Under Covid-19, Home Care Is More Important Than Ever Before.

With growing cases of COVID-19 infections and deaths, with over 47,806 confirmed cases and 4,934 deaths in the United Kingdom, the elderly and those with underlying conditions are the most vulnerable people in society, with the highest risk of infection and death.

To combat the spread of COVID-19 and in turn reduce death due to the virus, the government has advised the public to stay at home and only leave the house for essential needs like food or medicine, to travel to work for key workers or to exercise.  For vulnerable groups such as those with underlying health conditions and the elderly over 70 years, social distancing has been advised, for them to stay at home for 12 weeks and to have very minimal interaction with other people.

Though medically necessary, it has been predicted that these measures will have an impact on the mental health of people in these groups, and increase loneliness particularly for the elderly.

The Critical Role of Home Care under Covid-19

The guardian reports that “Britain’s care homes are in danger of being overwhelmed by the Covid-19, with staff warning they are at “breaking point” and the country’s biggest charitable provider revealing confirmed or suspected cases in more than half of its facilities.” The Guardian further reports that “Care home managers have threatened to resign over new government guidelines that state they have to accept residents who have Covid-19. The guidance also says hospitals will not routinely test residents entering care homes, meaning managers will not know if returning residents are infectious but asymptomatic.”

The reported risks of care out of the home, most especially in care homes underscore the need for home care, where the elderly receive the care they need, while self-isolating in their own homes. Home care thus plays a key role in helping address and manage the potentially catastrophic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the elderly.

Next to family members and other unpaid caregivers, home care workers provide significant hands-on assistance to the elderly, with work that may include help with personal tasks such as cooking, eating, bathing and toileting.  Carers can also help with shopping, picking prescriptions and running errands that would otherwise necessitate an elderly person leaving home.

In addition, home care solidifies its positon as part of a larger healthcare continuum, now more than ever, with Carers acting as eyes and ears in the home. Carers bridge the gap between the elderly and other health care professionals by observing changes in the elderly’s condition and helping with the management of chroming illness and functional decline, while also bridging the gap between the Service User and their family or loved ones.

Most importantly, home care ensures that though self-isolating, the elderly are not lonely, something that can have adverse effects on their mental wellbeing. With a plethora of services like Companionship, the elderly can have the company they desire, from someone well trained to ensure maximum regard for safety precautions.

The role of home care under Covid-19 is evident as it is a more viable and safer option of care for the elderly while ensuring that their safety is not compromised.

Other Benefits of Home Care for seniors:

1. Comfort

The primary benefit of home care is that your loved one is able to stay in the place that is most comfortable and familiar to them. They can sleep in their own bed, use their own bathroom, and continue their daily routines. Being in familiar surroundings can be especially beneficial for those suffering from progressive conditions that affect memory such as dementia.

2. Personalized Care

Instead of adjusting to the schedules and routines of a care facility, a home care plan is customized to fit your family’s needs. Whether your loved one only needs assistance for a few hours a day, or requires full-time live in care, home care is flexible and adapts to what is best for each client.

3. Faster Recovery

Research shows that patients recover from surgery and illness faster and more successfully in the comfort of their own home. They also have a decreased risk of developing infection from exposure to germs in a medical facility and have fewer hospital re-admissions.

4. One-on-one Attention

The personal nature of home care allows your loved one to be the primary focus of the caregiver. Their job is to provide a level of attention and care that ensures your loved one is safe and comfortable. Because an in-home caregiver is usually tending to a single client, their needs are met much faster than in a residential facility.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

Home care rates are charged by the hour, so there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to out-of-pocket expense. For individuals that need assistance on a part-time basis, the cost of home care can be significantly lower than a residential nursing facility. Long-term care insurance plans can also help cover the cost of home care.

6. Peace of mind

You won’t have to worry about your loved one being alone and falling or getting injured while performing daily activities such as showering and using the stove. Instead, you will be able to rest easy knowing they are being well cared for.

7. Independence

Loss of independence is a big concern for seniors who are considering care options. A huge advantage of home care is that your loved one is able to keep control over many aspects of their daily life. They get to continue living by their own schedule, choosing when they want to eat, sleep, and socialize. For seniors who no longer drive, a caregiver can help them get to social activities and run errands supporting their ability to live independently.

8. Companionship

Seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and feelings of loneliness which can lead to a decline in health. A caregiver provides your loved one with a familiar face, friendly conversation, and a meaningful human connection, all of which can have a big impact on overall health and well-being.

9. Family Involvement

Home care enables your family to be a larger part of your loved ones care plan. With a good home care agency, you will have a direct line of communication with your loved one’s caregiver and a care manager will provide you with frequent updates regarding care.

10. Pet Ownership

The ability to stay living at home means your loved one won’t have to part with their beloved pet. For seniors, pet companionship has been shown to ease loneliness, reduce heart disease, and calm dementia patients. A caregiver’s help can allow seniors to enjoy the benefits of pet companionship, even if they need some assistance caring for the animal.