Effective elderly care means balancing client needs

Learn more about how effective elderly care means balancing a wide variety of client needs and desires with this introduction from The Good Care Group.

Developing an effective elderly care plan that provides both physical and emotional support is something of a balancing act.

Your loved one’s sense of independence and personal lifestyle preferences should be at the heart of the equation. However, this needs to be balanced against their capabilities.

Whereas residential care offers something of a one-size-fits-all approach, live-in care provides much more scope for getting this balance right.

Here, we’ll look at the key client needs that should typically be balanced to ensure effective elderly care.

Needs that require balancing to ensure effective elderly care

1. Companionship vs discretion

Privacy is among the most important factors for feeling ‘at home’, so a care programme that prioritises discretion is important.

However, loneliness is also a real risk for older people, and can lead to a range of detrimental health effects.

The Good Care Group solution:

With live-in care, the care programme can be adapted to match your loved one’s preferences regarding privacy.

For example, if they want some time on their own, tasks such as cleaning can be pushed back until they’re asleep or feel comfortable with company.

To help fend off loneliness and foster a sense of companionship, live-in care uses a team of two carers at any given time.

They’ll get to know your loved one and recognise their living patterns. They’ll also spot when their mood suggests they would prefer companionship or privacy.

2. Assistance vs independence

Independence is important for your loved one’s happiness and self-esteem, as well as for keeping them active.

However, in many cases, the reality is that your loved one may be unable to carry out some domestic tasks in the way that they used to, meaning assistance is required.

The Good Care Group solution:

Live-in carers will encourage your loved one to carry out tasks they enjoy and are still capable of.

For other tasks, they can keep your loved one involved while filling in the gaps for those aspects they’re no longer able to complete independently.

We also structure our care plans to be both reactive and adaptable. As your loved one’s capabilities change over time, our carers will adapt their care programme to accommodate this.

3. Continuity vs adaptation

Helping your loved one live as closely to the life they had before they required support is crucial for their sense of wellbeing.

However, certain risks will need to be mitigated, while the addition of mobility and other specialist equipment can also be beneficial in many cases.

The Good Care Group solution:

Live-in care keeps your loved one in their own home, surrounded by their cherished possessions. It also enables them to continue their regular domestic and social routines.

In addition, the live-in care team will provide advice and assistance relating to relevant home adaptations that could help your loved one live with more safety and independence.

At the same time, the care team can recommend and facilitate new social activities, exercises and other ideas suitable for their preferences and overall health.

Find out more about how live-in care can help ensure your loved one’s care programme provides effective elderly care by expertly balancing their needs. Speak with the friendly team at The Good Care Group.