As our population continues to age, the challenges which this presents are only going to grow.
For many, the idea of going into a care home or institution is an intimidating one, and much care for older people is now focused on helping them to stay in good health at home for as long as possible.
Care Homes Statistics
Although many care homes exist which provide a fantastic standard of care and stimulating activities for their residents, others are less meticulous and a staggering 40% of those in residential care in the UK reporting feeling depressed.
In light of the fact that people with severe mental health problems are likely to die as much as 20 years earlier than the UK average, this constitutes something of a crisis for UK care homes.
And not only can group homes be bad for their residents' mental health, living in such a facility can also impact on physical health. The result of many people with poor health and lowered immune systems in a confined space means that, with the best will in the world, bugs and viruses spread quickly.
Unfortunately for many older people, ill health and frailty simply mean that they can no longer cope unaided in their own homes; and more than that, it is dangerous for them to attempt to do so.
How Home Care Can Help?
Introducing home care services can be the perfect way to provide more help and assistance for an older person who needs it, without the need for them to move out of their own home, a prospect which can be very daunting.
Professional Domestic Care can include help with cleaning and washing clothes, shopping, preparing meals and even light maintenance, like changing light bulbs. Just a few hours a week of additional help could allow your loved one to continue to live independently in their own home.
Whereas Personal Care can be tailored to a person’s specific requirements so that they can live comfortably in good health at home. This then allows them to spend more time with their loved ones and their families as they are not restricted to visiting times or schedules. It is also an environment that is more comfortable and familiar with all.