Choosing The Right Elderly Care: Know Your Options

Posted by Anna on August 5th, 2019

Find out about the different care options available to you in later life, enabling you to make the best possible choice.

Later life care isn't something many of us like to think about, because we don't want to think about a time when we might need it. However, having measures in place in advance is really important for lots of reasons. At the very least, financially you have time to put plans in place and ensure you have the right funding for the care you want. You can also make your wishes known about whether you want live-in care in your own home or want to move to a resindetail care home.

You can also ensure that there are plans in place should you have an accident or should their be a life-changing medical emergency leaving you unable to choose for yourself. It is also important your family know your wishes, and having those conversations early prevents any undue stress and pressure.

To help you get started looking into later life care, here's an overview of the main care choices in the UK:

Residential Care

Residential care is where a person lives with others receiving care in a specially designed residential care home. They usually have a private room for themselves, and sometimes a private bathroom too. There are also communal areas where residents each and spend social time together. There are always staff on hand to ensure everybody is safe and cared for, but usually only basic personal care is provided such as help getting dressed and getting washed. A nursing home is the same as residential care but complete nursing care is provided, including special medical care and nursing support.

The Live-in Care Hub Better At Home 2019 report found that 5% of those in residential care felt they did not do anything at all that they value or enjoy in care on a day to day basis. It is important to know residential care it not the only care option for those in need of care.

Sheltered Housing

Sheltered housing is where a person lives in a special flat or bungalow where they remain independent, but have quick access to emergency support should they need it via special buzzers and communication technology. There is usually a warden and sometimes there are other services like domiciliary carers and cleaning services.

Live-in Care

The Live-In Care Hub Better At Home 2019 report found that 98% of those using home care services or live-in care felt that the care they received gave them better quality of life.

Live-in care is where a carer lives in your home and provides care to you. Often this is a progression of visiting care because a person requires help around the clock and not just at set times in the day. Live-in carers can provide any range of services, almost always starting with basic care, light cleaning and nutritional support. They can also help with pet care, gardening, driving and other needs. The exact package is likely to be restricted if funded by the NHS, but with private live-in care your budget dictates exactly how much care you want. Live-in care can also be specialised if necessary, for clients who need specialist care with conditions such as dementia or with stroke care and recovery.

The Next Step

If you want to consider your care options further, it is important to do plenty of research, speak to your family and do consider speaking to an Independent Financial Advisor who has experience in this area. Your choice of care greatly impacts your later life happiness.