The importance of continuity of care
When a loved one receives home care, a change of carer is an unfamiliar face and can be very unsettling for an elderly family member. The importance of continuity of care cannot be understated, especially if a loved one has dementia.
Dementia sufferers will often forget people’s names and faces, so regular visits at home by the same carer is important for familiarisation. This is one of the key strengths of our hourly care service, and one of our top priorities whenever we receive a new enquiry. Our aim is to ensure your loved one sees the same face on every visit.
Affordable home care and a familiar face
There’s nothing more confusing for someone than seeing several different carers in one day. Never knowing who will be visiting can be distressing for people with dementia. When someone receives visits from the same carer each time, they can build a trusted relationship. The carer gets to know their client well, including their personal preferences.
Many people believe they will have to use up their children’s inheritance to pay for home care, but flexible hourly care is very affordable. You can have a visit a day or a week, depending on your budget and to alleviate any family caring responsibilities. But the main benefit is that both our client and their family can build an ongoing relationship with the carer.
We share a real story of how we’ve recently helped one of our clients…
Case study: Living with dementia
One of our clients has dementia and was at risk of having a fall. Their medication required four visits a day, including personal care, laundry, and help with food preparation. As well as assisting with these areas of support, we also provide companionship for this client.
With their consent, we fitted a Personal Alarm bracelet to our client’s wrist in case they had a fall and needed help when nobody was around. The alarm sends a timed alert from the bracelet until help is received to ensure it’s not too long before the client receives help.
Many people assume that when someone with dementia goes into a care home, they are less likely to have a fall. But a care home cannot guarantee there won’t be any falls. Familiarity is the key to being able to anticipate someone’s needs and identify any decline.
Benefits of flexible hourly home care
Falls are often caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is more commonly spotted by a regular carer. They will get to know their client like a family member, recognising signs of infection much sooner, often preventing falls and hospitalisation. Early detection of an infection is vital for dementia sufferers, as this can also worsen their symptoms.
Our carers can drop off urine specimens with the GP to get dipped for early detection. It’s often difficult for busy children or relatives in full-time jobs, as GP practices are usually open during working hours. We can collect any medication required and give this to the client. Our carers liaise closely with their family to provide any updates, removing any worry and stress.
Qualified and fully trained, our carers have a comprehensive knowledge of assistive technology and care planning. Working in partnership with local NHS teams, we will identify any needs by completing a risk assessment. This helps to minimise any risks for your loved one, using the least restrictive method. We’re often able to implement a care plan that avoids your loved one having to leave their home to go into residential care.
Promedica24 offers a flexible hourly home care service in Blaby and Lutterworth, South Leicestershire. As well as providing care coverage, your loved one will stay safe at home in familiar surroundings, so they can enjoy interacting with their local community.
For more details, please email Lisa Colver: L.Colver@promedica24.co.uk
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