Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic has affected care home residents and staff more than most. With inadequate testing and PPE, infection rates rose quickly in UK care homes. Furthermore, elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions are already most at risk from coronavirus. Therefore, lots of people are now understandably very wary of moving into residential care. When you or your elderly loved one is struggling to stay safe and independent at home, you might feel like a care home is the only option. However, there are several alternatives to care homes in the UK. Today, we'll talk you through some of the other options with the costs and benefits of each.
Of course, there is no one single solution when it comes to care for older people. A care home could be the right option for somebody, just as an alternative could be the right option for somebody else. Make sure to do your research and investigate all the possibilities.
If You Want To Continue Living At Home
Lots of people are reluctant to move into a care home because they want to carry on living in their own home. You might want to stay close to nearby friends and family or simply surround yourself with precious memories. As long as you can receive the support you need at home, there may not be any need to move. Here are some alternatives to care homes which could allow you to continue living in your own home.Lifeline Alarms
Thousands of families across the UK benefit from Lifeline alarms every year. With a Lifeline alarm system in place, the alarm user can call for help with just the touch of a button. You no longer need to worry about what would happen if you have a fall or medical emergency. This offers vital peace of mind to older people and their families. Lifeline alarms are simple to set up and easy to use, so there's no complicated installation necessary. Just take it out of the box, plug it in, and you're ready to go. There are several different kinds of alarms available. Every Lifeline alarm gives you 24/7 support from our Emergency Response Team 365 days of the year. The standard MyAmie pendant comes with the Lifeline Personal Alarm unit. Whenever you need assistance at home, simply press the red button on the stylish pendant. You can also choose to upgrade to a Lifeline Fall Detector, which will raise the alarm automatically if the wearer has a fall. This cutting-edge device allows you to call for assistance wherever you are, whether that's at home or out and about. To find out more about any of our alarms, just give us a call or read our in-depth guide to the Lifeline alarm service.Adapting Your Home
As well as ordering a personal alarm, you might want to make some useful adaptations to your home. This might be a daunting prospect, but it could end up being more affordable in the long run than moving into a care home. Grab rails are one of the easiest adaptations you can make around the home. These can be very useful in lots of places, especially in the bathroom and on the stairs. They'll give you something sturdy to hold onto and help you keep your balance, preventing dangerous falls. Grab rails are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Some bigger adaptations could include installing a stairlift, a walk-in bath or shower, or building ramps outside the front and back door. These could be a little more costly, but it's certainly worth it to make your home as safe as possible.Domiciliary or Live-In Care
If you're struggling to complete personal care tasks like dressing, washing, or cleaning, domiciliary or live-in care could be good alternatives to care homes. With live-in care, a qualified carer will move into your home to support you 24/7. You'll normally be able to request a carer who meets your specific needs. For example, you could request a carer with access to a car or who is comfortable around animals if you have pets. Domiciliary home care, on the other hand, involves having a carer come to visit on a regular basis. This could be as little as half an hour each week or as much as all-day visits multiple times per week. This is sometimes called respite care. It's suitable for people who need regular support but not full time. It's also a great option for those who are cared for full-time by a partner or relative because it gives the carer an opportunity to take a break and recharge.