When caring can mean sharing
14/05/2009
Millions of people with care needs are enabled to stay in their own home because they receive informal help from friends and family, or drop-in assistance on a more formal level via their local authority or a private contractor. But here are two other alternatives to consider.
The ‘Homeshare’ scheme was originally set up to support older people wanting to remain independent in their own homes, but equally it can also prove helpful to those looking to reduce the cost of care and ancillary support services. Typically the householders sharing their home tend to be women aged between 70 and 90, and living alone. Some already have other helpers or regular carers, paid or informal, and so for them home sharing is part of a broader support package.
The householders provide free accommodation in exchange for ten hours of agreed support each week – such as domestic tasks, shopping and companionship – or just the security of having someone in the home at night. The home sharer pursues his or her day-time occupation but has to sleep at home a number of nights each week, with one weekend off a month. They also commit themselves to staying for at least six months.
For obvious reasons Homeshare employs co-ordinators to vet and check up on potential home sharers. The scheme is organised regionally and locally rather than nationally and you will need to check out what is available in your area from your local council.
A stage on from that level of provision is live-in care, which can help meet more demanding requirements, and is typified by the services provided by an organisation called ‘Helping Hands’ – and which can act as a real alternative to a care home, or the close care provision of some retirement developments. The care and support is arranged on your terms and to fit in with existing preferences for meals and eating times, naps and favourite activities.
Sometimes companionship and a permanent presence in the house is enough. A little support here and there when needed, prompts to eat and help in and out of the chair, can make the world of difference and reduce the risks of accident immensely. Alternatively you may be looking for help with personal care, such as washing and toileting and the prompting of medication. Your live-in carer is there to enable independence and quality of life at home.
The care doesn’t have to be permanent or even full time. It can fill in the gaps that friends and family cannot make (perhaps as weekend or holiday respite), help someone recuperate after a stay in hospital, or provide part time cover. As the term ‘live-in’ suggests, the carer lives in the house with the person they have been asked to look after. They will sleep there (they will need their own room) and when the main carer takes their scheduled breaks, typically every six to eight weeks, another carer will cover their absence – you are never left alone unless you ask to be.
The company has been going some 20 years, and is now one of the largest providers of live-in care in the country. Because of the versatility of live-in care and the very specific training staff are given, they can support numerous conditions, from dementia and Parkinsons, and from MS to stroke rehabilitation – and everything in between. As with any care provider they are regulated and their latest inspection found them to be ‘excellent’.
For a chat to find out whether live-in care could work for you or a loved one, you can call seven days a week to 0808 180 1553 or visit:
www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk
Case Study 1: Robert Mason, Swindon
“In 2007 I sufferered a stroke which left me paralysed down the left hand side. I know my family would have cared for me if they could but they have their own lives and so rather than go into a nursing home, I decided to give live in care a go. I wanted to live as independently and normally as possible, and my current carer Joe, lets me do just that. Yes, he helps me with my personal care and things around the house but more importantly we do things together.
It really has changed my outlook - and I know my daughter doesn’t worry about me quite as much!”
Case Study 2: Betty Arnold, Twickenham.
I have cared for my husband for the last 8 years, however as his dementia has got worse and my own health began to deteriorate I looked at the options that would mean we could stay together at home.
For the same price as a nursing home we have Sandy, a lovely lady who completely understands John and his needs, this in turn means that I can take the occasional break without worrying that he is ok. I really would be lost without her and it means my and husband and I aren’t separated after all these years.”