Choosing elderly care that is right for you

When it comes to care, no two situations are the same. Its essential to find care that suits your unique needs, so here we take a look at the questions you need to ask yourself before choosing what care is best for you. What are your needs?

Do you have a medical condition that requires assistance or that restricts your mobility? How fit and active are you? Could you cope with being alone during the day or night or do you require applicants for live in care jobs in your home to stay throughout the night? Do you need to move closer to friends and family?

What support do you currently have?

Do you have any family members? How far away do they live? Could they reach you in an emergency? Are they able to assist with costs for a residential care home, domiciliary care or live in care? How often do they visit you?

How would you afford your elderly care?

Paying for elderly care is expensive whether that’s live in carer costs or care home fees so have you thought about what assets you own? Would you be willing to sell your house? Would you consider downsizing your home? How much do you have in savings? Would you be eligible for funding assistance from your local authority? Would your family be able to assist with costs? Have you taken any independent financial advice or contacted Citizen’s Advice? Would you prefer to keep your home?

Do you still live with your spouse and would prefer to stay with them? Do you have any pets which you would like to keep? Do you have the room and facilities to employ a live-in carer? Are you intending to leave your home to family in your will?

What facilities are in your area?

What kind of residential care home facilities are available in your area? Do you want to move to a different area to be nearer to family? Have you looked at Care Home reports by the Care Quality Commission? What companies offer live-in care in your area? Are there carers looking for a job in your area? What kind of domiciliary care is available? Are there any carers that work nights as well as days?

Is a Residential Care Home the right choice?

Do you have funds in place to afford a residential care home as a long-term solution? Have any of the residential care homes in your area been recently inspected by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA)? What kind of rating have they received from the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England?

Is Live-In Care the right choice?

Do you have funds in place to afford a live-in carer as a long-term solution? Do you have a bedroom and internet access for your carer? Do you have any medical conditions that would be beyond the expertise of a live-in carer? Would you benefit from 24-hour care? What kind of rating have the company received from the Care Quality Commission?

As you can see, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered before committing to a care plan for your future.

The author has written and published articles on a wide range of topics including Small Business Advice, Tax and Accounting, Interior Design, House Renovation and Project Management.