Here I look at the benefits of live-in care from three different viewpoints: the client’s perspective, the carer’s and finally the family’s viewpoint.
Let’s first consider how a client might see the benefits of live-in care.
Home. It’s our safe space. A place full of memories, a place where we can be ourselves, do what we wish and feel ok about spending all day in our slippers.
We may not realise how precious our home is until we must consider leaving it for somewhere else because of failing health or increasing frailty.
But this does not have to be the end of the story. There is another option – live-in care.
The client’s perspective
Live-in care is an excellent option because it offers just the kind of care and support that some older or disabled people need without them having to leave their much-loved home.
From a client’s perspective, being able to stay at home and have help on hand 24/7 is preferable for many reasons:
real peace of mind knowing that your life will continue as you want it to
the reassurance of knowing that help is always available for any difficult tasks
being able to stay in your home means your beloved pets remain with you
enjoying the constant companionship and support of a friendly carer
getting support with continuing hobbies or outside activities
having a base from which to entertain and/or invite your friends and family
having choice and control over how you live your life
Supporting people to stay living at home is the best way to keep unnecessary hospital admissions down and reduces the likelihood of recurrent infections.
Hospital is not the best place for older people to be unless they are ill or recovering from surgery.
Home comforts are best
Home is where the heart is and it’s true to say that the best place to be is at home, surrounded by familiar faces, homely comforts, and known routines. Knowing your carer is there, just in the next room is reassuring and means that life becomes enjoyable again, rather than a battle for survival.
When it comes to being in your home, even your favourite chair is a source of comfort and safety, not to mention sipping tea from your own cup or mug.
All these details matter and all these details make a difference, bringing a sense of calm and wellbeing to the person concerned.
Getting the best out of life
Better outcomes are also achieved by helping you stay in your own home, surrounded by precious memories, close to friends and neighbours.
Live-in care also means that personal goals can be set and worked towards, a sense of purpose fostered, and independence achieved; all important factors when it comes to maintaining good mental and physical health.
After all, live-in care is all about empowerment, not sheltering someone from doing things for themselves. Even better, live-in care packages are designed around the client’s needs and wishes which makes them flexible, and that goes for the cost as well.
Plymouth care
One man who knows the many benefits of live-in care is Anthony Pilling, owner, and CEO of Plymouth based care agency Inspiring On.
He’s keen to get the message out to the community regarding the value of live-in care as one option for supporting people with their daily living.
Anthony commented: “Not everyone will need live-in care, they may just need care visits, but it is certainly an option worth exploring before considering leaving their home and moving into residential living.
“We have amazing, dedicated carers who love supporting their clients to live safely and get the most out of each day, as well as special care teams trained and available for live-in care packages. So, if your loved one is at that point in their life, please get in touch with us and let’s see how we can support them, whether that’s through a live-in care package or daily home care visits.”
A brighter future
Getting older and a little less agile is not always bad news nor does it constitute the end of living life your way. Far from it. With a well-matched Live-in carer, you can look forward to less struggling with the laundry basket and more fun playing cards with your friends at home over a cup of tea…or maybe something stronger!
Photo credit: fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay
In my next piece I’ll be looking at the benefits of live-in care from the family’s perspective.
