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Find out about the various care options that exist outside of care in the home, providing you with sources and information to find out more.
A recent survey and study by the Live-in Care Hub found that nearly 100% of those surveyed would prefer not to go into residential care if they become unwell or unable to care for themselves.
This is really good evidence at least, that residential care has something of a poor reputation, probably worsened by the repeated negative press and stories about those in care and their experiences. Even without the horror stories, most of us understand why a person would not want to leave their home and potentially their partner and pets to go into residential care. There is also strong evidence to show that mental and physical health benefits from care alternatives.
If you are thinking about your care options, don’t be afraid or assume that residential care is where you will be eventually. You do have options, plenty of great options actually, that cater for your needs and avoid the need to move into a care home.
Care Options Beyond Residential Care
There are lots of options beyond residential care as and when you might need support to live your most independent and healthy life.
Family Providing Care
Although this option is proving to less popular in modern times, many families do still look after their elderly loved ones. So you may move in with your family where they will provide care for you, or perhaps a son or daughter will move in with you and provide care to you. This options doesn’t work for everyone but it works well for some families so is worth discussing.
Home Care
Care in the home comes in many forms, but all revolves around the client remaining in their own home independently. One person, or a couple can receive care on an ad hoc basis, at regular intervals, or on a live-in care basis where the carer lives in the home and provides care. This kind of care is provided by social services or the NHS, or from private companies depending on the circumstances. Carers can provide services ranging from basic light cleaning, personal care support and help with shopping, all the way to intensive medical care throughout the day.
Sheltered Housing
Sheltered housing is a flat or apartment in a community or building that is supported by a supervisor and which usually has quick routes to accessing help, such as personal alarms. Some sheltered housing situations also have care options, but the overall emphasis is on providing a safer independent living situation for the elderly.
Retirement Village
A retirement village is where you live in a house independently alone or with a partner, but you’re in a community of other retirees. Some retirement villages have their own leisure centres, healthcare and communal areas. Most have many additional benefits to moving to the area.
What To Do Next
It is a really good idea to plan ahead for your care, seeking the help of an Independent Financial Advisor with experience in financing care. You should also speak to your family members, speak to your local social services and GP and look into getting a care assessment. The more you research and understand, the more likely you are to get later life care that is of the high quality you should expect.
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