While is can be easy to identify what kind of care services are available, it can be hard to know how much assistance may be needed. Services like home care, also known as domiciliary care, is usually an hourly service which you can choose when the care is most needed. Here is our guide to understanding your care needs.
Timing your care needs
One of the first steps to understanding your care needs is to identify what times of the day you may need assistance or even some company. If you struggle with your morning routine, night routine, don’t have anyone around on particular days or just need some help making lunch and having a tidy up, these are clear days and times where having an extra pair of hands can be helpful.
Finding what times or days you need help can also help you figure out what type of care is right for you. For example, if you are fine during the day but have trouble staying home by yourself at night, you may benefit from sleeping or waking night care.
If you or your loved one would benefit from an extra pair of hands most of the day, you may need to consider live-in care. A Care Assistant will live within the home and help with everyday tasks and your care needs simultaneously. Live-in care can be a great option for people seeking some independence from relying on family and friends.
Factors which affect care needs
Eating and drinking
Are you able to prepare food and eat yourself without assistance?
Mobility
Do you need mobility aids or have a history of falling?
Mental capacity
Are you lucid or disorientated and confused throughout the day?
Communication
Are you able to communicate effectively?
Dressing and personal hygiene
Are you able to maintain your hygiene without assistance?
Continence
Do you require a catheter or assistance to use the toilet?
Medication
Are you able to keep track and manage your own medication?
Complex needs
Do you need clinical monitoring, specialist care or medication?
Using this list of requirements, we have created a care calculator which can quickly and easily estimate how much care you may need per visit. Using this as a benchmark, you can enter your answer into our care finder to match with care providers who have available capacity.
Click here to use our Care Calculator.
Will care providers check my requirements?
Once you have found the right care provider for you, they will arrange an assessment. The care assessment helps them determine exactly what you require and when you need the most help. By coming to your house and speaking with you and the family, they can create a care plan that works for everyone.
Over time your care needs may change, if you ever feel like you need more or less care, speak to your provider and ask for a care review. A care review will ensure the ongoing support and safety of those receiving care and can be a great time to speak about any concerns you may have.
If you are looking for available home care today, click here to find care providers near you.