Types of homecare services

Personal care helps you or your loved one complete day-to-day tasks with dignity and comfort.

Personal care may include:

• personal hygiene, like bathing
• dressing
• getting ready for bed
• administering medication
• applying lotions or cream
• changing and maintaining a stoma or catheter

According to Age UK, there are reportedly 1.4 million elderly people chronically lonely in the UK. Many go long periods of time without having a conversation with someone, which is why companions for the elderly are so important.

Companion services aim to prevent feelings of loneliness, it can make a great difference to your quality of life and is unique to each individual whether it is just having someone round for a cup of tea and a chat or company for when you go out.

Companionship care can also include:

• sharing your favourite hobbies and activities with someone
• social events and trips out
• running errands – such as shopping or going to appointments
• managing household tasks

In the early stages of dementia, many people can enjoy life in the same way as before their diagnosis. But as symptoms get worse, the individual may feel anxious, stressed and scared at not being able to remember things, follow conversations or concentrate. Receiving care at home helps to keep some continuity as other things change. You can remain in an environment you know, where you are able to feel comfortable and safe.

Dementia care may also include:

• allowing you to live independently in your own home
• help with domestic and daily-living tasks
• cooking and encouraging healthy eating
• bathroom assistance and helping with incontinence
• continuity of care and reassurance
• managing distressing behaviour, such as pacing, shouting or aggression

Live-in care means having a fully trained carer living with you in your own home so that care is available when needed. Your live-in carer will support you with your specific needs to keep you comfortable and independent at home.

If you wake up more than twice a night, 24-hour care is a better option than live-in care. A live-in carer will sleep when you sleep, while 24-hour care involves a carer staying in your home, awake, while you sleep to assist you when you wake. 

If you need support with things like injections, changing or applying dressings, assisting with oxygen or other nursing help, some care agencies can offer you specialty nursing care support.