What is Elder Care?

Elder care options for more advanced care needs

Full-time live-in care

A full-time live-in carer can be a good option for those requiring more complex care – allowing them to maintain as much independence as they can, for as long as possible. Carers can support a wide range of personal tasks that have become too difficult, such as getting out of bed, toileting, personal hygiene and dressing.  Carers can also help with many other aspects of life, from offering reminders to take medication correctly, to ensuring an older person can still get out and about to see friends safely. 

Because the carer has only one person (or sometimes a couple) to look after, the care can be tailored specifically to their needs or any specific health conditions.

For example, for those living with dementia, care at home means that they do not have to face the upheaval and upset of moving into a care home. They may feel more settled and content in their own familiar environment and many care providers can ensure they’re supported by an experienced dementia carer – with the skills to manage symptoms.

In addition to the care, a live-in carer will also carry out domestic duties that are essential to everyday life.  They’ll shop, prepare nutritious meals, do the laundry and do some cleaning. A live-in carer can even help with pet care or gardening if this has become too difficult for your loved one.

Live-in palliative care

Palliative care exists on a spectrum – requiring input from a number of different people, support systems and healthcare professionals. The exact requirements can include physical, psychosocial and spiritual support.

Live-in care can be a form of palliative care and provide companionship support for the person, their family and the rest of the care team. It can help with daily care needs too, such as meal preparation, personal care, running errands and managing the home. Essentially, it can help people remain at home as they near the end of their life – as opposed to having to move to a hospital, care home or hospice.

Pros of live-in care for more advanced care needs:

• Older people can be supported one-to-one by a dedicated carer, helping to nurture a trusted and meaningful relationship
• Ensures someone is available 24/7 – providing peace of mind 
• Allows couples with different care needs to continue living together, and provides additional 24/7 support to a healthy spouse who may have previously been providing care to their loved one alone
• Helps people remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home 
• If you’re applying for funding support from your local council, the value of your property will not be included in your assessment 

Cons of live-in care for more advanced care needs: 

• For those who require specialist health care, such as stoma or catheter management, wound management, or controlled drugs, live-in care may need to be used in conjunction with other services, such as district or community nursing. 
• It’s not always easy to accept someone new moving into the home especially if the person needing care has lived on their own for a long time
• Requires the home to have enough space for the carer to have their own bedroom

What are some alternative options for those with advanced care needs? 

Residential care 

What is it? 

Many people view this form of elderly care as the norm for older people whose health or social care needs mean that they can no longer live independently. It involves older people moving into their own rooms in a dedicated Residential Care Facility. Rooms are usually en-suite as standard and may have a living area with a sofa and television.

Residents are supported by a staff of carers who’ll help with personal care such as washing, dressing and toileting. They may also administer certain medications. Meals are provided to all residents in a dedicated dining room, and there are plenty of communal areas for residents to share. 

Pros: 

• Provides 24-hour care and security 
• Trained staff available to help administer medication
• Many homes offer additional services such as hairdressing, bars or cafes, exercise classes, chaplain services, and resident day trips.  
• Some homes specialise in dementia care or offer dedicated dementia services 
• Provides a structured schedule, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety or stress, and help with forming a healthy sleep pattern.

Cons: 

• Limited independence. It may not be easy for elderly people to leave the grounds of the care home on a regular basis 
• Not all of the fees will go towards care – homes need fees to cover keeping the facility clean, utilities such as electricity, and catering three meals a day. Some activities may come with additional charges too. 
• Elderly residents will need to adapt to the routine of the home, which may mean eating meals or waking up at times they’re not used to 
• Residents may be unable to keep their pets or all their possessions with them
• Due to the demand for places, older people may get less say over where they go, especially if the council are funding their care
• Price can vary a lot by region, older people in the south of England and London are likely to pay a lot more than those in the North and Scotland

Residential nursing care 

What is it?

This is similar to a care home, but the care is overseen by registered nurses. It ensures people with life-limiting or progressive health conditions have access to skilled nursing staff and medical intervention around the clock. Residential nursing care can monitor and respond to changing health needs, as registered nurses are trained to identify when something may be wrong. They’ll also know when to call for a GP or consult a specialist from a person’s health care team. 

Pros:

• Due to the nature of the care required, people in nursing homes are more likely to be entitled to NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, which covers care costs in full. 
• Provides a structured schedule, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety or stress, and help with forming a healthy sleep pattern.
• Offers round-the-clock care from skilled nursing professionals 

Cons:

• If you’re not eligible for full funding, it can be expensive due to the specialist nature of the care and support provided.
• Elderly residents will need to adapt to the routine of the home, which may mean eating meals or waking up at times they’re not used to
• Residents may be unable to keep their pets or all their possessions with them
• Couples are unlikely to be able to continue living together – particularly if their care needs are different. 

Hospice care

What is it?

Hospices are dedicated facilities that provide free medical, emotional, and practical care to people with terminal and life-limiting conditions. 

They offer day services for people at any stage of a terminal illness – which can involve support sessions, exercise programmes, complementary therapies, spiritual support and counselling. They also offer residential services – where people can stay in their own room at the hospice. These services are used for short periods of respite or to ensure someone nearing the end of their life has a comfortable environment where they can receive intensive care during the final stages of an illness.

Pros:

• Free of charge 
• You’ll have access to a team of health and social care professionals including doctors, nurses, therapists and social workers

Cons:

• You might prefer to spend your final days in your own homes, rather than a hospice