How To Arrange Home Care: A step by step guide for families

Arranging home care can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can be manageable and even empowering. This guide will walk you through each step, providing detailed information to help you make informed decisions about care for yourself or a loved one.

Understanding Home Care

Home care services provide support to individuals who need assistance with daily living tasks but prefer to remain in their own homes. These services can range from help with personal care and household chores to more specialised medical support.

Home care offers a flexible alternative to residential care homes, allowing individuals to maintain their independence and stay in familiar surroundings. It can be particularly beneficial for those with mild to moderate care needs or those who simply need a bit of extra support to continue living safely at home.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

The first step in arranging home care is to thoroughly assess the care requirements. This involves taking a close look at all aspects of daily life and identifying areas where support is needed.

Identify Care Requirements

Begin by creating a comprehensive list of care needs. This might include:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
• Household tasks (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation)
• Medical needs (medication management, wound care)
• Mobility assistance
• Companionship and social support

It’s important to be as detailed as possible when creating this list. Consider both current needs and potential future requirements. This will help you communicate your needs clearly when arranging care and ensure that the care plan is comprehensive and future-proof.

Step 2: Explore Care Options

Once you have a clear understanding of your care needs, it’s time to explore the different types of home care services available.

Types of Home Care Services

Lidder Care offers various home care options to suit different needs and circumstances:

1. Visiting Care: Carers visit at scheduled times to provide specific services. This can range from a few hours a week to several visits per day.
2. Live-in Care: A carer lives in the home to provide round-the-clock support. This option is ideal for those who need constant care or supervision.
3. Respite Care: Short-term care to give regular carers a break. This can be arranged for a few days or several weeks.
4. Specialised Care: For conditions like dementia or post-hospital recovery, where specific expertise is required.

Take time to research each option thoroughly. Consider not just your current needs, but also how these might change in the future. It’s often beneficial to discuss these options with family members or trusted friends who can offer additional perspectives.

Step 3: Financial Considerations

Understanding the financial aspects of home care is crucial. It’s important to have a clear picture of the costs involved and the funding options available to you.

Budgeting for Care

Home care costs can vary significantly depending on the level of care needed and the type of service chosen. To plan financially:

1. Review your income, savings, and any applicable benefits. This includes pensions, investments, and state benefits you may be eligible for.
2. Contact your local council for a care needs assessment. This assessment is free and can lead to financial support if you’re eligible. The council will look at your care needs and your financial situation to determine what help you might receive.
3. Explore long-term care insurance options if applicable. Some insurance policies can help cover the costs of care, though these are not commonplace in the UK.
4. Consider consulting a financial advisor specialising in elder care. They can provide valuable insights into managing your assets and funding your care in the most efficient way.

Remember, in the UK, if your assets (including your home in most cases) are worth more than £23,250, you’ll likely need to fund your own care initially. However, this threshold can change, so it’s always best to check the current figures.

Step 4: Choose a Care Provider

Selecting the right care provider is a crucial decision. You need to ensure that the provider can meet your specific needs and provide high-quality care.

Selecting Lidder Care

When considering Lidder Care as your provider:

1. Review our range of services to ensure we meet your needs. We offer a comprehensive suite of care services, but it’s important to confirm that we can provide the specific support you require.
2. Check our Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and reviews. The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England, and their ratings provide valuable insight into the quality of care provided.
3. Ask about our carer training programmes and quality assurance measures. At Lidder Care, we pride ourselves on our thorough training and ongoing support for our carers.
4. Inquire about our policies on carer consistency and backup care. We understand the importance of building a relationship with your carer and having reliable support.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request additional information. Choosing a care provider is an important decision, and you should feel fully informed and comfortable with your choice.

Step 5: Care Needs Assessment

A professional care needs assessment is a crucial step in arranging home care. This assessment helps to determine the exact level and type of care required.

Professional Evaluation

At Lidder Care, we conduct a thorough care needs assessment:

1. A care manager will visit your home. This allows us to understand your living environment and how care can best be provided within it.
2. They’ll discuss your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. This conversation is crucial in developing a care plan that not only meets your care needs but also aligns with your personal preferences and usual routines.
3. They’ll assess your home environment for safety and necessary adaptations. This might include identifying potential hazards or suggesting modifications to make your home more accessible.
4. Medical history and current health conditions will be reviewed. This helps us understand any specific health-related care needs you may have.

This assessment forms the foundation of your personalised care plan, ensuring that the care you receive is tailored specifically to your needs and circumstances.

Step 6: Develop a Care Plan

Based on the assessment, a detailed care plan will be created. This plan serves as a roadmap for your care, ensuring that all your needs are met consistently and effectively.

Tailored Care Strategy

Lidder Care will create a comprehensive care plan that includes:

1. Specific care tasks and their frequency: This outlines exactly what care will be provided and how often.
2. Preferred routines and schedules: We strive to fit care around your lifestyle, not the other way around.
3. Health management strategies: This includes any specific medical care needs or medication management.
4. Emergency procedures: Clear guidelines on what to do in case of an emergency.
5. Goals for maintaining or improving independence: We believe in enabling independence wherever possible.

It’s crucial that you review this plan carefully and discuss any adjustments needed. The care plan should feel right for you, and you should never hesitate to voice any concerns or suggestions.

Step 7: Meet Your Carer

Once the care plan is in place, the next step is to meet your carer. This is an important step in establishing a good working relationship.

Building a Relationship

Lidder Care will match you with a suitable carer:

1. Review the carer’s profile and experience: We’ll provide you with information about your carer’s background and qualifications.
2. Have an initial meeting to ensure compatibility: This is your chance to get to know your carer and see if you’re a good fit.
3. Discuss your preferences and expectations: Clear communication from the start helps avoid misunderstandings later.
4. Establish clear communication channels: Know how to reach your carer and Lidder Care if you have any questions or concerns.

Remember, finding the right carer may take time and possibly a few trials. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident with your carer.

Step 8: Implement and Monitor Care

Once care begins, it’s important to regularly review and adjust as needed to ensure the care provided continues to meet your needs.

Ongoing Care Management

As care begins:

1. Regularly communicate with your carer and Lidder Care’s management: Open communication helps address any issues promptly.
2. Keep a log of care provided and any concerns: This can be helpful for tracking the effectiveness of care over time.
3. Schedule periodic reviews of the care plan: Typically, these occur every 3-6 months or as needs change.
4. Don’t hesitate to request changes or additional support if needed: Your care should evolve as your needs do.

Conclusion

Arranging home care is a significant step towards ensuring comfort, safety, and quality of life for those needing support. By following these steps and working closely with Lidder Care, you can establish a care routine that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

Remember, good home care is flexible and responsive. Always feel empowered to communicate and adjust as circumstances evolve. At Lidder Care, we’re committed to providing personalised, high-quality care that enables you or your loved one to live as independently and comfortably as possible in the familiar surroundings of home.

Get in touch with us today to learn about how our home care services could be perfect for your needs.