Knowing when to consider care for a loved one

Recognising that someone you love may need a little extra support at home can be difficult. You might have noticed that everyday tasks are becoming more challenging, or find yourself worrying about whether they’re managing safely on their own and doing more to make sure they are okay.

Knowing where to start isn’t always easy. You may feel unsure about how to approach the conversation or how your loved one will feel about accepting help, particularly if they’ve always been independent.

At Right at Home Bournemouth and Poole, we understand that looking into care is about so much more than finding someone to help with everyday tasks. It’s about finding people you can trust to look after someone who means the world to you, helping them to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life.

It’s understandable that families sometimes wait until something happens before looking into care. A fall, a stay in hospital or a noticeable change in someone’s health can make it clear that a little extra support is needed.

But you don’t have to wait until you’re worried or things become difficult. Sometimes, a helping hand with shopping, preparing meals or keeping on top of household tasks, while allowing someone to remain in the comfort of their own home, is all that’s needed to make life a little easier.

Starting with a small amount of support can also give your loved one time to get to know their Carer and build a trusting relationship. And as their needs change, the level of support can be adapted accordingly.

The most important thing is finding the right approach that feels right for everybody, and involving the person receiving care in decisions wherever possible.

What kind of care might be right?

Everyone’s circumstances are different and there’s no single approach that works for every family. The right type of care will depend on your loved one’s circumstances, what matters to them and how much help they need.

Home care allows someone to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving help with everyday life. This might include personal care, preparing meals, help with medication, companionship or support with getting out and about.

Live-in care offers a greater level of support, with a carer living in the person’s home. It can be particularly reassuring for those who need more regular assistance or would benefit from having someone around throughout the day and night.

Finding someone you can trust

Inviting someone into your home, or asking them to care for a family member, is a big step. You want them to be in safe, caring and capable hands.

When choosing a care provider, look beyond the practicalities and consider how they make you and your loved one feel. Do they take time to listen? Are they interested in the person behind the care needs? Do they understand the importance of familiar routines, personal preferences and the little things that make someone feel comfortable?

It is also important to check a provider’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating and inspection reports, and asking how they support continuity of care.

Your loved one should also be involved in decisions wherever possible. Their home, their routines and their wishes matter, and good care should always respect that.

Looking after the family too

When someone you love needs support, it’s easy to put their needs first and forget about your own. You might be juggling work, children and other responsibilities, all while worrying about whether your mum, dad or partner is managing at home.

You may already be doing a great deal for them, but still feel that you’re not doing enough. Accepting help doesn’t mean you’re letting someone down. In fact, having the right support in place can make a real difference to the whole family.

Rather than spending your time together worrying about household chores, appointments or care needs, you can enjoy more quality time without a list of things to sort out, have a cup of tea together and share a conversation.

Professional care can also give family carers some much-needed breathing space, knowing that their loved one has support when they can’t be there themselves.

Understanding the cost of care

We know that the financial side of arranging care can be another concern for families. Costs will depend on the type and amount of support needed.

Depending on your circumstances, financial assistance may be available through Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance, your local authority or the NHS. A care needs assessment from your local authority can also help you understand what support may be appropriate.

If you’re unsure where to start, the Which? Cost of care calculator, which can show whether you are eligible for local authority financial support and the cost of care in the area.