Finding a care home that feels comfortable, inviting, warm and friendly is a complex and often difficult task for families and those that want only the very best care for their loved ones.
Individuals might feel worried or anxious about leaving their homes behind and may be reluctant to visit prospective residential homes. There are lots of emotions that may be part of the decision-making process.
However, things can become even more challenging if you recognise that you, or a loved one, cannot manage independently at home – only to find that there are no local care homes with capacity, within your budget, or where you feel comfortable.
Shortages in UK Care Provision
The care sector is under unprecedented pressure as more of us live longer, healthier lives. Staffing issues throughout the NHS and care industry also have wide-ranging impacts.
It’s becoming a more common scenario where a family is looking for a care home placement and finds that their preferred facility cannot offer a space because they have insufficient staffing levels to deliver safe care, regardless of whether there are rooms or beds.
This shortage applies equally to council-led home care arrangements as an alternative to a residential facility. In December 2022, the Homecare Association reported that:
- Over 500,000 people were waiting for care services or assessments.
- More than 1.6 million could not access home care due to capacity or funding issues.
Care needs assessments are managed by local councils and are part of the process where they analyse the requirements of an individual and then provide options or guidance as to the funding or care they can offer.
Waiting for an assessment can be upsetting for families in need of support, and councils may determine that some individuals do not qualify for specific types of care or need to cover some or all the costs of the care they need.
How to Manage Care for a Loved One Outside of a Care Home
UK home care company, Guardian Angel Carers, recommends that anybody struggling to find a care home placement or professional home care support, or unhappy with the services offered or available in their local area, consider the full range of options.
Settling for any care where you, or your loved one, is unhappy can be detrimental to your welfare, happiness and mental health and there are several ways to access safe, one-to-one, professional care.
The first step may be to start afresh, looking at care homes or nursing homes a little further afield or using the Care Quality Commission search tool to check for other options.
Of course, there may be other barriers at play, for example:
- Needing a care home within travelling distance to allow regular family and friends visits.
- Wanting a placement where you or your loved one can still participate in favourite hobbies, community events or social activities.
- Looking for a care home in a familiar town, village, or environment.
Families might be reluctant to accept a care home space further afield. This can make it impossible to visit regularly or maintain an established routine.
However, if you cannot find a local care home space, it is worth considering all the alternatives to ensure you can access the care you need.
If you are waiting for an evaluation to implement care at home, you have the right to request an urgent care needs assessment if your council offers this service. The difficulty can be that complex needs assessments normally require a face-to-face visit or sending out a self-assessment form for the individual to complete.
Waiting times for phone or in-person assessments vary, and your council should be able to advise you of their assessment process, the average waiting period, and the questions they will ask.
The positive is that you do not need to wait for an assessment to make proactive care decisions.
Optional examples include assisted living accommodation and private in home care, where qualified, compassionate carers visit you or your loved one and provide care in their own home. In many cases, support can begin straight away.
Is Home Care a Good Alternative to a Care Home?
Care at home can be a perfect solution in countless scenarios:
- You cannot find a suitable residential care home space.
- You or your loved one does not want to live in a care home.
- The cost of full-time residential care is prohibitive.
- You are unhappy with the local care provision offered.
An independent home care agency will work closely with families/ and individuals, delivering person-first care. In practice, that means they get to know the individual they are supporting, their likes and dislikes, routines, hobbies, personality, and preferences. They also work diligently to tailor their care plan, approach and schedule to fit needs as closely as possible.
There are many services available at home, from live in care services and overnight care to provide around-the-clock support, companionship care to ensure those living alone have friendship, company and practical assistance, domiciliary care and personal care.
That might involve cleaning, cooking, shopping, helping with bathing, dressing, taking medication, or any other services that will help the individual live independently in their home.
Nutrition is a key factor in health and well-being. Home carers can provide company during the evenings, prepare fresh and home-cooked meals, and remain on hand to help during morning or bedtime routines.
Adaptations to a property can be an opportunity to modify the living environment, such as installing a stairlift, fitting alarms to summon help if necessary or purchasing reclining or motorised sofas and beds to make it easier for individuals to move around.
A home carer is a bridge between living in a care home and remaining in your home. Whether you cannot find a care home or simply wish to stay in the comfort and familiarity of your residence, there are many ways to implement a reliable, professional care service.
