So what is Domiciliary Care Exactly? Is it suitable for everyone? In short Domiciliary care is something that is provided for those who need care but in their own home.
From a very early age, we all want to be independent. Babies and toddlers want to do things on their own in their own way. Children can’t wait to escape the shackles of their parents and do their own thing and this tends to follow us all through life. As we get to our later years that independence can become a struggle but also a source of pride as we don’t want to perhaps admit that we can’t do things as well as we used to and we need some help.
This is where things can get tricky because family concerns might start dictating that there is a need for some help and assistance and possibly even moving into a home of some kind. There will often be some resistance as it can be seen as a backwards step or a loss of independence or just something that people don’t want to face up to. The thought of leaving home, moving into a communal building and just the general upheaval can cause upset before it’s even actually happened. This is where domiciliary care can become a real option and save a lot of all round heartache.
What Is Domiciliary Care?
Domiciliary care is something that is provided for those who need care but in their own home. It works on so many different levels and can help to alleviate so many different issues. Basically you can continue to live in your own home, comfortable with your own surroundings but receive highly qualified and much needed care from a professional who will visit as and when required. The level of care will depend on the individual and it will be a bespoke, tailored service that ensures the individual gets exactly what they need. It can include dealing with issues such as:
- Dietary needs
- Personal care
- Dealing with medication
- Household chores and needs
- Running errands and tasks
- Companionship
By far the best benefit however is that it allows an individual to remain in their own home. The impact of this from a mental point of view alone is huge. One of the most crucial elements for anyone receiving care is their state of mind, if this is in a positive place then everything else can be approached in a much better manner than if someone is unhappy. That’s why we are such advocates of domiciliary care.
The level of care will vary hugely on the individual and their needs but a factor is also how well the carer and the receiver get on. We pride ourselves on the relationships that our carers build with their clients because it can be as important as the actual service they are providing and can really make a huge difference. Being independent – continuing to do the basic tasks by yourself is extremely important as the fear of losing your independence is vital in maintaining your abilities. We will encourage this independence by working alongside, supporting and encouraging the client in every day tasks and requirements.
It’s a common misconception however that domiciliary care is something that only the elderly receive but that is not necessarily the case. It can be for anyone of any age who may be in need of support and care due to their circumstances which could range from some of the most routine of areas to round the clock support such as:
- Struggling to get in and out of bed and other daily routines such as household chores
- Dietary needs including preparation of specific meals
- Assistance with personal care and hygiene needs
- Assistance with mobility
- Management of medication
The length of time for domiciliary care will vary according to the needs of the client and the bespoke nature means that everybody will get exactly what they require according to their situation.
Aside from being able to stay in your own home and dealing with any specific needs there are plenty of other benefits to domiciliary care. It means less stress for everyone involved, not only for the client but also for family members too. The client doesn’t have the upheaval of having to move as we have already mentioned but it also means that family members can benefit too. Care assistance can relieve family support meaning that the pressure to support loved ones is alleviated, it gives piece of mind and allows the time spent with your loved one to be very special and not stressful.
So if you’re thinking about domiciliary care then take into account all of the above and whether it is the most suitable for your situation. The fact is that it will often be the small things that can make a big difference and that’s where domiciliary care really comes into its own. If a client is very attached a to a pet for example, then staying in their own home can mean that they stay with that pet – that could be a huge difference in the grand scheme of things. If a neighbour being able to come round once a day is very important, then remaining in their own home could be key in this continuing. This is why domiciliary care can be so effective because it allows people to carry on with a version of normal life that could help their mental as well as physical wellbeing.
For further information on domiciliary care in Solihull or surrounding areas, and to discuss whether domiciliary care is the best option for your situation, get in touch with us here at Bright Dawn Home Care. We’re happy to give advice and explore the best options available, sometimes it may not be the most obvious solution but that’s what we’re here for – to make sure things work for you, your loved one or even a friend who wants to stay independent.