If you’ve decided to opt for private home care in Abingdon for your loved one, you might be wondering what exactly you can expect from a home care provider. Care agencies in the UK are monitored and inspected by the Care Commission, which checks that staff are suitably qualified and trained, CRB (criminal record) checked and fit for work. They also check up on the services provided, to ensure clients are happy and the agency is running according to regulations.
What Services are Provided
Home care providers can offer a range of services to clients, depending on the level of support required. These can include:
1. Personal care such as assistance with washing, toileting and dressing
2. Medication administration or support
3. Preparing meals
4. Shopping
5. Housework
6. Sitting service
7. Escorting to various activities
8. Assistance in getting up or going to bed
The level of support offered will affect the cost of care, and agencies usually offer anywhere from one half hour visit a week to provide company over a cup of coffee, to 24 hour live-in care for high-dependency clients.
Disabled People
Private home care in Abingdon isn’t just for the elderly, it can also offer respite care for disabled adults and young people, providing families with a much needed break, or parents with the opportunity to go to work, knowing that their child is well cared for.
Companionship
Often, home care services in Abingdon provide companionship for those who might be feeling lonely. Services such as taking elderly people to activities or their local day centre, or sitting and reading to them, can be the high point of someone’s day, and friendly, experienced carers become a familiar face to chat to. Usually, care agencies will try to maintain continuity of care, which means that your relative will benefit from the same friendly face each visit – of course, if your carer is ill or on holiday, you may see someone else – this is vital to ensure that a friendship and level of trust develops between the carer and their client. For many elderly people, their carer may be the only person they see all day, and having someone to chat to over a cup of tea could make all the difference to someone’s life.
Care Plans
Home care providers must carry out a consultation and risk assessment for each new client – this will take into account the likes and dislikes of each individual, as well as working out what their care needs are. A personalised Care Plan will be drawn up, with information about your relative and the tasks that carers need to carry out on each visit. This should be regularly updated by the agency, to ensure that it remains relevant as needs change.
When choosing a home care provider, ensure that you ask lots of questions and that they are open with their answers. Staff should be qualified and trained, and you can ask to see evidence of a carer’s qualifications if in any doubt.
