Arranging homecare support

Homecare provides a viable, flexible alternative to a care home or hospital, allowing individuals to receive necessary support in the comfort of their own residence.

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Key Takeaways

Homecare offers significant benefits, prioritising individual well-being and independence

Most people prefer the familiar, comfortable setting of their own home, which is linked to better health outcomes, including reduced hospital admissions. Homecare provides bespoke, person-centered attention, unlike busy hospital wards. It allows individuals to maintain close community and family ties. This is particularly beneficial for those with conditions like dementia.

Selecting a provider requires careful scrutiny of regulatory status and flexibility

Key factors to check include registration and rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the provider’s reputation. It’s important to understand the model (e.g., fully managed vs. introductory agency) and confirm the agency offers both nurses and carers. That it does not enforce rigid contract periods, allowing care to adapt quickly to changing client needs.

A variety of aids and adaptive equipment is available to maximise independence at home

Simple, tailored products – from grab bars and shower seats in the bathroom to adapted cutlery in the kitchen and reaching aids in the living room – help individuals perform daily tasks safely and comfortably. Furthermore, homecare offers a rewarding career path for nurses providing flexibility and the opportunity to gain deep, specialised skills in a lower-stress environment.

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Staying at home offers numerous advantages for an individual’s well-being and recovery.

Preference for home and familiarity

Most people prefer the familiar, safe space of home, which can be especially beneficial for those with dementia. This environment promotes relaxation and is important for paediatric and mental health care, where stability aids recovery.

Staying at home allows the individual to:

• Remain close to family, friends, and the community
• Keep pets
• Continue with social clubs or activities
• Maintain independence by controlling their own surroundings and schedule

Improved health and well-being

Studies indicate that care received at home is better for health, correlating with a reduced risk of hospital admissions and a reduction in falls in older adults, alongside higher happiness and satisfaction levels.

Tailored, person-centred care

Homecare is designed to be bespoke to individual needs. The carer’s focus is solely on the client, ensuring needs are met efficiently. Care plans are flexible, created with family involvement, and offer the added benefit of companionship.

A guide to choosing a homecare provider

Finding the right provider involves careful consideration of several factors:

Regulatory status and reputation

• Is the provider registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)? Check their rating (e.g., “Good” or “Outstanding”) and latest inspection report, as this regulatory body oversees health and social care in England.
• Does the provider have a good reputation? Check online reviews on platforms like Google, Trustpilot, or homecare.co.uk, and look for testimonials or referrals from previous clients.

Services and model of care

• What services are offered? Determine if the provider offers the specialised care needed for specific conditions. Consider providers that offer both nurses and carers to ensure flexibility as needs change, avoiding the need to engage multiple agencies.
• Fully managed versus introductory agency: Fully managed agencies provide suitable staff, manage the care plan, and ensure training and compliance. Introductory agencies match you with a potential carer, but you employ and manage the care yourself.
• Contract periods: Understand the terms and cancellation periods. Look for providers that do not have set minimum contract periods and can respond quickly to changes in care requirements.

Home suitability

• Can the provider help assess the home’s suitability for safe care delivery? Depending on needs, adaptations might be required, such as relocating rooms or modifying a bathroom.

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Tools and products to support independent living

Various aids can help individuals perform day-to-day tasks and maintain independence across different areas of the home:

Bathroom aids

Products like grab bars, shower seats/stools, tap turners, and bottom wipers help individuals maintain dignity and safety while washing.

Bedroom aids

Equipment such as bed rails, pressure relief pads, bedside commodes, urinals, and aids like button hooks/zipper pulls assist with mobility, comfort, and quick access to toilet facilities.

Kitchen aids

Adapted cutlery, beakers, kettle tippers, knob turners, and non-slip matting assist with preparing meals, reducing spillages, and improving grip.

Living room aids

Reaching aids/grabbers, table trays, and plug pulls help in accessing items and ensuring comfort in the main living space.

Garden/outdoor aids

Walkers and ramps ensure continued, safe access to the outdoors for fresh air and well-being.

Homecare nursing as a career

Homecare nursing is a patient-centred specialty that offers professional rewards and benefits:

1. Flexibility and autonomy

Nurses generally work through an agency, giving them control over their schedule to fit their personal life.

2. Deeper relationships

The one-on-one setting allows for a more personal relationship, building a level of unconditional trust with the patient and family.

3. Rewarding work

Teaching patients self-care techniques and seeing them gain independence is highly fulfilling.

4. Lower stress environment

It offers a professional atmosphere with a lower level of stress compared to high-intensity hospital settings.

5. In-depth skill development

Continuous work with patients who have specific medical conditions (e.g., Dementia) allows nurses to gain a deep, specialised understanding of the condition’s management, symptoms, and best treatments.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare, we are experts in providing private homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and well-being, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.

If you would like to enquire about our homecare services, contact us on, 020 3008 5210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.

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