In an ageing population where there are more births than deaths, and where a quarter of the population will be aged 65 or over by 2045, care for the elderly is certainly a major concern. At present, the main form of care is care homes or residential homes. This is where a person will move in and live as a resident in a care home that has staff 24/7. They will have all their nutritional and personal care needs met living alongside residents of a similar age. Nursing homes offer the same care but with additional help to residents who require a greater level of care.
Although care homes are a good choice for some, 98% of people would rather not move into a care home according to research by The Live-in Care Hub, if they became unwell or unable to care for themselves. There is also some evidence to suggest that those moving into a care home may be more likely to suffer from loneliness, malnutrition and they may be at a higher risk of falls. The NHS also struggle to move elderly patients out of bed into care homes because there isn’t always a place available.
With all of that in mind, it is important to consider other options when considering later life care. Luckily, it isn’t just restricted to care homes and there are other options available.
Sheltered Housing
Sheltered housing or assisted living is an excellent option for those who want to remain independent in their own home, but with additional support. Sheltered housing schemes vary but most have alarm systems in place where residents can quickly get help. Some assisted living developments may also have wardens and provide help with things like nutritional needs and personal care needs.
Care At Home
For a lot of people staying in their own home is really important. It means they get to stay with their pets, with their partner, amongst all their treasured possessions and in familiar surroundings. This is particularly important for patients with dementia who may be particularly distressed leaving their home.
Homecare services are ideal for various different kinds of people who require care at home. Homecare services are professional and tailored to the needs of the client. You might just need somebody to pop in twice a day to provide help with personal care or you might need a carer to move in and provide help and support 24/7.
Carers are there to provide the support that you need so you can remain in the place you love the most. Carers can help you to:
- Be as healthy as possible, providing support with nutritional and physical health
- Socialise and remain social, taking you to hobby groups and social events
- Run errands like collecting medication and going shopping
- Care for yourself providing help with personal care
- Care for your home, garden and pets
- Remain mobile, suggesting mobility aids and additions to the home
Receiving care at home is about ensuring your life is as high quality as possible, and enabling you to live the life you want as independently as possible.
What Next?
If you are interested in care at home, sheltered accommodation or care homes, you’ll want a care assessment. This will help you to find out exactly what level of care you need and the possible associated costs for different options. You can find a rough idea of costs on the UK Care Guide Care Calculator.
The more research you do, the more informed a decision you can make. Your later life can be as exciting, independent and fulfilling as you want it to be.
