There has been a significant increase in the demand for eldercare services all over the world as our population continues to accumulate more senior citizens. The number of people aged sixty-five and older in the United Kingdom is expected to more than double by the year 2040, according to projections made by the Office for National Statistics in 2020. The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiovascular disorders, has increased as a consequence of this shift in the demographic composition of the population. Consequently, a greater number of individuals require specialised medical interventions that are tailored to their individual requirements. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards alternative forms of eldercare, particularly home care Solihull. This is in contrast to the traditional nursing homes, which have traditionally been the solution of choice for elderly people who require extensive support. In the following essay, the reasons behind this phenomenon are investigated, and the advantages of choosing home care Solihull over residential care homes are highlighted.
Surroundings that are familiar
A person’s home is the place where they feel the most comfortable and secure, and the same is true for our elderly population. It is possible to experience feelings of disorientation and confusion when moving into unfamiliar environments, which can increase the severity of cognitive impairments that are already present. According to research conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association (n.d.), people who are afflicted with dementia have a tendency to perform better in familiar environments. This is because the memories that are associated with these establishments are easier to recall. Therefore, allowing elderly people to continue living in their own homes reduces the psychological impact of moving to a new location while also allowing them to maintain important memories throughout the process. In addition, the absence of noise pollution, unfamiliar faces, and crowded corridors enables them to experience uninterrupted restful sleep patterns, which in turn reduces levels of fatigue and improves overall well-being.
Customised treatment strategies
Every individual is one of a kind, and their requirements shift in a dynamic manner over time. Consequently, it is of the utmost importance to devise individualised treatment plans that take into account people’s specific situations. Home care Solihull makes this process easier by working closely with family members, physicians, and other stakeholders to develop individualised care plans that are specifically designed for each individual client. These programmes cover a wide range of activities, including the administration of medication, assistance with mobility, nutritional counselling, and socialisation programmes. Consequently, they encourage independence, self-esteem, and autonomy among senior citizens, which ultimately results in improved quality of life outcomes. For this reason, they are beneficial.
Increased levels of independence and free will
The majority of elderly people would rather remain in their current residence rather than move into a nursing home. This is primarily due to concerns regarding the loss of their independence and dignity. They are able to maintain control over their schedules, preferences, and routines when they remain in their own homes, which allows them to maintain their identities and enhances their sense of self-worth. The majority of the time, senior citizens who receive home care in Solihull continue to carry out their day-to-day activities without assistance, and they only require assistance from trained personnel on a periodic basis. Interacting with friends and family, preparing meals in accordance with dietary restrictions, participating in hobbies and leisure activities, watching television shows, reading books, listening to music, and engaging in other activities are all options for them. The provision of opportunities for them to take an active role in the decision-making process regarding their care further strengthens a sense of agency, thereby increasing overall levels of satisfaction.
A more reasonable alternative to residential care facilities
As a result of the significant financial burden that long-term care expenses represent for many families, these families are looking into alternatives that are less expensive. Age UK conducted research that found that the average annual cost of living in a care home is £34,250 ($46,787) (House of Commons Library, 2020). This information was derived from the findings of the research process. A home care service in Solihull, on the other hand, begins charging approximately £18 per hour, which is equivalent to approximately £10,000 per year. Even though these numbers are still quite substantial, they are insignificant when compared to the numbers that are associated with residential care facilities. On top of that, there are financial institutions that offer loan products that are specifically designed to cover the costs of eldercare. The lifetime mortgage programme is one example. This programme allows homeowners who are over the age of fifty-five to borrow against the value of their homes, giving them access to substantial sums of money without the need for monthly repayments or interest rates (Kerry, 2018).
Convenience and ease of access provided
On the other hand, in contrast to traditional nursing homes, home care Solihull does not require the patient to travel, handle their luggage, or make accommodations. Patients are able to maintain their roots in their communities, remaining close to their loved ones and familiar landmarks. Commuting back and forth from nursing homes on a daily basis can be physically exhausting for elderly people who are fragile, which can have a negative impact on their health and well-being. In addition, regular visits from members of one’s immediate family strengthen familial relationships, thereby preventing excessive feelings of loneliness and isolation. It is possible for family members to keep a constant watch on their relative’s condition by receiving regular updates through phone calls or messaging apps. This allows them to avoid making lengthy trips to visit their loved one in person.