, which is considerably more costly than home care. Instead you simply pay for what you need when you need it.

–       Familiar surroundings: You’ll stay close by to family and friends and can still engage in the social activities you enjoy.

6. Are there any drawbacks to providing help for the elderly living at home?

There are very few drawbacks to home care if it is suited to your needs – but some elderly people might be hesitant about having a care service in their own home. There are a couple of other potential issues to consider.  These include:

–       Home care services cost: Home care sourced privately is not cheap – costs range between £15 and £35 an hour. This is fine if you are not in need of regular help or multiple daily visits – but if you require more than a couple of visits per day the costs can mount up.

Also bear in mind that some companies charge extra for weekend and evening call outs. You can use our Home Care Cost calculator to estimate what your care will cost you

–       Fewer funding options: As you’ll be living in your home you can’t sell it or rent it out to pay for your care. There are however several other options to finance home care including equity release.  You can read about all the other ways to pay for your care here.  

7. Is private home care better?

There are two types of home care available – private home care, and home care provided by your local authority. The two are very different and can be accessed in different ways.

Home care provided by the local authority:

–       Is put in place following assessment by social services, which determines how much care you need and how frequently you need it

–       Is means-tested, which means you will only receive free care when you cannot afford to pay for it

–       Does not offer choice of provider

–       Involves different elderly carers at different times

–       Is only offered for 30 minutes per session

Private home care:

–       Is chosen and controlled by you. You select the provider and the amount of care you receive, as well as when and how often you receive it you receive it

–       Is paid for by you. You may be able to put some benefits payments towards the cost of care. Means-tested direct payments following assessment by your local authority can also be used towards home care costs

–        Can be arranged for any time – and the duration is set by you. If you want one hour or two, it isn’t a problem

–       Ensures as much as possible that the same person or people will be looking after you, so you can get to know and trust them

Strictly speaking private home care is better – as it is more flexible and care is provided by one set of people rather than lots of different staff. It is however much more costly as a result. If you don’t have sufficient assets to pay for home care but own your property outright, you may be able to release funds from it to pay for elderly assistance at home.

8. Can you get dementia help at home?

Yes, you can absolutely get dementia help at home through specialized care services.

Dementia care in your own home provides a viable option for seniors with dementia to receive the support they need while remaining in a familiar and comfortable environment.

In home care for seniors with dementia focuses on personalized care and assistance tailored to their specific needs, ensuring their safety, well-being, and quality of life. Trained caregivers who specialize in dementia homecare offer a range of services, including medication management, assistance with daily activities, cognitive stimulation, emotional support, and creating a structured and familiar routine.

Dementia care at home enables seniors to maintain their independence, receive individualized attention, and benefit from the familiarity and stability of their home environment, promoting a sense of comfort and enhancing their overall well-being.

9. What are the benefits of home care for dementia patients?

Dementia support at home through specialised home care services offers numerous benefits for dementia patients and their families. Home care services for dementia provide personalised and compassionate assistance tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

With live-in care for dementia patients, round-the-clock support ensures continuous monitoring and immediate response to any emergent situations. The familiarity and comfort of home surroundings promote a sense of security and reduce anxiety and confusion commonly experienced by dementia patients in unfamiliar environments.

Moreover, 24 hours dementia care at home allows for consistent routines and familiar faces, fostering a sense of stability and minimising disruption.

Carers trained in dementia care assist with activities of daily living, medication management, cognitive stimulation, and emotional support, promoting overall well-being and enhancing the quality of life for the individual and their family members.

How to Arrange Home Care for Elderly People

If you’re struggling with trying to get an elderly person into a care home, arranging private home help might be a preferable alternative. There are many services which can help with caring for the elderly in their own home and a number of ways to go about arranging private care at home.

Assessing the Needs of the Elderly

The first step in arranging home care for an elderly individual is to assess their specific needs. Consider factors such as personal care, medication management, mobility assistance, meal preparation, and companionship. Understanding their requirements will help you find the most suitable type and level of care.

Types of Elderly In-Home Care

There are various options available when it comes to in-home care for the elderly. These include:

1 – Personal Care Assistants: Personal care assistants provide support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming. They can also help with light housekeeping tasks.

2 – Home Health Aides: Home health aides are trained professionals who can assist with personal care needs as well as provide limited medical assistance, including monitoring vital signs, administering medication, and managing medical equipment.

3 – Companions and Homemakers: Companions and homemakers offer companionship and assistance with light household tasks, meal preparation, and transportation.

Finding a Carer at Home

To find a suitable carer for your elderly loved one, consider the following steps.

1 – Find and contact home care agencies: In your location, look for trustworthy home care organisations. They can offer carers who are qualified, trained, and vetted for past employment and appropriate experience.

