Page 102 - IDF Journal 2023

IDF News – Spring 2023
Home - A Viable Option for Outstanding Care
Emma Sadler
Hannah Morgan
Care options
There are a variety of care options available to suit individuals’ needs, preferences and budget. Live-in care is when a professional carer comes and lives with an individual in their home to provide them with around-the-clock, one-to-one care, companionship, and support, so they can live a better quality of life, in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
When families are faced with the realisation that their loved one or family member needs care and support, many feel the only option is to move them into a care or nursing home. However, live-in care is fast becoming a preferred choice for those who wish to continue to live in the comfort of their own home, whilst receiving the care they need to manage health conditions. According to a survey conducted by One Poll for the Live-In Care Hub, 97% of people would prefer to carry on living at home given the choice1.
There are many benefits to care at home, and to live-in care more specifically, including that this arrangement is typically more cost effective for couples compared to a residential care home where prices are set per individual requiring care. Care at home can also be hugely enabling
and is truly personalised to the individual. There are no set routines or restrictions on visitors. The person is able to maintain a high degree of privacy and can continue to enjoy their home comforts which may include pets or activities within their local community. A dedicated and professional
carer is well placed to engage with community healthcare services to ensure that the individual continues to receive any medical interventions they require, whether it’s medication, physiotherapy, or palliative care services.
Live-in care is not for everyone, and some people may prefer to be supported by an hourly visiting service, which still enables them to stay at home but without round-the-clock support. This is typically better suited for people with lower needs or additional family support. Others
may consider a care home move as it provides a tailored environment where maintenance, food and care are all taken care of and on site. Every type of care arrangement has pros and cons which are broadly set out in Table A.
The role of the regulator
If an individual does decide that live-in care is the most suitable arrangement
for themselves or their loved ones, consideration should be given to whether the provider is regulated in England by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or if it
is unregulated. Similar attention should be paid to regulation in the devolved nations.
Regulated providers, like The Good
Care Group, are regularly inspected and monitored by the CQC and are therefore required to maintain a set of standards, ensuring that they provide a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led service.
According to a survey conducted by One Poll for the Live-In Care Hub, 97% of people would prefer to carry on living at home given the choice1.
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