Why Might I Need Homecare?
There are many reasons why you and your loved ones might be considering home care. Perhaps you’re struggling to manage your daily routine, or you’re recovering from surgery. Every person’s journey to finding the right care is personal and unique, but there are usually a few commonalities that most people share. These include:
Needing support with everyday tasks
Age-related frailties or a deteriorating condition
Struggling with the stairs or risk of falls
Physical Signs You Might Need Home Care
Getting tired more easily
If your energy levels have decreased you may be struggling to get out and about as you used to
Diminished strength
Lacking strength can mean you may not be able to keep things tidy or use household cleaning equipment
An increase in aches and pains
If your condition is causing pain then you probably won’t feel as motivated at home as you used to
Emotional Signals
1. Missing family and desiring companionship
If your home is feeling empty since the passing of a partner or a beloved pet, care can help
2. Feeling lonely and at risk of social isolation
A regular visitor who can help you feel less isolated will help to reduce the risk of depression too
3. Not wanting to leave the house
A carer can help you to face life again by accompanying you to activities and important appointments
Daily Living Challenges That Indicate a Need
Not using the entire house
If certain parts of your house don’t get used due to accessibility issues, such as upstairs rooms, you may benefit from having someone helping you to use the stairs or clean the rooms
Personal care challenges
Perhaps you were always a fan of bathing, but now you can’t get in and out unaccompanied. A carer could help you to access the bath and ensure your hygiene isn’t compromised
Fear of having falls
If you are worried about steps to access the garden or tripping up when you attempt to go outside, a carer could help you to enjoy your space again and enable you to continue light gardening
When is Family Support Not Enough?
Complex support needs
Family support is often crucial in many people’s care journeys, but when there are complex care needs it can often be necessary to have professional support at home
When family have busy lives
Many people are juggling so many elements; children, work, and parental care, for example, that they may not be able to devote as much time to care as they would wish
If loved ones live far away
Families often spread far and wide due to work and relationships, so there may be geographical difficulties. If moving closer together isn’t an option, care at home is!
Why It’s Important to Start Homecare When It’s Needed
A deteriorating condition
If your condition is deteriorating, then you should begin care while you’re still able to express your wishes about your support. This way, your loved ones will understand how you wish things to progress
Missing crucial cues
Having someone come to your home regularly will mean they get to know you and will be able to notice any changes in your condition. This can be crucial, especially if you don’t see family very often
Financial concerns
You may be worried about sending money on care, however chatting to a financial advisor may suggest ways that care can be financed while still being able to leave legacies for family members
How to Assess Your Home Care Needs
1. Give Helping Hands a call
Talking to our friendly customer care team will ensure you have all your questions answered quickly
2. Talk to a medical professional
They’ll know your health history and be able to advise you on your prognosis and likely outcomes
3. Chat to your loved ones
Communication is key; chat to your family about your care needs and talk through your options together
Choosing the Right Home Care Services with Helping Hands
When you choose Helping Hands for your care at home you simply get the very best support across England and Wales. Our carers and branch teams work tirelessly to ensure you continue to live as independently as possible at home, working with you to devise your perfect plan of care.
They’ll be able to help with your everyday support needs on both practical and emotional levels. For instance they’ll undertake housework, medication and meal preparation, while making sure that you have the company you want and can attend the activities you enjoy.
Our carers are carefully chosen to make sure they share our values of providing excellent care, as well as continually learning and growing. That way, our home care remains consistently excellent and our carers feel valued for their hard work. We provide both visiting and live-in care so chat to us today about which would suit you best.