What are personal care services and when do you need it?
Personal care services are also known as domiciliary care. These are services that help people to live independently in their own homes while still receiving some additional help and support with their daily tasks to maintain their well-being. Personal care is needed for you or a loved one when you notice some struggling with the management of daily tasks or staying on top of things. This can mean a relative getting older and slightly more forgetful, someone recovering from surgery at home, or someone with a long-term illness who lives alone.
Some services are listed below:
- Getting out of bed in the morning
- Washing and dressing
- Toileting and using continence aids
- Preparing meals and drinks
- Eating and drinking
- Picking up prescriptions
- Giving, or prompting to take, prescribed medication
- Health-related tasks
- Shopping
- Collecting pensions
- Money managing and paying bills
- Getting out of the house and socialising
- Supervision and companionship
- Getting settled for the evening and going to bed
Who provides personal care service?
Personal care services are usually provided by care professionals such as nurses. Home care can be implemented as much or as little as the person requires and is designed to assist people with their daily tasks. Home care services offer additional care and support where needed, to maintain an active and healthy, independent life. Domestic care is designed to improve the well-being of individuals, helping them with tasks such as medication administration, picking up medication, applying any creams or lotions, etc.
Receiving personal home care assistance..
Receiving personal home care assistance is an increasingly common alternative to staying in a care home or other alternative. Personal home care is a great alternative for those looking to remain in their home and lead an independent life but would also benefit from a bit of additional support. Nearly half a million people live in care homes across the UK and this number is on the rise. With the arising number of people in care homes, it is worth considering home care options for a more comfortable, independent life.
Why personal care?
Familiarity
Moving into a care home can be a huge change and a tough transition to make. For this reason, some people prefer to stay in their home where they feel safe and comfortable.
For these people, personal home care can be a fantastic addition to their day-to-day life. With personal care services, your loved one can benefit from additional support, regular social interaction, and valuable care. Remaining at home can be especially beneficial for those who enjoy routine, you still get to chat to your neighbours, have a tea in your favourite mug and sleep in your own bed.
Independence
The biggest advantage of personal home care services is maintaining independence. Staying at home with additional home health care means you remain in charge of your life: you choose when you get up and when you sleep, what you want to eat, if you want to leave the house, etc. Everything is entirely up to you but with a care professional there to assist you with anything you may need.
Fitness
Having daily support can encourage people to get up and be more active. This can also have huge mental health benefits and improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Personalised care
Personal home care services are unique to the individual and are created with the individual and care professionals present to create a truly bespoke care plan. Our concern is to help maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle for our clients, with the understanding that everyone’s needs are going to be different.
Family
Personal care services can help to keep family units as close as possible. Care homes often have visiting times and can be difficult to fit into a working week. Remaining at home and benefitting from personal care services can make it easier for the family unit to assist in home care services and socialise with the adult receiving care. Having family and friends close by can also provide mental and social support to boost emotional and mental well-being.
Happiness
Studies have shown that when people receive personal home care, they have reduced risk of hospital admissions, a reduction in falls and higher levels of happiness. Additionally, recovery time is quicker for those receiving home care services.
When do you need personal care services?
Deciding if you or a loved one needs additional support can be a tough decision to make. You of course want what is best for your loved ones and their care should reflect that. If you’re struggling to make the decision, ask yourself, what is your understanding of personal care? If you’re still unsure if it’s worth it, do some research and call up a few care agencies to gather further information.
Home care is designed to help those who aren’t ready for fully assisted care but would benefit from some additional support from a care professional. This could be someone with a long-term illness who needs medication assistance, someone recovering from an operation or illness, or even just someone who would benefit from a weekly check in, a chat and some light support at home. Home care services are there for anyone who needs them and can be tailored entirely to the individual.
If you’d like any additional information about our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.
