Older adults prefer care at home: Insights from the New Ageing Index
Discover why many older adults in Lancaster and the UK prefer receiving care at home, with insights from Home Instead UK's New Ageing Index.
For many older adults, the idea of moving into a care home brings some anxiety. The latest Home Instead UK’s New Ageing Index reveals that 44% of people worry more about ending up in a care home than the death of a partner (36%). This concern increases with age, affecting 60% of those aged 66-74 and 58% of those over 75.
Sam, the owner of Home Instead Lancaster, explains:
“These findings echo what our clients and their families tell us. People want to stay at home, where they feel secure and comfortable. Our goal is to provide the support they need to achieve this, with personalised care that respects their wishes and enhances their quality of life.”
Independence matters to older people
The report shows that independence is a priority for many older people. Receiving care at home allows them to maintain their autonomy while staying in the comfort of familiar surroundings. As people age, being surrounded by personal belongings and memories becomes vital to their well-being. Home care enables individuals to manage their own routines and choices, providing the stability and comfort essential for a good quality of life.
We at Home Instead Lancaster are committed to helping make these wishes a reality.
A local family’s experience
One local family shared their experience in a 5 star review: "Really impressed with the professional service from Home Instead. My dad struggled with his morning routine, and Home Instead arranged care for him. Their approach, providing a regular carer whom Dad could build a relationship with, put us at ease. We've noticed a big change in Dad. Great service so far. Thank you."
Care at home: The preferred choice
The report reveals that 80% of people prefer to be treated at home if they fall ill. This preference is even stronger among older adults, with 86% of those aged 66-74 and 91% of those over 75 favouring home care. Staying at home provides a sense of security and continuity that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
At Home Instead Lancaster, we support these preferences when we can, by offering a range of personalised care options, from daily activities to some complex care and specialist care. Our flexible approach and high levels of training ensure that our clients can remain in their own homes, where they feel most comfortable, while receiving the high-quality care they need.
Making the most of the home environment, and our local community
The report also shows that 54% of people feel their home is an under-used base for care. In Lancaster, where around 20% of the population is aged 65 or older, there is a clear demand for care options that allow people to stay at home.
We provide services across Lancaster and nearby areas, including Morecambe, Garstang and villages. Our home care services are designed to be flexible, with regular scheduled visits from our Care Professionals, arranged weekly, daily, or as often as needed. For those requiring more continuous support, we offer live-in care, where a Care Professional lives in the client’s home, providing care and companionship.
Whether it’s help with daily tasks like dressing, meal preparation, or light housework, support to get out and about, companionship or more specialised care, our team tailors every plan to meet individual needs. This personal approach ensures our clients can live life on their own terms in the place they love – their home.
Choosing care at home in Lancaster
The New Ageing Index highlights a clear preference for staying at home, and our team at Home Instead Lancaster is here to help. By providing tailored care, we support older adults in maintaining their independence, dignity, and comfort at home.
Our commitment to exceptional care is reflected in our perfect 10/10 review score (Sept 2024) on homecare.co.uk and our recognition as one of the top 20 home care providers in the North West of England at the 2024 Home Care Awards.
If you or a loved one are exploring care options, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help. Our team is ready to make a real difference, helping you or your loved one stay happy, healthy, and in the home they love.
Call us at our Lancaster office for a professional and confidential conversation on 01524 951574 or visit our website to find out more.
If you would like to join our team and make a difference in the local area, you can apply to become a Care Professional at our website.