Just what is the right care solution for you or a family member and when should the decision be made to choose additional care in the home or a move into a care home?

Certainly, moving during one’s senior years is not something that individuals like to think about and can also be a very difficult decision to make or put off.  The whole process can be daunting, especially if the decision is taken away from you because of a crisis, which can often be the case.

For the majority of people, choosing a care provider is a reactive rather than a proactive decision with the care pathway fraught with bureaucracy and financial restraints.

In unfortunate circumstances, you may find that you do not have the luxury of sourcing the right care solution for yourself but need to put your trust in a family member, a friend or a solicitor to have your best interest at heart.

KEEP AS HAPPY, HEALTHY     AND WELL AS YOU CAN

So when is the right time for you to be looking for additional care in the home? The list below is just an indication of some of the trigger points which may be beginning to cause you some concern:

• Are you struggling looking after your own personal needs such as personal care, bathing, medication, cooking or eating?
• Are you finding it difficult to manage the stairs, toilet or bath?
• Are you feeling lonely, isolated or depressed?
• Do you struggle to get out of the house now without some assistance?
• Do you worry about your health and taking regular medication?
• Have you had a fall recently and are unsure of the reason why?
• Is your current home difficult to manage in terms of paying bills, maintenance and upkeep?

Regardless of where you live in the country, there are a number of support options that you may be able to access to assist you to remain independently and safe in your own home. Please do contact one of our advisors who will be pleased to discuss your particular concerns and needs in confidence and signpost you in the right direction.

Alternatively, we shall be happy to discuss other appropriate care options for you in line with your particular health and social needs.

You may be entitled to receive Attendance Allowance. This is currently non means tested and will help you to receive support in the home or pay towards your care fees in a care home if self funding.

Why not check this out with your local Age UK, Age Concern or Citizens Advice Bureau who will be happy to advice you.

For a family member(s)  trying to keep an eye on a parent or senior, perhaps from a distance, or when trying to juggle other family or work commitments, can be extremely stressful. Choosing the right moment to discuss additional care in the home or a move into an appropriate care home can feel uncomfortable and may cause friction between family members.  At times it is easy to shy away from having that ‘difficult conversation’ and easier to wait until ‘later on in the year’.  Sometimes having that awkward conversation is taken out of your hands, especially when a crisis is reached and a prompt decision has to be made.

For family members, when is the right time to be looking for additional care in the home or a move into care for a loved one?  We have listed a few areas of concern to watch out for which may resonate with you and the care needs of your family member. 

• Have you noticed changes in eating habits, loss of weight or skipped meals?
• Is their home not as clean as you remember?
• Is food in the fridge past the ‘sell by’ date?
• Is personal hygiene an issue with odour and dirty clothes?
• Have you noticed any neglect or personality changes,
  forgetfulness, agitation, aggression, hallucinations or confusion?
• Are you recognized?
• Have there been any incidents such as wandering, falling, urinary infections, bruising or burns?
• Are you being called up on a more than regular basis and at unsociable times during the night?
• Have neighbours, friends, a scheme manager, or a medical professional suggested it is now time to look at alternative care options?

Ring any bells?

Senior Care Support Services is there to help through the minefield of care and assist you with the next step. Our professional service can take the stress and leg work out of finding the right care solution. This includes supporting you when dealing with Social Services, NHS Continuing Health Care assessments, hospital discharge teams and when dealing with other medical professionals.

Our level of support can include sourcing good quality domiciliary care in the home or a move into residential or nursing care. We also work with a number of specialist dementia and dementia nursing care homes within the West Midlands, Warwickshire and Worcestershire areas, recommending  only once due diligence has been carried out.

If any of the above pointers ring a concern for you, Senior Care Support Services are there to help you through making the right decision at the right time and all this by just picking up the telephone and talking to us in confidence. Please do get in touch.