Private home care services can refer to a wide umbrella of different, individual care services. To cut a long story short, it could be any form of care, as long as it takes place in the home, and is performed by a professional carer (as opposed to a family or friend who isn’t being paid for their work).
However, if you feel as though you/ a loved one needs care, it can already be a bit overwhelming, even before you begin searching for a care provider. To help you through this often-difficult process, we thought it wise to help distinguish the different kinds of care that you may benefit from, and how to figure out if you need it.
If you’re feeling a tad lonely, or struggling to see/care for a loved one as much due to work or other commitments… most forms of care already come with the added benefit of companionship, but you may find that you can get along with everyday tasks perfectly fine, but you still require some company now and again. Many care providers will offer companionship services – things such as sitting and having a cup of tea and a chat, or going to a local cafe. If you/ a loved one requires more crucial care – such as the ones discussed later in the article – then respite care may help when your primary carer can’t visit.
You/a loved one is struggling to get washed, dressed, or take care of personal matters… personal care services may be of help in this scenario. A personal carer should be able to assist with anything from brushing your hair, to helping you brush your teeth, to helping you use a bathroom. Whatever the requirements, a personal carer will perform all tasks with the utmost respect for your dignity.
Preparing healthy, balanced meals is becoming more of a task for you/ a loved one…many care providers will offer some form of meal preparation service – one which they will tailor to your exact needs at that.
Even if you can still use cooking appliances safely, it may just be that you need someone to batch prepare meals for you and freeze them, for you to heat up later. If you struggle with using appliances, or sticking to a certain diet, your carer will be able to help with this also.
Is housekeeping becoming harder for you/ a loved one?… if so, housekeeping services will benefit you greatly. Even if you struggle with just making the beds or dusting, your carer will be happy to help. Many will also offer deeper cleaner services such as vacuuming, sanitising surfaces, and cleaning linens. Again – it all just depends on personal requirements.
You/ a loved one needs more health-related or full-time care... if you/ a loved one has recently had a stay in hospital, or has been feeling a tad worse for wear lately, you may find that full-time care/ nursing is needed – bearing in mind that care homes sometimes aren’t an option for many reasons.
Full-time care – which can also include night care – will most likely be a mix of all the aforementioned kinds of care, but will also most likely feature the likes of medication, care for pets (if applicable), and anything else required to help the person being cared for feel comfortable, sociable, and confident when they need it the most.
Regardless of your private home care services needs, a quick internet search or a chat to your healthcare professional will help you to find a suitable care provider in no time at all!
