Last Updated: December 6, 2024
Julie Saunders ponders the question ‘Is in-home care the right choice?’
Deciding on a care option that’s right for a relative can feel challenging, particularly if you’re new to the process or are used to delivering much of your loved one’s care yourself. Although this step may rightfully take plenty of deliberation, it’s crucial in ensuring you choose the correct level of support for your loved one.
Before anything else, it’s important to speak to your loved one about the change – if you can. You’ll want to allow them as much independence and autonomy as possible and ensure that whatever decision you make, they’re on board with it, too.
If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s how to decide if in-home care (also known as home care or domiciliary care) is right for your loved one.
Consider your loved one’s needs
It’s important to think about your reasons for considering in-home care for your loved one. Perhaps they need daily assistance but want to retain their independence, in which case in-home care may be an appropriate choice.
A home care professional can help your loved one with tasks such as getting in and out of bed and the bath, cleaning the home, cooking meals, and assisting them on daily errands out of the house. Some home care professionals may also be able to help with managing financial tasks such as paying bills if needed.
In-home care will generally be beneficial to someone who struggles to complete their day-to-day activities alone – perhaps because they have limited mobility or struggle with their memory. You may choose to have in-home care during the day or opt for round-the-clock support for your loved one, depending on their individual circumstances and needs.
Search for home care providers on the Care Choices website, or order a free copy of your local care directory to find home care providers in your area.
Create a plan
Many people in need of care will need more support as they get older or as their health condition progresses. What might work for your loved one in the short term may not necessarily be the right option long term.
Consider what your loved one might need from a care option in the future, and what the timeline would look like for those changes being made. While home care might work right now, too much change too fast can be unsettling for someone who’s struggling – so you’ll want to ensure you are choosing an option that’s going to be viable for at least a number of months.
Remember to consider what works financially, too. Your loved one may have to pay for their care themselves, but in some cases, their local council may contribute to the cost – a financial assessment will be conducted by the council to see if they’re eligible for financial help.
There are also benefit options such as Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments that can help your loved one fund their care, as well as many government-backed schemes for senior housing in the UK, like the Warm Home Discount and Barchester’s Charitable Foundation grants.
Seek professional advice
People in need of care won’t always be in a position to make these kinds of decisions themselves. This is where professional advice can be helpful to ensure you’re making the best possible choice for your loved one.
It’s best to speak to a healthcare professional who is familiar with your loved one’s individual circumstances and needs. They’ll be able to talk you through your options and share some of the ways each one may help. Having a professional opinion can help to put your mind at ease knowing that you’re making the right decision for your loved one.
Remember to take care of yourself
This is a tough decision, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Many people feel guilty about not being able to provide the level of care their loved one needs all by themselves. However, it’s important to remember that seeking out a professional service is an act of kindness that will often result in a better quality of life for both you and your loved one.
Remember to put your loved one’s needs first when making this decision, but be sure to consider your own needs, too. Make some time for yourself throughout this process and be sure to seek support if you’re struggling to make the decision on your own.
