Home Instead Care (Stourbridge, Hagley, Halesowen) -Choosing the right care solution for a loved one
This guide explains how to find best advice when trying to navigate the care system, where to seek information and who you can talk to for guidance to support the whole family
The impact of becoming a family carer
Home Care (Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen) Survey Results
Although it is a common problem for people to be torn in multiple directions with work and young families as well as caring responsibilities, sadly many people do not manage to find the right balance and looking after their elderly family takes over. A Home Instead (Stourbridge, Hagley, Halesowen) survey found some shocking results from people working as voluntary family home carers:
- 88% admit to neglecting their own health and wellbeing;
- 65%say they are struggling with their mental health;
- 57%exhausted;
- 49%feel stressed;
- 31%feel they are at breaking point;
The full homecarer survey data
Full survey data can be found here.
At Home Instead we will do everything we can to help you to find the solutions that you need. To find the best care solution for the person receiving care, and also to reduce the load on the emotional load and the work load on the whole family. How?
First, we love to talk! Pick up the phone and we are happy to listen, and to ask challenging questions to help families to work out what they need. With no obligation, this is a crucial stage and we are happy to take as much time as you need to explore the options and assess the advantages and disadvantages of home care, live in care or care homes.
Homecare Planning and Choice
Types of care available from Home Instead
Next, we always make sure that there is a really well constructed homecare plan in place. Our care plans are probably longer than most because we try to find out as much detail as possible and we will consult with family members to find out how we can help them too, not just the person needing care. We always make sure that there is enough time in a visit to get everything done. 1:1 care is always the main priority and it is something that can only be achieved through care in your own home, but it is amazing what can be achieved with a little thought and planning. In a care home, the carers’ attention is always divided between residents whereas we like to maximise every minute!
Care Choice across Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen
Choice is a vital principle of the care system and there are many different solutions available, which unfortunately most people are not aware of and it is a subject which people do not really talk about. Across Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen, at Home Instead, we can offer Hourly Care, Live In Care, Sleep Overs, Respite. They are different delivery systems but they all have the same things in common too: We will always set up care that is personal to you and help you to achieve the outcomes that you want for the family as well as the person needing care.
Finding the best advice
Researching the best homecare options across Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen
Research is important and we encourage people to be diligent when checking reviews and testimonials. In particular, always read the reports on the CQC web site (It is the care equivalent of Ofsted for schools). Carers associations are another good source of information where you can talk to other people who have been through the same difficult decisions. Why not try the Worcestershire association of carers, or the Dudley Carers’ Hub based at the Brett Young Centre in Halesowen.
When it comes to care, it is good to talk
Finally, remember, it is good to talk. Although some people find it a difficult subject, we also encourage families to start up some care conversations. Often differing views can be ironed out if they are addressed early, before that awkward ‘stuck’ or ‘crisis’ moment. Talk to friends and neighbours too. You can read more about this and our partnership with Lorainne Kelly here or listen to her care podcasts on spotify. At Home Instead we are very proud that most of our clients come to us through word of mouth and you would be surprised how many people are able to share valuable knowledge through their own experiences of the care system.
