Safest Coronavirus care
Live-in care is the safest form of care for the elderly
When the Coronavirus crisis first hit the UK, the greatest fear was that it would overwhelm the NHS and that hospitals would face collapse. However, it is now clear that Coronavirus has had a significant impact on the countries care homes instead. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the number of deaths recorded in care homes in England and Wales this year is more than double the average from previous years. This is a national tragedy and many families up and down the country are grieving for loved ones.
According to a survey of a representative sample of 2,475 British adults conducted by Independent Public Policy Research (IPPR), supported by the charity Independent Age the number of people who say they are likely to seek residential care for a relative as a result of Coronavirus has dropped significantly. Around a third (31%) of people said they were now less likely to want to put their relative into a care home. This share increased a further 40% for people over the age of 65, when asked whether they would be more or less likely to seek residential care for themselves.
It can be a very worrying and upsetting time for families when faced with the realisation that a loved one or family member needs long term care and support. As we now face the challenges presented by the prevalence of Coronavirus in our communities, families are facing increasing levels of anxiety and are worried about organising care for a loved one. How can I get the safest care for my loved one? Where is the best place for them to receive care? What happens if they need around the clock care? What happens if my loved one gets Coronavirus?
These are just some of the questions we know families in this situation are asking themselves as they attempt to make the right decision during this unprecedented time.
Unlike care being provided in a care or nursing home, live-in care provides a safe, secure and controlled way of an elderly loved one receiving the care and support they need during the Coronavirus pandemic. There continues to be more risk involved in the provision of care in a residential care or nursing home given the number of ‘contacts’ between staff and residents and ‘touchpoints’ within a care home environment, which increase chances for transmission and infection. Visiting or hourly home care provided by domiciliary care agencies also presents increased risks given the number of contacts one carer will have during the day with several clients they visit. These risks are significantly reduced with live-in care – and all without having to leave the comfort and reassuring surroundings of your own home.
Live-in care is focused on helping you maintain independence, choice, dignity and whilst continuing to live a purposeful and meaningful life. All of which are vital to health and happiness, and even more so now we face the impact of Coronavirus in terms of restrictions on our daily life and fewer interactions with our loved ones.
Our highly trained professional carers have received unrivalled support and guidance as to how to care for their clients during the Coronavirus pandemic to ensure the very highest standards of live-in care are provided to our clients, whilst risks are effectively monitored, managed and controlled.
Why live-in care during the Coronavirus pandemic?
One-to-one care and support around the clock
A care home simply cannot achieve one-to-one care. During the Coronavirus pandemic receiving one-to-one care means that the health and wellbeing of your loved one can be proactively monitored and effectively responded to giving you peace of mind that they are receiving the very best care.
Effective infection management and control
Given the nature of live-in care – care being provided in the comfort of an individual’s own home – the risks in terms of infection are significantly less than other types of elderly care. Carers providing care in a residential care home will have a number of contacts each day with residents and other carers, which increases infection risk and minimises ability to control any potential outbreak.
A personalised approach
Our Professional Carers have access to enhanced PPE (gloves, apron & masks) which is worn in placement until they receive a negative PCR test. Our approach to use of PPE is in line with government guidance, and is supported by a robust testing programme, which allows a degree of flexibility which is preferred by many clients for whom masks can create barriers to communication.
Companionship when it matters
We know that our clients are living with increasing levels of anxiety resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic and are missing the connections with their families and loved ones. One-to-one, sensitive companionship provided by a perfectly matched carer provides much needed social and emotional support during this time, whilst stimulating enjoyment in life.
The comfort and familiarity of home
Given the uncertain time we find ourselves in, many older people would not want to move into an unfamiliar environment that may only exacerbate feelings of anxiety and loneliness. Staying in the comfort of our home during this time with the care and support you need will have far reaching benefits to overall health and wellbeing. If you have a pet, they will bring you much enjoyment at this time whilst you are shielding or spending more time at home – pets are just not permitted in a care home.
Maintaining independence and control over your life
Many care home residents have been faced with restrictions on movement in and around the care home environment, with many care home facilities shut for use to enable risk of infection to be managed to protect other residents. With live-in care you can continue to live life your way in the comfort of your own home, providing a sense of routine and enjoyment during this difficult time.
High quality specialist, complex care
If you are living with a specialist condition like dementia, Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis or are receiving stroke care, cancer care or palliative care it is critical to your overall health and wellbeing that your routines are maintained. Many care homes have been forced to self-isolate residents in their rooms, significantly interrupting their daily life. This can have a detrimental effect for those residents living with dementia who are forced to isolate intensifying the symptoms of the condition resulting in increased levels of anxiety. Home is best for high quality specialist and complex care during the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Talk to us about your care needs
To talk about your care needs, contact one of our friendly advisors. Calls from landlines are free.