What is home care?
Many of our clients want to live independently in their own homes for as long as they can. It’s for this reason, that they choose us, as the service we provide in and around the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks areas helps facilitate this.
The problem is that many people don’t know what their options are when they realise they or a relative needs additional care, or what home care really is in practice when compared to other options. This article aims to give you some more knowledge and information on the subject.
Home care works by supporting the elderly in their own home with whatever they need – it could be something as simple as helping with domestic chores, such as preparing and cooking meals, or perhaps helping with bathing, dressing and grooming or even feeding and walking the dog!
Each person is different and will therefore require a different level of care which is why at Birchwood Care Services we always create a bespoke home care plan for each new client to ensure their needs are met. If you want more information about this then head over to an article we published on finding care at home for a loved one.
So what are the options?
When it becomes clear that an elderly relative needs additional care, there are a number of choices. We have covered some of these in previous articles, such as the difference between assisted living and homecare but to summarise, the most common options are as follows:
- Home care services give support to those who need it in their own home.
- Live-in care applies when someone wants to stay in their own home but need 24/7 care, so a carer will be with them at all times.
- A care home provides accommodation and care to those who need extra support. We work closely with our colleagues at Birchwood House which is a wonderful care home.
- Assisted Living – You have some form of independence with assisted living as you’re in usually a self-contained flat but with staff available to provide support where required.
And how does it work if home care is needed?
If you have decided that home care is the most appropriate solution for you or your relative, but are unsure about the steps you need to take, then head over to the process page of our website for more information. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team who will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Your situation or health may change quickly, and we can always react to this if necessary and if, for example, you have a fall and need additional care, you can go into the care home of our colleagues at Birchwood House for a period of respite care. We will also review your care on an ongoing basis to ensure you’re getting the level of care needed and will advise either you or your family if we feel a different care package would be appropriate.
Although a very brief guide, we hope this gives some insight and if you need any advice for yourself or a friend or relative then do give us a call on 01892 863 710 and we would be delighted to help and advise. We provide care in and around the Tunbridge Wells area and we’d love to be able to help you and your loved ones find the perfect care.
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