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When it comes to a point in yours or a loved one’s life that they can no longer cope living at home, you will have to consider what the next step is. The two main options are usually live-in care or care homes. While both offer the same fundamental propositions, there are many differences between them. Both offer expert care 24/7, seven days a week on a long-term (or short term) basis depending on what is needed. There are benefits and detrimental points to both, but home care services have been rising in popularity more and more over recent years. And with good reason. A good alternative to sending your loved one to live in residential care, it offers all the benefits of a care home, with others added on too. Here are some top reasons that care at home is rising in popularity.

Care at home means you can stay in familiar surroundings

If you go to live in a care home you are being taken away from all that you know and hold dear. Houses are so much more than bricks and mortar, and many have been the home of the occupant for many years. In this time you would have built up a host of memories and created a space that you love and cherish. Being taken away from all your belongings and the sights, smells, sounds and routines that you know so well can be challenging; particularly for those that are suffering from conditions such as dementia. Home care services allow you to stay in your familiar surroundings, while also receiving the additional support and care that you require.

You receive dedicated one to one care

In a care home, you will receive care that is shared out between a number of other residents. When you receive home care services from a healthcare agency you receive dedicated one to one care in your own home. Your care at home provider will be there just for you and will be able to give you their undivided attention. No matter if it is emotional or medical, they will look after you and make sure that your needs are met without distraction. In a care home, they might have to rush off to help someone else, or be speaking to and helping many of you at the same time.
Care at home servicesPhoto by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

You can feel more in control

When you receive home care services you can feel more in control. It is a home carer coming into your home as opposed to you going to their care home. You know where everything is and it is your space where you feel most comfortable. In a care home, you often don’t have control over the time you eat, when you go to bed and when you wake up. A home carer is more flexible with this and can sort out a schedule that works for you.

You don’t have to move away from your family

When looking for a care home you want it to be somewhere that you can envisage yourself living at. This might mean that you have to move out of town, or further away from your family. Many people need the care and companionship that their family provides and if it is harder for relatives to visit, this could be detrimental to your mental health. By staying at home you don’t have to alter any visiting routines from your family and if they usually pop round often, this can easily continue.

You can stay with your pets

Not many residential homes allow you to take your pet with you. For many, pets are like family and moving away from them can be very difficult and distressing. By staying at home and choosing care at home, you can keep living with your pet. If you have a dog that you aren’t able to walk anymore, your home care service carer can help you with sorting appropriate care for them so they still get the exercise they need. They can also help you with feeding them and liaising with a vet for you if this is required.

These are just a few reasons that care at home is rising in popularity. Here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we are a healthcare agency that provides many home care services ensuring you can stay in your own surroundings when you need it the most. We are one of the best home care agencies in Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for a care at home provider that puts their all into everything that we do, then look no further. Find out more about our home care services here and please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

A recent report by Age UK found that over 500,000 elderly people don’t see or speak to anyone else for five to six days a week. They also found there are presently 1.4 million chronically lonely older people in England. Human beings are social creatures and not made to be alone. This is why companionship is so important. Unfortunately, our society has changed drastically over the past few years and social contact is not what it once was.

This is particularly true during the pandemic where we have been in lockdown and it has been harder than ever to see our loved ones. Things such as Facetime and Skype have made it easy to feel that we are in touch with relatives. Unfortunately for those that aren’t in tune with modern-day digital technology, this can be tougher than ever.

Being lonely is not just something that is unpleasant, but can also lead to a host of chronic illnesses. This includes an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, and mental health issues such as depression. It is because of this that companionship care is so important. We are here to help with companionship care services near you to ensure that your loved one is well looked after and has someone to speak to when they need it. Here are some reasons for the importance of companionship care

It can protect them against certain cognitive illnesses
Several studies have been conducted that have shown those who are lonely tend to score worse on the cognitive functioning scale. This means that they could have an enhanced risk of developing something such as dementia. Being on their own for too long has also been shown they are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. With someone to talk to, they can offload any worries or thoughts they might have before they can escalate.

There is a lower risk of heart disease
A recent study found that people who are not in regular contact with people and who suffer from extreme loneliness are 32% more likely to have a stroke and 29% more likely to develop coronary heart disease. The research found that those that are isolated and lonely are less inclined to take care of themselves. They might do less physical exercise, not eat as well and smoke more. Companionship care services can ensure your loved one eats well and regularly and has the company that they need throughout the day.

Why companionship care is so important
hoto by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

It will give them a sense of purpose
If someone is lonely they will lose their sense of purpose. They are less likely to feel engaged with the world and feel worthless. Without someone to talk to regularly about both important topical matters and mindless chatter, it can have a great effect on someone’s mindset. This can lead them to feel slowly worse in themselves and unmotivated to do everyday, simple tasks. Without motivation they might not want to get up, bathe, get dressed and eat well.

Our companionship care services will ensure they not only have a reason to get up and ready for the day ahead but that they have tasks to do during the day. No matter if this is just watching television or reading a book it will help. We can also take your loved one to social events such as bingo or to a social club and check-in that they are alright.

How will companionship care help?

Our companionship carers can call in however often they are needed. Whether it is someone to pop in twice a week to check on their mental health and wellbeing, have a catch-up over a cup of tea, or help them get to a social event, they are here to help. They will be there to offload any thoughts and worries too; whether these are mental, health-related or to do with aspects in the lives of those around them. They will be there to play board games with and assist with getting up, dressed, and fed. While these might all seem like small tasks, they will make a huge difference to the loved one in question.

These all highlight the importance of companionship care and just how it can help your loved one today. If you are looking for companionship care in Wolverhampton, the West Midlands, and the surrounding areas, we are here to help. We offer
live-in care services, 24-hour care, and many other services to help. If you find yourself asking where can I find companionship care near me, then please get in touch.