If you find yourself asking this question, then chances are that you have already encountered a few subtle indicators that prompted you to read this article.
Based on the experienced we’ve gained over the years, we can say one thing for certain: there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the dynamics of homebased care.
Each individual has unique care requirements, different support structures in place, varying family arrangements, diverse mobility challenges and then, of course, age also plays a role. Although admittedly, age is often the last factor that features as some who require homebased care are young persons with disabilities who also suffer limitations that effect their independence to some degree.
The first step to answering this question effectively, would be to understand the purpose of homebased care and fully grasp the many benefits that can be derived from this enhanced support system. The ultimate goal is to provide a care service which:
- Preserves dignity
- Supports independence
- Maintains privacy
How exactly is this done? By introducing trained individuals to perform certain duties that improve quality of life and ease some of the challenges experienced through the various activities of daily living:
- Assistance with bathing, showering, and dressing needs.
- Assistance with mobility exercises and aide with getting around.
- Assistance with basic domestic chores such as making a bed, tidying the kitchen, or cleaning the bathroom.
- Assistance with meals preparation and/or feeding where necessary.
- Assistance with maintaining optimal hygiene, which includes:
- Oral care
- Hand, nail, hair, skin, and feet care
- Companionship for social engagements and time spent on hobbies.
- General supervision to help prevent accidents…to name but a few.
The tasks required are often as varied as the clients themselves and may require some adjustments from time to time. The key to effective homebased care is to ensure that the correct skills are paired with the clients’ unique care needs and that a symbiosis forms between the care-giver and the care-receiver.
At Dewcare, in particular, we believe that there are two additional areas of great importance when it comes to providing superior homebased care:
1. Continuity of care is critical
This simply means that we don’t believe in constant care staff changes and promote a system whereby a primary (and often a secondary) caregiver is assigned to a specific client. This means that we are able to monitor our clients’ general well-being more closely and often pick up on subtle changes that might go undetected by someone meeting them for the first time.
When a concern is raised or detected, we promptly engage with the client/s and/or family members and assist with the referral process to involve the applicable medical professional(s).
2. Trust
It is incredibly important that the person being cared for is able to build a rapport and relationship of trust with the person providing the care. It aids with general cooperation, better communication, promotes mood stability and creates a greater sense of calm in the home.
This benefits both parties in fact, as it provides the caregiver themselves with a level of stability and job satisfaction as they are not required to constantly shift and adapt to new clients’ needs and home dynamics. We find it even boosts their level of pride in the work they perform as they know that they are responsible for their clients’ well-being on a long-term basis and what they do today will have a ripple effect into tomorrow.
So if you find that you, or a loved one, find it increasingly difficult to manage with the activities of daily living then perhaps it’s time to consider some extra help. Even if you are currently the caregiver for your spouse, life-partner, or loved one, and find yourself consumed by their care needs. Homebased care can start from as little as one or two pop-in visits per week, a half-day shift thrice a week, or even just a few hours each morning to help start the day off well. The service often evolves as care needs increase and can be adapted to where one can be assured of around the clock care.
Make the call and discuss the various options available to you, even if you don’t need it right away. At least then you’ll know that when the time comes, you’re more prepared and have a better idea of what to expect.