To discuss your needs and learn about their services and costs, contact them.

2 – Evaluate Carers: Interview carers to determine their suitability for your loved one’s needs and personality. Ask them about their credentials, experience, availability, and any relevant training they may have.

3 – Verify Recommendations and Reviews: To learn more about the calibre of care offered by the carer or agency, contact references from prior clients and look up internet reviews.

Financial considerations and live in care costs

Much like with care homes, there are financial considerations to securing in home care for the elderly. Private home care for the elderly can end up being quite expensive. 

Elderly live-in care expenses might change depending on a number of variables.

The location of the care is one of the main factors because carers’ living expenses and salaries can differ from one region to another.

The amount of care that the elderly person needs also greatly impacts how much it will cost. When compared to people who need less intensive care, those who require considerable assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care, medication administration, mobility support, and specialised medical needs, may have greater costs.

The caregiver’s credentials, expertise, and training also have an effect on the price. Caretakers with extensive training and experience typically demand higher fees.

Last but not least, whether the live-in care arrangement is short or long-term, its duration might influence the overall expenditures. To properly grasp the costs associated with in care home services, it is crucial to thoroughly weigh all of these elements and speak with pertinent agencies or providers.

It is important to remember that live-in care prices are frequently determined using different pricing models. While some carers bill on a daily basis, others might bill on a weekly or monthly basis.

The charges might include compensation for the caregiver’s help and time, as well as for lodging and meals. Recruitment or placement fees, background checks, and other required administrative expenditures can be additional expenses to take into account.

To fully comprehend the financial responsibilities associated with elderly live-in care, it is necessary to receive comprehensive cost breakdowns and have an open dialogue with the selected care agency or carer.

Examining funding possibilities can help reduce the financial strain and provide sufficient support for your loved one’s needs. These options include personal savings, government aid programmes, and long-term care insurance.

How much is home care per hour?

The cost of home care per hour can vary depending on several factors, including the location, specific services required, and the level of care needed. Rates for elderly care services or home services for seniors are typically determined by the care agency or provider.

It is advisable to contact local home care agencies or providers in your area to get accurate and up-to-date pricing information tailored to your specific needs and location. They can provide you with detailed information on the cost structure and any additional fees that may be associated with home care services.


home care services

Home care services in 2019

Home care services are becoming increasingly popular as more people choose to remain in their own home for longer. On this page we will:

–       Discuss what home care services are

–       Share the benefits of home care

–       Explain what type of person home care is best suited to

–       Offer advice to help you source home care

–       What home care services cost

Previously the only option available to those needing day-to-day care was relocation to a residential or nursing home. Now there are several different options available which allow individuals to access care in line with their personal preferences.

This provides much better outcomes for all involved and often significantly improves wellbeing both physically and mentally.

You can search for a home care service provider using the search box at the top or bottom of this page.

30 second round-up of this article

–       Private home care is a great option for lots of people who would otherwise have ended up accessing residential or nursing care

–       It allows you to access the care you need whilst staying in your own home

–       Home care services have increased in popularity over the last few years

–       There are lots of different types of home care available

–       Care at home isn’t suitable for everyone

–       Funding options for home care are different compared with residential care

1.What are home care services?

As the name suggests, home care services allow individuals to access the care they need in their own home. This means they’re less likely to need to move out into alternative accommodation, or go into a residential or nursing home.

It also extends the time someone can spend living at home – even if they do need to access residential or nursing care at a later date. Home care services are commonly provided by trained professionals or nurses, who come in on a daily basis.

Live in care is a 24 hour home care service where you have a carer live with you permanently.

Here is a short video explaining more about live in care.

Responsibilities covered by a home carer include:

–       Making meals

–       Administering medication

–       Washing and dressing

–       Personal care

–       Companionship

–       Shopping

–       Transport and support at social events and appointments

–       Help getting out of and into bed

–       Cleaning and housekeeping

The role a home carer will take and how often they visit depends on your personal situation and needs.

Here is a short video that explains more about private home care services.

2.Why are home care services popular?

Home care services are popular mainly because they enable a person to stay living in their own home for longer – or even indefinitely. This greatly enhances quality of life for the person and can even help with certain conditions like dementia as confusion and disorientation are minimised.

Home care services are also versatile and can help save money for people who would otherwise have ended up paying for full-time care in a residential setting. This means that over the course of their care provision they’ll pay much less for care at home compared with residential care.

As an example let’s use Mrs Smith. Mrs Smith has dementia, so she needs someone to come in three times a day to help her get up and go to bed, and prepare meals for her. But she’s safe and happy in her own home.

She will pay around £70 a day for care provision that perfectly suits her needs, compared with over £100 per day for round the clock care in a residential home.

