There are lots of care options for the elderly and in this article we look at those options and what they involve, helping you to make an informed choice.
When a person gets older, they may well need care. This care can take many forms, and there are several options if a person does need care. There are pro’s and con’s to each and every type of care, and usually it is very individual choice as to which care option is best.
However, certain studies have shown overwhelming evidence that home care i.e. – live-in care in a person’s own home – is the preferred type of care rather than residential or nursing homes. The Better At Home Report from The Live-In Care Hub tells us that nearly 100% of people would not want to opt for residential care even if ill or unable to cope.
If you’re in a position where you are considering care options for yourself or a relative, the following are the main types offered:
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are considered if a person is unable to live at home comfortably even with carers, friends and relatives helping them. Often personal care and nursing care are key reasons a nursing home is considered and in nursing care homes UK your relative will help with all their medical needs, washing, eating, going to the toilet and other general care needed.
Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes UK are a home where a person will live and get help with personal care, usually those living in a residential care home require no nursing help.
Live-in Care or Home Care
Live-in care, also known as Home Care, is where a person will live with an elderly person and provide them with 24/7 care. So a nurse or qualified carer lives in the home of the elderly person to help them wash, clean, eat and to provide various other help to them. According to the No Place Like Home Report from the Live-In Care Hub many people believe there really is no place like home and that is where they want to stay.
Domiciliary Care
Domiciliary care is where a person stays at home but receives home care services. This is where a person will come into the home and offer various caring services as necessary. These types of home care services could be picking up prescriptions, helping somebody wash themselves or eat, helping them with cleaning the home, and a wide variety of other activities depending on the individual.
Sheltered Housing
Sheltered housing is a type of accommodation designed especially for older people to enable them to keep living an independent life, whilst also receiving support. Residents still come and go as and when they want to and lead their own lives, but they also have help on offer if they need it. Sheltered housing might also provide social events and areas to encourage residents to maintain a social life and to limit isolation.
Retirement Villages
Retirement villages are beautiful villages designed for elderly people to relocate and retire in. They not only provide well designed properties for a person or couple to live in, but also there will likely be things like swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, eateries and bars, plus lots of social events. Many people are enticed by the sense of community that comes with this lifestyle, as you’ll be living with lots of people of a similar age.
Relatives Moving In With You
Your relatives may wish to move in with you, or vice versa, and provide you with care themselves. This is often a preferred option for relatives who want to look after their parents in their old age and are willing to put the time and effort into caring for them 24/7.
There are many options for elderly care and nobody can say which is the best option for you or your relative. However, the evidence is there to suggest that some options are less preferable to others. In any case, the more you know the better, so you will be able to make an informed choice when it comes to this extremely important decision.