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Homecare
Home
care is an excellent service provided by agencies and local authorities
for those who don't want to go into residential care but need some help in their
own home to maintain their independence. Major users of this service are the
elderly.
The Care in the Community Act which became law in the early 1990's stated
that people who are finding it difficult to manage at home, through infirmity,
illness or disability, should be given the help and support they need
to allow them to continue to live in the community amongst their friends
and relatives, for as long as they are willing or able to do so.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Carers
Home helps
Sleep-overs
Sitters
Qualified nurses
HOW
TO SELECT THE RIGHT HOME CARE PROVIDER
Obtain as much literature as possible from various agencies and your local
social services department.
Check how long the provider has been serving the community.
Make sure staff are experienced and, if home nursing is required, that
they are qualified.
Enquire about what costs will be involved and whether financial assistance
is possible.
SLEEP-OVERS
An experienced carer will be available on-call to attend any needs overnight.
DAY CARE
Carers are usually available from 1 to 24 hours and will attend to the
daily needs of the client. They are usually available to cook meals and
do light domestic tasks.
SITTERS
Sitters can provide respite for those caring for elderly or sick relatives
as well as providing companionship for those living on their own.
LOCAL AUTHORITY HOME CARE
About 500,000 people in England and Wales have home care delivered by
local authority social services departments. At present charges for home
care depend on where you live - each authority sets its own charges. But
from April 2001 a new national charging scheme is to be introduced.
SPECIALISED NURSING
There are agencies available who can provide qualified nurses to attend
to the needs of patients in the comfort of their own home.
Nurses who specialise in the care of patients suffering from cancer usually
work together with the patient's doctor or consultant, maintaining a high
standard of care and treatment.
