Raising the profile on the benefits to ‘care at home’

Making the right decision for the type of care and support needed for you and your loved ones has become even more challenging since the Covid-19 pandemic has hit the nation, and there are many debates on the choice of care at home, or moving into a care home setting.

Matt Barnes, director of Radfield Home Care Wycombe, Beaconsfield & South Bucks, a family-owned business explains,

“Staying well and living independently at home is most definitely the right choice for many people, and often prevents unnecessary admission into hospital for lengthy stays. Prevention has got to be the way forward for older and more vulnerable people in our communities today.”

“However, it does surprise me that over recent months, the government seems to be fixated on public and private funding to be focused on hospitals and care homes, which between them support only 0.5 million people at a time.”

A recent report has published that over 10 million people at any one time receive or need support and care in their own home, either from unpaid carers or paid for home care professionals providing support at home. And, over £152 billion of public funding is directed at the NHS with only £6.2 billion to home care across the UK.

Matt explains,

“The last few months have certainly presented Radfield Home Care with some operational challenges. However, following stringent government guidelines, maintaining social distancing and PPE requirements such as face coverings, our care team have continued to deliver high quality and safe, person-centred care. Our service continues to adapt, embracing all the necessary changes to keep Radfield clients and carers safe and well-supported, despite the continued presence of Covid- 19 in society.”

There has also been the additional challenge of extra costs to home care providers like Radfield. The use of required PPE such as hand sanitiser, fluid repellent face masks, eye protection, gloves and aprons, have all seen ‘rampant price inflation’. In addition, home care providers have been managing the cost of care staff absences, funding sick pay for staff becoming ill or having to self-isolate.

We continually work closely with health care professionals, providing care solutions for individuals, but we have found on occasion that people still often see care homes as the default option for older people. However, in today’s society living with Covid-19, home care should be seen as an extremely safe way to protect a vulnerable person, supporting them to live in the comfort of their own surroundings and memories, along with the long term opportunity to engage in community activities after the Covid-19 crisis has passed.”

To read more on the benefits of home care versus care homes, click here.

If you would like to find out more about Radfield Home Care and the care support services offered, you can visit www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk or contact the branch directly on [email protected] or 01494 614 516.