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Conditions for homecare
To assure the best possible conditions for homecare for an elderly person with a loss of autonomy, very specific family and financial organization is necessary. What conditions are required to assure the wellbeing of the elderly person staying at home?
> Securitizing and adapting the residence
In order to facilitate the elderly person's life, adapting their residence is an essential step. The residence must be functional and all dangers eliminated. Among the points necessary to verify:
• Are there slip-resistant tiles and support bars in bathrooms to avoid the risk of falls?
• Does the bedroom have an adapted bed (at the right height or adjustable, depending on need)?
• Each room in the house is well lighted to ensure secure nighttime movements?
To meet the principal access norms for handicapped individuals or security standards, all adaptive work should be planned and completed by a professional.
> Carer and health professional in-house access
Keeping a dependent person in their home generally means the intervention of external personnel (home care givers, medical or psychological assistance…). It is necessary to verify that all the care and service options for the individual are accessible:
• Are the necessary care and home care givers and available? Does the elderly person need nightly supervision?
• Can the elderly person find housecleaning help through governments or associations?
• Must the partner or entourage undertake all or part of the assistance the elderly person with loss of autonomy?
> Involvement of the family: the keystone to homecare
For homecare to be really possible, it is essential for the family to help. Close relatives have a considerable role to play in supporting a dependent elderly person, organizing their daily life or assisting them in administrative tasks. Some basic questions must be asked:
• Will the elderly person feel alone?
• Can family members and friends visit often and help out? Is a member of their entourage available every day?
• Does the elderly person feel good at home? Can they maintain contact with the outside world?
What assistance exists to facilitate homecare?Show
Governments can offer help to maintain seniors in the home. Local council social services departments can come and assess needs, and may be able to cover some of the associated costs through community care. Depending on their care plan and their personal budget, they may receive funds from the Government. The NHS (National Health Service) can provide assistance for those with mobility issues. If you are over 65, you may have access to an AA (Attendance Allowance), a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). There are also many UK charities that can assist the elderly to remain in the home.
How to well prepare for entry into a retirement home?Show
Unfortunately, families often wait until the last minute to find a retirement home. The death of a partner, a stroke or a bad fall can lead to a crisis situation. Failing to anticipate this is harmful for the elderly person, who has not had the time to serenely prepare for entry into a retirement home.
What costs should be expected to maintain homecare?Show
It is not evident to meet the costs that homecare brings. Costs of homecare can include:
• Daily expenses associated with the residence: rent, fixed costs, electricity, heating, etc.
• Financing adaptions to the residence: support ramps, adjustable bed, slip-resistant tiling, alarms, adapted bathtubs and showers, etc.
• Costs for homecare assistance: housecleaning, carer, nursing care, meal delivery, etc.
• Cost of medical services: in-home nursing, physiotherapy, hospitalisation in the home if necessary, etc.
Attendance Allowance (AA)Show
Allowance to assist in covering costs for in-home care, available to those 65 years and older.
Personal BudgetShow
A personal budget is an agreed amount of council money that you can use to arrange and pay for your care and support, following an assessment of your needs. You can receive it as a direct (cash) payment, through a managed account, or a mixture of the two.
AgeUKShow
Association for elderly people in the UK, which can assist and provide individuals who wish to remain in the home but need assistance.
CarerShow
In the UK, carers are unpaid individuals taking care of an elderly family member or friend. They take care of the elderly person, their personal life and help them get around. They are not considered health professionals, but may receive government assistance to complete their caring tasks.
