What care options are available?
Families going through the emotional stress of placing a spouse or relative into care often tell us they find the terminology confusing. We hope that this blog can help you with that. We’ll be explaining the different types of care available and hopefully giving you a better understanding of your options.
We’re so incredibly lucky to be living in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. There are so many options available, from assisted living to residential and respite care.
Assisted living
This option allows you to remain fully independent. You usually have your own self-contained, secure flat which allows you to stay active and go out as and when you want to. However, you can enjoy the added benefit of carers available to provide support when you need it.
Home care
This option works by supporting individuals in their own homes with whatever they need. It could be something as simple as helping with domestic chores, such as preparing and cooking meals, personal care, dressing and medication management, or making sure that pets are fed. Each person is different and will require a different level of care suitable for their needs.
Live-in care
When someone wants to remain in their own home but realises that they need support around the clock, care providers are available to stay in their home and support at all times.
Residential care
This involves moving full time into a residential care home where safe and secure accommodation and care is provided to those who can’t manage to live independently. A home provides a stable, warm and friendly environment where residents receive around the clock care and feel part of a bigger family with others.
Nursing care
This is similar to residential care, but with supervision by a registered nurse, who is available 24/7 to provide and administer medical treatment.
Respite care
This option allows you to receive short term support in your own home or a short stay in a residential home. It’s especially useful for existing carers, such as family members. They can take a break for a while safe in the knowledge their loved one continues to receive the support they need.
Additional resources and help
You or a loved one’s general health or a current care situation may change quickly. There’s always professional, friendly support on hand to help you. Which provides a useful glossary of terms and has a useful online calculator to help you understand potential costs.
As one of the leading care homes and at-home care providers in Kent, Birchwood provides a team of highly skilled people to provide care both in our residential home in Speldhurst and for those in their own homes through our Care Services team in and around Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. They are genuinely caring people who go the extra mile, day in, day out. With the guidance of the Birchwood Promise, the team look after our clients in the same way they would like to be looked after.
If you’re thinking of arranging care for a loved one or friend, please complete our online enquiry form, call us on 01892 863710 or email us at careservices@birchwoodhouse.org.uk.
Other articles you may like
- Helping to combat lonelinessHelping to combat loneliness Unfortunately, 50% of individuals aged over 60 are at risk of social isolation and one-third will experience some degreeContinue reading “Helping to combat loneliness”
- Live independently at home for longerWe have spoken before about top tips for fall proofing your home and this really can have a significant impact as falls will often be a key contributor to needing more round the clock care as they can have serious implications for the elderly depending on the severity.
- Three huge benefits of walking for the elderlyThree huge benefits of walking for the elderly Did you know that May is National Walking Month? As the country is opening upContinue reading “Three huge benefits of walking for the elderly”
- What care options are available?Families going through the emotional stress of placing a spouse or relative into care, often tell us they find the terminology confusing so this blog aims to help explain the different types of care available. Understandably, most elderly people want to live independently in their own homes for as long as they can. But many people are not aware of what their local options are.
- A moment to reflect this Aprild you know that we celebrated National Reflection Day recently? Reflection day is about taking time to connect, supporting the millions of people who are grieving and remembering the family, friends, neighbours and colleagues we’ve lost over the last two years. Marie Curie spearheaded the campaign for a Day of Reflection to mark the anniversary of the beginning of the first UK Lockdown – and to let bereaved people know that they are not alone.
- What is home care?Many of our clients want to live independently in their own home for as long as they can. It is for this reason they choose us as the home care service we provide in and around the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks areas helps facilitate this.
- Why hire an at-home carer?Why hire an at-home carer? We love our families dearly and in an ideal world we’d all be able to take care ofContinue reading “Why hire an at-home carer? “
- Welcoming in spring at Birchwood Care ServicesWelcoming in spring at Birchwood Care Services Spring has sprung at Birchwood Care Services. The official start to the season might not beContinue reading “Welcoming in spring at Birchwood Care Services”
- Sharing the Valentine’s love this FebruarySharing the Valentine’s love this February Celebrating our staff This month, Birchwood Care Services is sharing the Valentine’s love with a blog celebratingContinue reading “Sharing the Valentine’s love this February”