Staying at Home

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Published: 29/03/2019

Public policy and research all say that staying in your own home, as opposed to moving into a care home, is the best option for many people. To be reassured that your family member will be properly cared for, you need to have some points in mind when planning for care at home. The NHS home help website offers some useful information including a list of questions to ask your prospective care provider. Here are a few of them.

Have your carers looked after someone with similar needs to mine?

This is important, particularly for those with more complex needs.  Right At home have specially trained CareGivers, with experience in specific areas of specialist care, including Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Other areas of care that require particular training and understanding include Stroke rehabilitation, and Diabetes. With nearly a third of those over 45 having Osteoarthritis to some degree this is an area that is little highlighted but can lead to frustration, weariness, and depression when simple, daily tasks become hard to carry out. In this case emotional support is as important as the practical care.

How will you choose the most suitable carer for me?

Right at Home CareGivers are carefully matched with their Clients and, where possible, introduced before they begin delivering care. While we have a professional dress code, Right at Home CareGivers do not wear a uniform, as we recognise that some of our Clients would prefer a discreet service both at home and when we accompany them. The lack of a uniform also enhances the companionship aspect of our work. Our CareGivers are carefully matched to each of their Clients through their interests and personalities, building trust and genuine friendships. Loneliness and isolation, particularly among the elderly, can have considerable impact on a person’s health and wellbeing. Our companionship support is available to people of any age looking to improve their independence.

What to expect from carers.

The NHS website makes the point that everyone should be treated “in a respectful and dignified way”. Right At Home North Somerset look to go beyond that. We do not believe it is possible to deliver quality care in a 15-minute visit, so we don’t offer them. Our preferred minimum care visit is one hour, which enables us to carry out the tasks required by the Client and to stop and sit and chat, have a cup of tea, and get to know them. In this way we can observe any changes in their health and respond to them, keep their friends and family informed about their progress and general wellbeing.

Our Covid 19 page is regularly updated and we are pleased to have been there throughout the crisis to support our Clients while following Government guidelines regarding PPE and social distancing. Get in touch to learn more about our services and how we can support you and your family