Navigating the world of care
Most of us will need care for a family member, friend or for ourselves at some point. It can feel bewildering, especially if you’re dealing with a crisis and time is of the essence. It’s unusual for families to live near older relatives today, and that can make decisions particularly hard.
Getting started
If you’re fortunate and not in a crisis, but have noticed standards in the home are slipping, or people are struggling with their usual routine, it’s good to introduce some support, albeit slowly. It might be as simple as having a cleaner for the first time, or increasing the number of hours or days they come. It might be a bit more involved than that; help with shopping, cooking, laundry, changing the bed, medicine prompts and appointments, and help with washing and dressing. Companionship is also an important consideration for many people.
Waiting for an adult social care assessment or a memory assessment can take up to a year currently, so don’t put off arranging support if it’s needed. If there are savings of more than £23,250 any support will need to be paid for personally in any case. If you feel you need professional guidance with what care and support is required, you could use an independent social worker to do an assessment before you look for care.
Anyone over 65 years who needs help and support at home is eligible for the Attendance Allowance which is not means tested.
Where to find care and support
Some people find great helpers directly, through word of mouth, via adverts on social media, or notice boards. If you engage a helper directly it may cost less, although if you are their only source of work you might need to employ them, including responsibility for tax, NI, pension contributions, and deal with any difficulties about how they are working.
If you use a home care organisation it is likely to cost more, although they will have carried out police checks and taken up references. They will also arrange cover in case of sickness or holidays, and handle payment so that you don’t have a direct financial relationship with the helper. If you contact a home care organisation ensure they can arrange for the same person to visit so that there is continuity of care, and ask them to guarantee arrival times. Can they provide a helper with a car for trips out and appointments? Do check their cancellation terms. And look at reviews online, it should give a good indication of how happy their clients and team are.
If staying at home but with significant care needs, live-in care is another option. Again, you can employ your own live-in carers directly or use an agency. The property will need a spare bedroom, and wi-fi! Live-in care doesn’t have to be permanent. It can be a great way to provide care in the short-term following illness or discharge from hospital.
Making it easier to stay at home
Simple things like long-handled shoehorns and grabbers make dressing much quicker and safer. Raisers make beds and chairs easier to get in and out of. Kettle tippers can be the difference between making a cup of tea and not bothering. A chair that tips you up to stand can be a game-changer. Grab rails are great for getting in and out of the front door. Sussex has some excellent mobility centres which stock a range of equipment, and usually have very helpful advisers. Other adaptations might be more grand-scale, like having a ramp installed or re-siting a shower downstairs. Age UK has a great website with information on adapting your home. Councils have ringfenced funds to support residents with adaptations so it’s worth checking what you’re eligible for. We don’t like to dwell on safety but door intercom systems, locks, security lights, burglar alarms, care pendants, keysafe boxes, fire and smoke detectors all help give peace of mind. And Assistive Technology is developing fast too. Visit Age space for more information on what’s available.
On the move
Staying at home isn’t the answer for everyone. The responsibilities of running a home can become a burden.
For many, moving out of the family home to sheltered housing is the obvious choice and means you’ve still got your own front door. Most sheltered housing is for 55 plus and includes telecare equipment in case of needing help, a communal area for activities, and a warden who oversees the property. Over the past few years schemes have put less emphasis on the warden role so you need to ask if the warden is situated permanently on site and what you can expect of them.
Extra Care sheltered housing schemes mean you still purchase your own accommodation, but with the option to buy in care services on site and have meals in the communal restaurant. Retirement villages offer a similar level of support, and often have attractive health and leisure facilities, but can be in out-of-town locations so think carefully about whether that would be suitable.
If you no longer want responsibility for a property then a care home might be the best option. All the domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning and laundry are taken care of, and staff are available day and night. It doesn’t hurt to have a look at a few homes in advance so that you know your preference if that time comes. You can turn up unannounced and ask for a brief show round. The staff may not be able to devote much time but it gives you a feel for how things really are, warts and all. You can make an appointment for a longer visit another time, and have a meal there, the food is so important!
Care homes often don’t have high staff ratios meaning it’s tricky helping people get out and about. Ask if they can take you for walks, shopping or trips out. Some homes offer short-term stays so you can go for a trial. It’s also a good idea to read the home’s latest inspection report available from the Care Quality Commission at www.cqc.org.uk.
Taking the plunge
Waiting until a crisis hits inevitably means decisions are made for you and immediate options might be limited. We know it’s a stressful process, and often the person needing support doesn’t feel it’s necessary, but if possible involve the person in the decision-making process. Take it slow and built build up support incrementally.
Home & Company support people in Sussex, but are happy to help with advice and signposting wherever you are so do feel free to get in touch.