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When faced with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of a loved one, choosing the best care option can feel
overwhelming. Every individual has unique needs and preferences, so it’s important to have an open discussion about what truly
suits them.

​Let’s walk through the main options together and find what feels right for you, and your family.

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Care Home
When exploring the care options available, care homes are often the first thing that comes to mind. This isn’t the only solution out there, or the best one for everyone, but some individuals favor it. There are various types of care homes, including:

Residential Care Homes: These facilities provide accommodation where people receive care and support, such as assistance with everyday tasks like taking medication and washing.

Nursing Homes: These are similar to care homes, but they also have nurses on duty 24/7.

Dual-registered Care Homes: These offer both personal and nursing care, so people can be flexible with what they need. This is especially useful if their needs and preferences change in the future.

Specialist dementia care homes: These provide tailored support for those with dementia and have staff who have specific training in dementia care.

People choose to move into a care home for several reasons, such as if they need specialist care for a complex health condition, have reduced mobility, or their home is unsafe (like if they have steep stairs).

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Home Care
Although moving into a care home is a good choice for some, others can be reluctant to move out of their home. And that’s okay

because the home is comfortable, familiar and a place where memories have been made. There are different types of home care out there that allow people to stay living at home.

Live-in Care: This care option involves a professional carer moving into someone’s home and providing 24/7 support. People with complex care needs who want to stay at home often choose this option as it offers personalised care and allows individuals to
remain in a familiar setting.

Hourly Care/ visiting care: The difference between this and live-in care is that the carer doesn’t live with you, and instead pops into the home to help with tasks. This could be chores around the house, or personal care, like helping you shower. This option is often cheaper than live-in care, and allows individuals to maintain their independence and stay at home whilst receiving essential care.

Considering Care Options: Choosing What’s Best for Your Family Member when faced with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of a loved one, choosing the best care option can feel overwhelming. Every individual has unique needs and preferences, so it’s important to have an open discussion about what truly suits them.

Social Care Services
If your family member doesn’t require full-time care, social care services can be a brilliant way to support their wellbeing without disrupting their daily routine or environment.

At Age Concern Twyford & District, we offer a warm and welcoming social club alongside care support. It's a space where people of all abilities can take part in activities like exercising, dancing, and sing-a-longs.
For those who need a little extra help at home, we also provide delicious, home-cooked meals or take home meals, lovingly prepared by our in-house chef. Whether someone wants to join us just for lunch or stay for the whole day it’s completely their choice.
Our services not only give older adults the chance to socialise and feel part of a community they also give carers the opportunity for some well-deserved time to recharge.

Respite Care
Being a carer is a huge responsibility that takes up a lot of time, and many carers struggle to find time to take a break. With respite care,

a carer steps in to provide support whilst their usual carer takes a break. There are different types of respite care, such as a short stay

in a residential carehome or someone coming into the home to provide care.
June 9th to 15th is Carers Week. Whilst on the topic of respite care and giving carers a well earned break, it’s important to highlight their hard work. The theme for this year's Carers Week is ‘caring about equity.’ Unpaid workers face several challenges, such as reduced social interaction and poor mental health, and they often miss out on opportunities like education. Recognising their hard work and ensuring carers feel valued helps build a supportive and equal community.

How To Choose What’s Best For Your Loved One when deciding on the best care option, consider your loved one’s needs, goals, and preferences. Remember to listen to their views too (as long as the choices they want don’t hinder their safety).

Here are some questions to have a think about:

What sort of care do they need?
Do they require help with chores at home?
Do they have a complex health condition that requires specialist support?
Are they socially isolated or lonely?
Are they safe living at home on their own?

Lastly
Ultimately, the goal is to choose an environment where your loved one is safe and comfortable, with all their needs and
preferences considered. It can be a big transition so above all, keep them involved in each conversation, actively listen
to their hopes and worries.

Kindly written for Age Concern Twyford & District
by writer and blogger Holly Dodd

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