In-home care offers numerous benefits for individuals who need assistance with daily living tasks while promoting independence and dignity

 Hiring a home carer for a loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration.  But how to make this decision? 

Home care, also known as in-home care or domiciliary care, is a type of supportive care provided  by trained caregivers or healthcare assistants to individuals in the comfort of their own homes. It is designed to assist people who may be elderly, disabled, or facing health challenges that make it difficult for them to perform daily living activities without some form of assistance.  

Therefore, home care services are often considered a more personalised and person-centered approach compared to institutional care, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. It allows individuals to maintain their routines, independence, and dignity while receiving the necessary support to stay safe and comfortable in their own homes.

In this post, you will find everything you need to know before hiring a home carer.

What work does a home carer do?

The goal of in-home care is to enhance the individual’s quality of life, promote independence to the extent possible, and enable them to continue living in their familiar home environment. 

The scope of a home carer can vary widely based on the person’s requirements. Some common services provided by in-home caregivers include:

• Personal care: assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility support.
• Companionship: providing social interaction, engaging in conversations, and offering emotional support to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Medication prompt: ensuring the individual takes their medications as prescribed and maintaining a medication schedule.
• Meal preparation: planning and preparing nutritious meals, adhering to any dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Light housekeeping: help with basic household chores like cleaning, laundry, and organising living spaces.
• Transportation: assisting with getting to appointments, running errands, or engaging in social activities.
• Medical care: Basic medical assistance, such as wound care, monitoring vital signs, or administering injections, if needed (depending on the caregiver’s qualifications and the individual’s medical requirements).
• Respite care: providing temporary care and relief to primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their responsibilities.

What are the benefits of hiring a home carer?

In-home care offers numerous benefits for individuals who need assistance with daily living tasks due to age, disability, or health challenges. Here are some of the key advantages of in-home care:

Personalised care

In-home care is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and preferences. Caregivers can provide personalised attention, addressing the unique requirements of each person, which may not be possible in a more generalised care setting. 

Familiar environment

Remaining in the comfort of one’s own home can be emotionally comforting and reduce stress, anxiety, and confusion that might arise in an unfamiliar environment. Familiar surroundings can also trigger positive memories and a sense of security. 

Independence and dignity

In-home care promotes independence by allowing individuals to maintain control over their daily routines and decisions. It helps them preserve their dignity by receiving support discreetly, which can positively impact their self-esteem and emotional well-being. 

One-on-One attention

With in-home care, individuals receive focused, individualised attention from their caregivers. This allows for better monitoring of their health, immediate response to any concerns, and the building of a strong caregiver-client bond. 

Companionship

In-home caregivers not only assist with daily tasks but also provide valuable companionship. Social interaction and meaningful conversations help combat loneliness and isolation, improving mental and emotional well-being. 

Reduced risk of infections

In-home care can lower the risk of exposure to infections and illnesses, which may be more prevalent in communal settings like nursing homes. Staying at home can be especially crucial for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions. 

Cost-effectiveness

In many cases, in-home care can be more cost-effective than full-time residential care facilities. Families can customise the level of care according to their budget and the individual’s needs. 

Flexibility

In-home care offers greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and care plans. Caregivers can adapt to changing needs, making it a suitable option for both short-term and long-term care. 

Peace of mind for family

Knowing that their loved ones are receiving personalised care and supervision at home provides peace of mind for family members. It also allows them to spend quality time with their loved ones rather than being overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities. 

Continuity of care

In-home care ensures continuity of care, as the same caregiver or a consistent team of caregivers typically looks after the individual. This continuity can be especially beneficial for those with complex medical needs or conditions requiring specialised care. 

Promotes recovery and rehabilitation

For individuals recovering from an illness, surgery, or injury, in-home care can provide support in following prescribed rehabilitation exercises and routines, potentially speeding up the recovery process.

What you need to know before hiring a Home Carer

Write a clear job description

Before starting the caregiver search, conduct a thorough assessment of your loved one’s requirements. Consider their medical condition, daily living tasks they need assistance with, and any special preferences they may have. Understanding their needs will help you communicate effectively with potential caregivers and find the right match.

How to find help 

You can contact reputable home care agencies that provide trained and vetted caregivers. These agencies often handle caregiver recruitment, screening, and management, making the process more straightforward for families. A specialised company such as BHC Agency will provide you with 24/7 support, customisable contracts and will ensure qualified professionals to take good care of your loved one.

Home care costs 

The HSE provides a free Home Support Service to people aged 65 or over who may need support to continue living at home or to return home following a hospital stay. Sometimes exceptions are made for people younger than 65 who may need support. For example, people with early onset dementia or a disability. 

However, if you need any additional home support, over and above the level funded by the HSE, you will have to pay for these. Most home care agencies such as BHC Agency, typically charge by the hour with a minimum hourly commitment. 

Conclusion

Hiring an in-home caregiver for your elderly or disabled family member can significantly enhance their quality of life while providing you peace of mind. By following this guide, you can find a compassionate and reliable caregiver who will support your loved one’s well-being, ensuring they continue to lead a fulfilling life in the comfort of their home. 

Always remember to prioritise your loved one’s preferences and needs throughout the process to ensure a successful and positive caregiving experience. We can help you with that. Contact us now to learn more about our home care services.