If you need a home carer for 24 hours a day then this is called Live in care.

Here is a short video that explains how live in care works.

Here is a short video that explains what a live in carer does.

3. Can you use equity release to pay for your home care services?

Home care can become expensive quite quickly.   One of the most popular methods for paying these costs today is through the use of equity release.

It allows you to take a lump sum, tax-free, from your home whilst allowing you to still live there.

Here is a short video that explains how equity release works.

Here is a short video that explains the advantages and disadvantages of equity release schemes.

Click the calculator below to see how much money you could get from your home.

4. How are home care services best suitable for?

Home care services are flexible and diverse. They cater to a wide range of needs and can be tailored to suit your specific requirements. Types of people home care services are best suited to include:

–       Elderly people living alone: Home care can ease loneliness and provides an extra pair of hands to help out around the house. This can be especially useful for elderly people who are infirm or have mobility issues.

–       Individuals with low-level care needs: Low-level care needs (such as help taking medication, getting dressed and making meals) can easily be addressed with home care.

–       Individuals in the early stages of Dementia: Many Dementia patients can safely stay at home for a number of years following diagnosis. Home care provides a flexible option which can increase as their needs progress. You may start for example with one visit a day, increasing to two or three as the Dementia progresses.

–       Individuals with long-term health issues or disabilities: People with long-term health issues or disabilities that are unlikely to worsen are ideal candidates for care at home. Home care can be tailored to their specific needs and additional shifts to cover holidays and social events can be arranged.

–       Individuals with progressive illness or needs who wish to stay in their own home as long as possible: If you have been diagnosed with a progressive disease or illness, you can access care at home for as long as is possible, delaying the possibility of nursing home requirement.

–       You require palliative care: End of life care can be administered at home in certain circumstances, provided specialist medical equipment is not required. This can be offered in conjunction with support from NHS nurses and charitable organisations such as Marie Curie and Macmillan.

However it’s worth remembering that home care isn’t going to be suitable for everyone. Home care services may not be right for you if:

–       You need round the clock care and support:  . If you still wish to stay in your own home live in care may be a better option.

–       You need specialist medical care:

–       You need more than three or four visits per day:

–       Your home is not suitable or safe for you:

5. What are the advantages of home care?private-home-care

Advantages of home care include:

–       Continuity and comfort: Remaining in the environment you call home is beneficial to all involved. You needn’t suffer the upheaval of moving and have space of your own surrounded by your belongings. This is particularly important for people with Dementia, as often living somewhere new can cause significant confusion and upset.6

–       Financial savings: You won’t need to pay for residential care, which is considerably more costly than home care. Instead you simply pay for what you need when you need it.

–       Familiar surroundings: You’ll stay close by to family and friends and can still engage in the social activities you enjoy.

6. Are there any drawbacks to home care?

There are very few drawbacks to home care if it is suited to your needs – but there are a couple of potential issues to consider. These include:

–       Home care services cost: Home care sourced privately is not cheap – costs range between £15 and £35 an hour. This is fine if you are not in need of regular help or multiple daily visits – but if you require more than a couple of visits per day the costs can mount up.

Also bear in mind that some companies charge extra for weekend and evening call outs. You can use our Home Care Cost calculator to estimate what your care will cost you

–       Fewer funding options: As you’ll be living in your home you can’t sell it or rent it out to pay for your care. There are however several other options to finance home care including equity release.  You can read about all the other ways to pay for your care here.  

7. Is private home care better?

There are two types of home care available – private home care, and home care provided by your local authority. The two are very different and can be accessed in different ways.

Home care provided by the local authority:

–       Is put in place following assessment by social services, which determines how much care you need and how frequently you need it

–       Is means-tested, which means you will only receive free care when you cannot afford to pay for it

–       Does not offer choice of provider

–       Involves different elderly carers at different times

–       Is only offered for 30 minutes per session

Private home care:

–       Is chosen and controlled by you. You select the provider and the amount of care you receive, as well as when and how often you receive it you receive it

–       Is paid for by you. You may be able to put some benefits payments towards the cost of care. Means-tested direct payments following assessment by your local authority can also be used towards home care costs

–        Can be arranged for any time – and the duration is set by you. If you want one hour or two, it isn’t a problem

–       Ensures as much as possible that the same person or people will be looking after you, so you can get to know and trust them

Strictly speaking private home care is better – as it is more flexible and care is provided by one set of people rather than lots of different staff. It is however much more costly as a result. If you don’t have sufficient assets to pay for home care but own your property outright, you may be able to release funds from it to pay for private home care.

Try the calculator below and see how much money you can get out of your house, using Equity Release, to help pay for your care costs. I think you will be surprised at what you could get……tax-free!

 

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