With age and the unfortunate event of illness or conditions that can affect our daily routines can come the realisation that we may need some support.

This can be a daunting time and can naturally be an apprehensive and anxious time not for just the individual but also for those involved such as families, loved ones, and full-time carers.

There are many reasons why we may feel the need for support, this could be due to a decline in health, living with a terminal illness, living with dementia, elderly age, reduced mobility or loneliness.

The problem many of us will face is that we are unaware of where to start from to start the process of seeking support. Many of us feel that going into a care home may be the only answer. This is often due to feeling as though we may be a burden to our siblings.

Care Options

• Residential Care otherwise known as a Care Home.
• Voluntary services
• Care in your own home often referred to as Domiciliary Care.
• Day centres and workshops.
• Nursing Care
• Live in-home care

Where do you start?

Often this is the daunting part, not knowing your options.

Often the best starting point is a conversation with your GP, who will be able to refer you to be accessed to what support you may need.

In local surgeries, you will often find in the waiting areas or if you ask at reception some information on local organisations such as care homes, nursing care, voluntary services and also Domiciliary Home care providers that can visit you in your home.

The internet is also a great resource and if you search for ‘Care providers’ within your postcode area it will bring you up all the places available, with the contact number and address with their local website.

Funding

Often you will loosely hear that if you have a certain amount of savings you are not entitled to any government help. Your GP will give you information where a social worker will then access this. This is a great starting point.

You can also contact independent social workers with free obligation who will tell you if you are entitled to this.

Tips & Advice

The best place to search to find a reliable and professional care provided is without doubt. CQC This is the Care Quality Commission who regulate and ensure all care services are safe and providing good practice. All care services are regulated to ensure they are following legislation, policies and procedures to protect their staff and the customers who use the service.

This site is:

http://www.cqc.org.uk/

Often you will see this logo:

Every provider of care must display their inspection result so you can access their full report. It’s definitely advisable to read these reports through as it will give you a real sense of what the organisation is about and also give you peace of mind when choosing the right care.

It will show you how:

Safe

Effective

Caring

Responsive

Well Led

The service is.

Advice: If you are looking at a Care Home as the option for you or a loved one the best tip, is to always turn up to look round rather than making an appointment. This will mean you will get a real sense of how and what the care looks like.

Talk to other residents of the service.

Ask to look at the testimonials of the service.

What events do they have and when do these occur.

Care Home

This is residential care than can support with personal care, getting washed and dressed.

They will prepare and provide assistance with all meals.

Store and assist with medication.

Domiciliary Care or Home Care

This a great source of care should you wish to remain in the comfort of your own home yet feel you don’t need full time care support.

Home care providers can support with

• Personal care
• Washing and dressing
• Medication
• Nutrition
• Support into the community
• Shopping
• Domestic chores
• Assistance to appointments
• Companionship support.

After making an initial enquiry a manager from the service will come to the home to do a meet and greet and explain the service in full. An assessment will then be completed to ascertain what you require and the times proffered. Most care providers offer 24 7 care.