There are many benefits associated with ageing in you own home. Live-in care specialist Elder, discusses the variety of wellbeing benefits that come with this increasingly popular care option.
As a person ages, physical and cognitive changes can occur which may result in the need for assistance completing day-to-day activities. There are many different care options available, and one of which is becoming increasingly popular, especially in light of COVID-19, is live-in care.
What is live-in care?
Live-in care provides the reassurance that the person is getting the help they need, whenever they need it. A dedicated professional carer will move into the persons home, providing one to one support, whilst allowing the person to remain independent within their own home. The carer will not only provide personal care and can also assist with day to day domestic tasks.
Home is often where we feel the most comfortable and having the option to remain surrounded by treasured possessions in a familiar environment, can be ideal, as opposed to moving into a care facility.
Independence
Losing independence and relying on others for day-to-day tasks can become a great concern as a person gets older. Retaining levels of independence can be hugely important for wellbeing along with promoting positive feelings and confidence.
A live-in carer can help an individual maintain their existing lifestyle, continuing with their routine for longer, and keeping up with social activities, with added support where needed. A decrease in mobility can sometimes lead to a lack of independence and an increasing amount of time spent at home.
Diet
Nutrition and diet are hugely important aspects of wellbeing, and eating healthy meals can help a person feel active for longer. Live-in carers will help ensure that balanced meals are available which meet nutritional requirements for the individual. This could involve deciphering food labels, purchasing the right ingredients from the shops and preparing the meals. If abilities allow, the carer can help support the person as they make meals, helping to retain independence for longer.
Loneliness
Loneliness can have a profound impact on a person’s wellbeing, and without regular social contact, mental, physical, and emotional health can be affected. A live-in carer can help to provide companionship, whilst assisting with personal care needs. Having a dedicated and trusted person helping with shopping, outings, personal hygiene and cooking within the home can help the individual retain independence and keep loneliness at bay.
A live-in carer can also help the person maintain their social levels within the community – assisting with trips to the bingo, day care centres, quiz nights or simply visiting friends, family or neighbours.
The added support, and ability to remain in their own home will help maintain levels of socialisation, within a community they know and live in. Companies such as Elder, will match an individual to their carer based on needs and personalities. This can help ensure that it’s more than just someone being there, it’s someone the person is likely to bond with and enjoy spending time with.
Hobbies
Maintaining hobbies and fond pastimes is important as we age, and especially for those living with dementia, as familiar hobbies can help spark memories and encourage conversations. Live-in care can help provide opportunities to keep up with interests and passions with the support of a caregiver, such as gardening, completing a jigsaw or getting out and about.
Often live-in carers can be selected if they have similar hobbies and interests and can therefore relate and help create companionship and friendships.
Pets
Being able to stay at home with a beloved pet can mean the world to someone who has owned one for a long time. Pets are brilliant for promoting activity, providing opportunities for exercise and spending time outdoors and are fantastic for providing companionship, helping to reduce loneliness.
There are many different benefits to live-in care, both from a mental and physical wellbeing perspective. Finding the right carer for each person is important, and as you consider the different care options for a friend, relative or loved one, it’s important to consider what would be most beneficial for them.
