How Elderly Home Care Works
Finding an elderly home care provider isn’t something most of us do very often, so it’s natural to have many questions about the process and how it actually works in practice.
Here are some of the ones we’ve been asked the most.
Will I always have the same carers?
Yes, because our professional carers are employed exclusively by us you will have continuity. We will provide a team of two dedicated carers; a primary and secondary carer who cover a seven day period. They will be matched to your needs, both in terms of care delivery, personality and lifestyle interests.
How long does it take to start a new client/carer relationship?
We can typically place a carer in your home within two weeks from initial enquiry. However, as our carers are employed by us we are able to start services within 24 hours in the case of emergencies. Before a carer can be assigned to a client we need to conduct a detailed assessment of the care need. We will then create a detailed care plan which outlines the specifics of what will be delivered to the client.
Once we understand the client’s requirements we will ‘match’ the most suitable carer, not just on the basis of care delivery, but we take time to match personalities and interests effectively. If there is no-one suitable available, we will recruit and train to your requirement to ensure the very best match for you.
My mother/father suffers from dementia – how well can you care for them?
Our professional carers are all trained in dementia care and we believe that the ability to care for a client on a one-to-one basis in the comfort and familiarity of their own home makes our care particularly suitable for people living with dementia. Our model is based on the SPECAL methodology and other best practice techniques developed by leading experts in the field of dementia care. We work positively with the dementia to promote overall wellbeing through the development of a pesonailsed care profile. We have already won an industry award for our innovative approach to delivery of care in the home for those living with dementia.
What will my carer do for me?
After your assessment we will discuss the level of care we feel will meet your overall needs both in terms of actual care and lifestyle. The carer will be briefed thoroughly on your needs and the care plan. Our carers are trained to encourage clients to be as independent as possible, whilst being well supported. The comprehensive care plan will outline everything the carer will deliver, from companionship, personal care and help with mobility, through to domestic tasks, cooking and social activities.
Will the carer cook my favourite foods?
We train all professional carers in nutrition and diet. They learn to produce our signature dishes which consider the dietary requirements of the elderly and in particular those with certain conditions, such as dementia. They can provide whatever food their clients prefer. See some of our wonderful recipes.
Will the carer look after my pet?
Yes, at the initial consultation we will determine all of your requirements, including the need to have a carer who is an animal lover and can care for your pet.
What do I need to provide my carer?
A comfortable, reasonable sized bedroom is required for the carer, practically furnished with a television. The carer must also have access to a bathroom. The carer will generally be expected to eat the same food as they are cooking for their client. It is also helpful if the carer has access to the internet.
How much does care cost?
Our live-in service is highly personalised and tailored to an individual’s needs, so costs do vary considerably. Costs are typically less than good quality residential care and for couples are particularly attractive. Our prices start from £950 per week, subject to a no-obligation comprehensive assessment of need and the number of care days provided.
If I am interested in your service, what happens next?
One of our experienced Client Services Managers will come to your home to discuss your needs with you and evaluate the options available. We encourage other members of the family to be involved at this stage as well as the person requiring care. Our aim is to help all the family, every step of the way. If you then decide that live-in care is the right solution for you and you would like our service, one of our highly experienced Care Delivery Managers will conduct a comprehensive assessment of need to ensure we tailor the service to meet your needs. We are not an agency and all our professional carers are employed by us and our service is totally managed – total reassurance and peace of mind.
Understandably you may have something else you want to ask, so why not give us a call on 0207 632 5955 or complete our online form.