The issue of elderly care has seen a hugely busy year in the news. But what’s been less covered is that care concerns for the elderly actually comes in many forms.
That said, some people only tend to think of elderly care in the sense of residential care whereby older people will live in shared accommodation together. However, this model – the so-called old folk’s home – is only one part of the way elderly care is delivered in the UK nowadays.
In fact, more often than not, essential care is delivered to elderly people in their own homes with the help of in home senior health services. This is such a popular option, as the individual is able to get the help they require, alongside continuing with certain daily routines from the comfort of their own home.
Indeed, with just a few visits from professional caring staff each week, many elderly people can continue to live independently in their own home for a considerable amount of time, with all of the sense of independence such a lifestyle affords. Obviously no two people need the same level of care and we looked into some of the most common forms this sort of domestic care takes.
Aged Residential Care
Aged residential care, often referred to as care homes or nursing homes, is a vital service for elderly individuals who require a higher level of assistance and medical care than can be provided at home. This type of care is designed for seniors who may have complex health conditions that necessitate 24-hour supervision by trained nursing staff and access to professional healthcare services.
In an aged residential care facility, residents are provided with their own private or semi-private rooms and are cared for by a team that may include nurses, general care staff, therapists, and various healthcare professionals. The services offered in aged residential care facilities encompass a wide range of medical and personal support, including medication management, wound care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Respite Care
Many reputable care firms provide respite care services for their clients. Typically, these will involve a carer coming into the home to take care of things for a limited period in place of the usual carer. In some cases, this might be the partner of the elderly person concerned or it could just as easily be a child or even a friend.
Respite care occurs for many reasons. Perhaps it is because the carer is sick or needs to undergo treatment. There again, it could simply be to create some space between the person being cared for and their main carer or to accommodate time away during the day, or for a holiday. Respite care often helps the ensuing care to improve because it breaks the usual routine and allows for some reassessments to be made, or simply allows the caregiver to avoid burnout.
Read: 7 key things to know about becoming a loved one’s carer
Overnight Care
Overnight care is exactly what it sounds like it is. For some elderly people, one visit during the day to help deal with personal care issues, such as getting out of bed, washed and dressed for the day, can be enough to continue living independently.
Others may need assistance at night to help with rolling, or going to the toilet and so on. Whatever the need for it might be, overnight care involves a carer staying throughout the night to help with the bedtime routine and getting up in the morning along with any nighttime issues that might occur.
Palliative Care
In short, palliative care means helping someone who has a terminal condition. Palliative care can also be delivered in the home and, when it comes to elderly people, this is often preferable for all concerned. Although palliative care can also be delivered to younger people, it tends to affect older people more.
Palliative care can mean daily visits by health professionals from a care home agency to help with certain care needs and to make assessments but it could also just as easily mean live-in care provision. In many cases, the amount of care offered changes depending on the nature of the condition’s progress.
Read: 5 tips to help an elderly loved one remain independent in their old age
Visiting Care
In some cases, a friendly visit from a familiar face is all that it takes to keep an elderly person feeling comfortable in their own home. Visiting care typically involves a chat and a few chores, such as doing the washing up, dropping off some shopping or putting away heavier items. It might also involve cleaning and ensuring the home is germ-free. Sometimes, visiting care can be administered in as few as 30 minutes or so to help brighten someone’s day.
Live-In Care
Live-in care is a comprehensive option where a caregiver resides in the elderly person’s home, providing round-the-clock support. This type of care is ideal for seniors who require constant assistance but wish to maintain their independence by staying in their familiar environment.
Live-in carers can assist with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and companionship. They also provide the added benefit of overnight support, which can be crucial for those with conditions that require monitoring or assistance during the night.
Day Care Services
Day care services for the elderly offer a solution for caregivers who need to work during the day or take a break, and for seniors who seek social interaction and engagement. These services are typically provided at local day centres
where elderly individuals can participate in various activities, enjoy meals, and receive basic health services. It’s a great way to keep seniors active and socially connected, while also providing respite for regular caregivers.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are a hybrid between independent living and more comprehensive care homes. They offer a balance of independence and care, providing individual apartments or rooms within a community setting. Residents have access to communal areas, social activities, and a range of services such as housekeeping, meals, and personal care assistance. Assisted living is suitable for those who may not require the intensive care of a nursing home but need more support than what can be provided at home.
The Bottom Line
The landscape of elderly care in the UK is diverse and adaptable, designed to meet the varying needs of individuals as they age. From the comfort of in-home care services, including respite, overnight, and palliative care, to the community and support found in day care services and assisted living facilities, there is a spectrum of options available.
Each type of care offers its unique benefits, whether it’s maintaining independence at home, receiving specialised medical attention, or enjoying social interaction in a communal setting. Understanding these options ensures that families can make informed decisions about the care of their loved ones, providing them with the best possible quality of life in their later years.
As our population ages, it’s imperative that we continue to evolve and expand our care services to meet the changing demands, ensuring that every elderly individual has access to the compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve.