As with everywhere in the country, its elderly, ill, and disabled population have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Those looking to access care support services are in a difficult position; looking to balance safety, compassion, and necessity in a whole new way.
Care Homes offer fantastic and specific specialist facilities, but there are also other options for people who need it to access care. For example:
Moving in with Loved One
Whilst often not ideal as a long-term solution, many of those requiring care have had to move in with their loved ones out of necessity during the pandemic and its lockdown restrictions. This provides some lovely quality time with family and/or friends but can be a strain on existing relationships and can inhibit independence. What’s more, unless those living together are qualified and experienced carers, the care received may not be of the high standard required by the person in question.
Home Care (Domiciliary Care)
Home care is a great option for those who need a little extra help with their day-to-day activities but want to maintain a good level of independence and not interrupt their usual routines. Abacus Care & Support home carers attend their service user’s homes and care for them in their own space. The care given depends on the individual’s needs and may include help with household activities, meal preparation, personal care, administering medication, mobility support, and/or companionship. The exact times, dates, and levels of care are decided by the service user and the package is tailored entirely to the individual.
Home care can help people lead full, enriched lives without ever having to move into a care home facility.
Live-In Care
A live-in carer lives in the home of a service user so that they’re on call and available around-the-clock. The normal ‘working hours’ of the carer are determined by prior agreement to offer standard home care (as above), but outside of these hours, a carer is still present in the home living there and carrying on with their usual household tasks. This is a brilliant option for those with unpredictable or fluctuating health conditions and supplies peace of mind and comfort to both the service users and their loved ones.
Live-in care is usually provided by a team of three or four carers, splitting shifts to offer 24/7 help, or by an individual working a few days on/few days off as a rota. Each carer is matched with a service user on their personality, interests, and attitudes, so you can be sure everyone gets along and functions well together in the home. Having someone available to offer care and support all the time is a great way to combat loneliness and provide companionship.
For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ care services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680 or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk.