LIVE-IN CARE FROM A CLIENT PERSPECTIVE

At Otus Live-in Care we are passionate about the quality of service we offer to our clients.  We believe that transparency, trust and communication are vital and understand how daunting the task of finding the right care package can be.

We encourage ongoing feedback from both our clients and carers.  This helps us to ensure that we are meeting the often changing needs of our clients, as well as ensuring that our registered carers are happy in their work.

Learning about other people’s experiences is sometimes the best way to understand how a service works, and this could not be any truer of live-in care.

For anyone wondering how live-in care can work, the following words received from an Otus client this week gives an excellent perspective of how it worked for her and her father.  The lady who provided the testimonial is a senior NHS professional.

“The carer Otus introduced to for my father was amazing.  She was an absolute star.  She approached caring for him with sensitivity and maturity.  Whilst he was in hospital, she visited him every day between 12 noon and 8pm to keep him company, and to ensure that he had everything he needed.  She was able to help and encourage him in many ways – over a two week period social services visited him every day.  She gave him moral support, encouraged him to open up and kept his family informed.  Even when the social services people changed meetings to 10am in the morning, she took it upon herself to make sure she was there to support my father.

People don’t do the maths – so often live-in care is thought of as expensive.  In my experience, it isn’t.  Until he had a fall, my father was so happy being cared for in his own home, surrounded by the things he loves.  For me it was about being able to be my father’s daughter, rather than becoming his carer.  Live-in care is not as expensive as people might think and the sooner more people realise this, the better.

I would be very happy to talk to anyone who might be considering live-in care as an option for their loved one and will champion the Otus Live-in Care team very highly.  Every member of the team is genuinely five star – they listen, are responsive to any concerns or problems and come up with sensible and deliverable solutions.  I have total faith and trust in what they do.  The service Otus offers is invaluable – it isn’t just about supplying a carer – they really do care.  They are a great back up and support to both family and client.”

Our core aim is to give families peace of mind and confidence that their loved ones are being cared for by fully qualified and carefully matched carers.  If you would like to know more about our services, just call the Otus team on 01403 710119 or send us an email at [email protected] .  We would be happy to talk to you, without obligation.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

The stress and worry of looking after a person at home with dementia or a physical disability should not be underestimated. Whilst the focus of concern is often on the one needing care, the wellbeing of the carer should never be overlooked. It is vital that a carer is able to take time out and have regular breaks to avoid emotional or physical overload – the quality of care given can suffer if the carer is exhausted. For those seeking a break or looking to relieve a family member, respite care can be sought in a number of ways.

Local agency drop in care – usually available on an hourly basis either through Social Services or through a paid for private service. Daily drop-in carers take over care responsibilities, relieving the full-time carer.

Drop in companionship – from local companionship and befriending services. This could be via a local organisation or charity. A quick internet search will suggest details of potential services available in your local area.

Day care centres/local groups for the elderly – local day care centres and groups can offer important stimulation and companionship for the person being cared for, as well as giving the carer some important time off. In some areas, day care centres and groups have volunteers who can arrange transport.

Short term respite away from home – could be provided in a number of environments, such as a residential care home. However, this would be dependent on availability and is not necessarily suitable for everyone – the change of environment and routine could prove stressful for someone suffering from dementia.

Live-in care – this is often a great solution for carers who need a break. It allows the person needing care to remain in their own home and continue with familiar routines, whilst at the same time giving the carer a proper break or even the chance to take a well-earned holiday.

At Otus Live-in Care, we understand how daunting the task of finding the right care package can be, whether it be for respite or longer term care. From our database of over 300 robustly checked carers, we are able to introduce experienced self-employed carers who have the precise skills and training to care for your loved one. We verify all qualifications and training, run enhanced DBS checks and seek a minimum of three references for every carer. We also place significant emphasis on finding out about their life experiences and interests too. This way you can be secure in the knowledge that your loved one is not just being cared for by an experienced live-in carer, but they will have similar interests and hobbies. We believe that this bespoke matching process really helps make the respite period easier for all, especially when your loved one is being asked to share their home with someone new.

Otus Live-in Care is a privately owned company. Based in West Sussex, we introduce experienced live-in carers to clients across the whole of the UK. We offer a bespoke service, and are dedicated to helping provide support for those who want to remain living in their own home independently. For more information, visit www.otusliveincare.com, call us on 01403 710119 or email [email protected]. We are always happy to offer help and advice, without obligation.

DON’T BE RUSHED OUT OF HOSPITAL

According to recent media reports, thousands of pensioners could be forced into care homes against their will under undisclosed NHS cost cutting plans. It is reported that more than 13,000 elderly people could be effectively ‘evicted’ as health authorities refuse to fund care in their own homes.

The potential of this gives great cause for concern – care homes are already under enormous pressure. The closure rate of care homes in the UK has been described as nearing ‘crisis’ with one closing every week – this is already leaving vulnerable people at risk. The UK has an aging population meaning that demand is only going to increase. According to the Office for National Statistics, more than one in 12 people in the UK will be aged over 80 by 2039. And with the NHS recently confirming that ‘20 hospitals declare black alert’ due to a lack of beds, the problem of rushed or ‘forced’ discharges could already be happening.

Patients and their families should remember that when it comes to being discharged from hospital, they can have a say. Each hospital will have its own discharge policy which will be available from the ward manager or the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Once a patient is admitted to hospital, a treatment plan, including details for discharge or transfer, should be discussed and drawn up in liaison with each patient. A discharge assessment should determine whether a patient needs more care after leaving hospital. Each patient should be fully involved in the assessment process and if relevant, family and carers should be involved and given the opportunity to help with the practicalities.

According to the NHS Choices website, patients should not be discharged from hospital until:

• The patient is medically fit
• An assessment of ongoing recovery support has been completed
• A written care plan has been prepared and agreed with the patient
• The support described in the care plan has been put in place and it’s safe for the patient to be discharged.

No one should be pressured into leaving hospital until a full assessment process has taken place. The duty of Health & Social Services is to ensure that patients have a safe hospital discharge including setting up a care package and appropriate funding, which could be at home or in a care home. Allowing people to continue their recovery after a stay in hospital in the comfort of their own home has many benefits, even if 24 hour care and companionship is needed. It is cost effective, enables a more effective discharge from hospital and, it can help ease the current lack of beds in our hospitals and reduce readmission numbers.

Otus Live-in Care is a privately owned company offering a bespoke service introducing personal live-in carers and companions to clients in their own homes. We are dedicated to helping provide support for those who want to remain living in their own home independently, but with the security that they have someone living with them to deliver support and provide companionship. To find out more visit our website www.otusliveincare.com, call us on 01403 710119 or email [email protected], without obligation.

CARERS NEED SUPPORT TOO

With the festive season just around the corner, we are all more likely to be looking out for older neighbours or vulnerable families who might need a little extra support.  For those who are looking after a loved one, the impact on their own lives during the holiday season can often be magnified.  So who are our ‘silent carers’?

Many ‘carers’ do not consider themselves as such because they are first and foremost a parent, spouse or partner, son or daughter, relative, friend or neighbour.   It is estimated that one in 10 of the UK population is a carer.   Earlier this year, Age UK published a report showing the extent of our ‘invisible but invaluable army’ of the oldest carers – the statistics are quite an eye opener:

• Over the past seven years the number of carers aged 80 and over has rocketed from 301,000 to 417,000, an increase of nearly 39%. Now 1 in 7 people aged 80 and over provide some form of care to family or friends.

• The total number of carers aged 65 and over who are providing informal care for another person has risen from nearly 1.7 million (1,675,000) to over two million (2,076,000) in the last seven years.

So often a loved one caring for another does not have the time or inclination to seek out what help is available.  As a result they can often miss out on services, support, advice and benefits which may be available.

If you know of someone who might be one of our ‘invisible’ army of carers, there are many organisations and groups that can offer help and support.   Here are a few helpful links to organisations that maybe useful.

In West Sussex a charity called Carers Support West Sussex – www.carerssupport.org.uk – has regional offices throughout county.  The charity helps carers from all communities by providing practical information and emotional support.  Carers Support is associated with the larger charity Carers Trust – www.carers.org – which operates throughout the UK.  Both these charities offer an invaluable source of contacts that can offer individual or group support to those caring for someone with short or long term illness or a disability, including counselling, benefits and financial advice.  Indeed, over the last four years, the number of carers registering with the West Sussex Carers Support charity has risen by 48%.

Citizens Advice Bureau – www.citizensadvice.org.uk – can offer help and support to those responsible for looking after someone who has a disability, is getting old or has become ill, from practical help to make day-to-day life easier to advice about benefits like Carer’s Allowance.

Age UK – www.ageuk.org.uk – has published a useful leaflet called ‘Advice for Carers – a practical guide’ which can be downloaded from the website.

Collectively the team at Otus Live-in Care has many years’ experience, both professional and personal, around the issues carers can face.   We are always happy to offer help and advice, or talk about the possibility of respite care from an Otus registered carer, without obligation.  Call the Otus Live-in Care team on 01403 710119.

Personal, Bespoke, Professional

For anyone who might be considering live-in care in West Sussex or anywhere in the UK, the following testimonial may help.  Otus Live-in Care’s core aim is to alleviate the stress and concerns normally associated when considering live-in care or companionship.  We pride ourselves on offering a bespoke introductory service to those who wish to be cared for in the comfort of their own homes, and work hard to deliver a personal service.   The following testimonial, received from the daughter of one of our clients, demonstrates that our hard work is worth it.

“On behalf of all my family, I would like to thank you for the amazing job you have done, and continue to do, in finding and managing a team of fantastic carers for my parents.

Since my first email contact with you several months ago, we have felt very supported by you and you have worked extremely hard to recruit the best team for us and also be available to us at all times for any queries, worries or doubts we have had.

What has really set you above all the other care companies we have dealt with, is the extremely personal and tailor made service you have given us; all the many phone calls, the home visit to meet all my family and discuss all the issues in depth, and all the follow up calls and constant keeping in touch which has made us feel very supported and made the transition to your company so smooth.

All of the ladies who care for my parents are fabulously professional, charming and hardworking and my parents (both 93!) are thriving. The rest of the family can now relax in the knowledge that we don’t have to keep worrying about the level of care my parents are receiving. It is also so nice that Otus is a family run, small business which means no impersonal call centres, no being put on hold for ages and no confusion or miscommunication about rotas, billing etc, which is a great relief! Also, although the quality of care is more important than any financial concerns, it is a welcome bonus that your tariffs are so reasonable and well below those of many other larger care companies.

We are extremely grateful to you for your professionalism and commitment and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Otus Live-In Care to anyone requiring live-in care for themselves or a loved one.

Thank you all!  Kind regards, Kate Babb”, daughter of Otus Live-in Care clients living in West Sussex

IMPORTANCE OF MINIMISING FALLS

Having a fall, no matter how big or small, can have a major impact on an older person’s quality of life.  Apart from the pain and discomfort, it can affect the person’s ability to take care of themselves and result in reduced physical and social activities.  A simple fear of falling can limit activity and exercise so it’s important to ensure that we do everything we can to minimise the potential.

Falls can be devastating to the affected individual but are also expensive to manage. In particular, when associated with a fracture, they carry a high morbidity and mortality rate.  The consequence of falls and the elderly can also have significant economic consequences.  Current estimates are that falls cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion per year.

What causes a fall?

The natural ageing process means that older people have an increased risk of having a fall. In the UK, falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths in people over the age of 75.

There are a number of physical reasons why older people are more likely to have a fall:

• balance problems and muscle weakness
• poor vision
• a long-term health condition, such as heart disease, dementia or low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to dizziness and a brief loss of consciousness

However, in more practical terms, there are many things that could cause someone to trip and injure themselves in and around the home, for example:

• a wet or recently polished floor, such as in the bathroom
• dim lighting in a room
• rugs or carpets that are not properly secured
• over reaching for something
• moving too quickly to answer a phone or someone at the door
• rushing to get to the toilet during the day or at night

So what can be done to reduce falls?

• look around the home for and assess if there are any trip hazards such as loose rugs or staircases without railings
• use high-wattage light bulbs
• don’t wear loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up
• wear well-fitting shoes that deliver good support and make sure laces are tied properly
• if dizziness is becoming a problem and you are taking medication, speak to your healthcare professional – dizziness can be a side effect of medication
• have your vision checked annually as vision problems can also contribute to giddiness and poor vision make falls more likely
• improve you balance to lessen the chances of a fall. Exercise is beneficial to the body and mind in many different ways and does not have to be high impact to be beneficial
• remember that old saying ‘Use it or lose it!’ Keeping both the mind and body supple is key to maintaining independence. Balance training is not just for the currently mobile. Exercise plans can be tailored to suit those whose who want to improve balance as well as those who don’t want to lose it.

Otus Live-in Care has a register of over 250 experienced live-in carers who can look after every level of care from companionship to home from hospital recovery, right through to end of life care.  We are always happy to offer advice, without obligation.  Call the Otus Live-in Care team on 01403 710119.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

Life expectancy is the highest it’s ever been.  A report published by Public Health England (PHE) earlier this year, found that life expectancy in England has risen to its highest ever level.

In West Sussex, people have a relatively high life expectancy, with male life expectancy at 79.9 years and female at 83.5 years, both slightly higher than the figures for England as a whole (ref.  West Sussex County Council).

As a lot of us are living longer and healthier lives and achieving a good quality of life for longer, it makes sense to think about our later life care needs before we need it.  But what are the options and where do we start?  Here are a few things you could consider.

Firstly, don’t rush into anything.  Speak to the people who know you best – your family and friends – and let them know that you are thinking about your future care needs.  What sort of help are you most likely to need?

Where will you live?  Where would you prefer to be cared for?  How can you best continue to enjoy your life, maintain independence and keep in touch with friends and family?  Could you make adjustments to your current home and stay at home with support from carers either by the hour or with 24 hour live-in care.  This could be privately funded.  Your local Social Services can give you advice and if you were eligible, could fund the care in your own home.

Another consideration could be ‘downsizing’, moving to a smaller more manageable property.  Developers are increasingly building new properties designed specifically for the over 55’s, offering facilities aimed at creating a community.  In some cases these developments have an on-site care manager who is available 24/7 for emergencies.

For some, residential care may be the best solution.  It is often the default solution but can be more expensive than engaging a live-in carer.  Our blog last month compared live-in with residential care .

Options for funding care can be quite confusing.  The Citizen’s Advice Bureau can offer lots of help and guidance, particularly when it comes to what you might be eligible for.  Here are some of the support options which could be available:

Attendance Allowance – if over 65 years of age and in need of help with personal care because of a physical or mental health problem, you could be entitled to a weekly sum of money to help.

Carer’s Allowance – if a friend or family member is spending more than 35 hours a week caring for you, an allowance of up to £62.10 a week could be available.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – both children and adults with long-term ill-health or a disability can benefit from this allowance to help with extra costs.

NHS Continuing Healthcare or NHS funded nursing care – if someone has complex medical problems or needs specialist nursing care, then an assessment can be made to check eligibility for a NHS Continuing Healthcare budget.  In some cases, personal health budgets are being introduced by the NHS enabling people to have more choice and control over the care they need.

Otus Live-in Care has a register of over 250 experienced live-in carers who can look after every level of care from companionship right through to end of life.  Whether you are doing some early planning for yourself, or have a need to consider live-in care for a loved one, we are always happy to offer our advice, without obligation.  Call the Otus Live-in Care team on 01403 710119.

LIVE-IN CARE IS PERSON CENTRED AND AFFORDABLE

We know we are biased, but, we genuinely believe that for the majority of people, there is no better option in old age or illness than being cared for by a dedicated carer, in your own home. It’s the reason we created our business.

Care home costs can vary widely across the UK depending on where you live and what type of care is needed.  Whether in West Sussex, Surrey or anywhere else across the southern half of the UK, average costs for a good quality care home are high, and increasing all the time.  Also, the final cost can also depend on whether a room is a single or shared, and even what the specific care needs are. For example, a care home is quite likely to add to its average fee to look after someone who has dementia.

Moving to a residential care home is often the default solution when someone needs additional care and support.  We recognise that residential care might be the only solution for some.  However, in our experience residential care homes often do not offer the continuity, quality of care, independence and lifestyle that can be delivered with one-to-one care in a client’s own home.  Additionally, when everything is considered, residential care it is often the more expensive option.  A report published by healthcare specialists Laing & Buisson in 2013/14, stated that depending on UK location, average weekly costs for residential care could cost from £962 per week.  Engaging a self-employed live-in carer starts from as little as £740 per week.

However, cost is only one aspect to consider.  We think you’ll agree that there are many advantages to live-in care that are not only difficult to put a monetary value on but simply can’t be matched by a care home as the following comparison shows.

So what do you think? What would you prefer for your parent, or indeed yourself as you get older? We think it’s pretty clear cut, but if you’ve got a different perspective or question about live-in care, we’d love to hear from you, without obligation.  Call the Otus Live-in Care team for more advice on 01403 710119.

DON’T DELAY – AVOID DIFFICULT DECISIONS LATER

‘Later life’ might still seem a way off but at Otus Live-In Care we advocate getting your house in order for old age as early as possible. It’s true, for most of us, being, feeling or acting old is much further off than it was for our grandparents. Our healthier lifestyles and the constant improvements in medical diagnosis mean that we can all hope to live longer and be active right into our 80’s.

The flip side of this positive effect is that we have a longer time period to cater for after retirement and given the economies, there is every likelihood that we have less chance of building up a sizeable private pension.  Savings are not attracting very healthy interest and the potential in future for a reduced or no state pension at all means that whatever retirement sum you have managed to accumulate will have to stretch further.  There is also a good chance that you might even need to finance your own care – in a residential setting, or with the help of a live-in carer in the comfort of your own home – all these factors mean that future planning is essential if you want to make the most of your later years.  No matter what your circumstances, there are three simple steps everyone should consider to help start later life planning.

Make a will – having a will or a ‘trust’ is a good idea at any age. Some people assume that everything they have will be left to their spouse if they die intestate. But, having to put the wheels in motion for making this happen while grieving for a loved one is the kind of stress that no one should have to endure.  That’s why it’s a good idea to have your affairs sorted out now, to help minimise the complications and upheaval for your relatives. You should also consider the fact that should you become incapacitated before you die, your family could be left without access to your finances and unable to pay for your care. Nominate someone you’d be happy to act for you should you become unable to look after your own financial affairs.  This is called a lasting Power of Attorney – there are two types, one for property and financial matters, and another for health and welfare – ideally you should ensure both are in place.

Have a financial plan – none of us know how long we will live or what sort of care we might need in later life.  How could you know?  If you need long term care when you are older, there’s a very high likelihood that you will have to contribute to funding it. Get your money organised. Work out how much you might need in old age and put a plan in place for saving enough to cover you. Get your savings organised so that it’s easy for someone else to work out how to access them, should the need arise.

Seek advice – don’t bury your head in the sand.  The older we get, the harder it becomes to have these vital conversations about what will happen when we are no longer able to look after own affairs or health.  You will find it much easier to get advice and talk about what could happen in the future while you are still healthy and in a positive state of mind.  No doubt your family will find it easier if you discuss your wishes with them now too. As hard as it may be, try to communicate what would be the steps you’d want them to take for the various different scenarios.

There are a number of charities that can give advice about later life planning, including Age UK or The Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

For more bespoke advice, you could work with an independent financial adviser (IFA). Looking for a financial adviser can be tricky without a personal recommendation.  The Society for Later Life Planning (SOLLA) is a not-for-profit organisation and has an online portal of advisers who have fully satisfied all the criteria required to become an accredited adviser about products and services which can help you get financially organised for old age.  At Otus, we have been awarded Affiliate Membership of SOLLA, based on the later life care help and advice we are able to offer people.  Additionally, a similar organisation – the Society of Trust and Estate Practioners (STEP) offers a similar service – its members can offer tax, legal and financial advice across generations.  So whether you are doing some early later life planning, or have a need to consider live-in care for a loved one, we are always happy to offer ‘no-obligation’ advice.  Call the Otus Live-in Care team on 01403 710119.

BALANCED DIET AND EXERCISE KEY TO DIABETES MANAGEMENT

Over four million people in the UK now have diabetes, according to a report by Diabetes UK published in February this year – an increase of 65 per cent over the last 10 years.  And there are thought to be around another five and a half thousand with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.  In the coastal areas of West Sussex, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has reached a record high, according to the charity.  More than 27,500 people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the area – an increase of 9 per cent since 2012.

Being at risk of Type 2 diabetes doesn’t mean that developing the condition is inevitable. Up to 80 per cent of those at risk can take action to delay or prevent its onset.   Research by Diabetes UK shows that many people still struggle to identify the factors that put someone at risk – for example, being over 40, carrying excess weight around the waist, or being black or South Asian.

At Otus Live-in Care we have worked with a number of clients suffering from diabetes. Having a live-in carer to help has allowed many of these clients to successfully manage their diabetes in a number of ways. For example, live-in carers make it a priority to provide healthy, home cooked meals every day – maintaining a healthy balanced diet is a key factor in both managing the disease and preventing it developing.

Taking regular, gentle exercise can also make a big difference to diabetes patients and live-in carers help patients to get to, and get involved with a variety of physical activities such as swimming, walking or even a game of bowls.

Some of our clients have acupuncture which can be a really beneficial treatment, helping to manage and control their condition in a more natural way, without the need for medication.  A live-in carer can ensure that the client is able to attend their appointments.

When the blood glucose level of a diabetes-sufferer drops too low, they can have hypoglycaemia or a ‘hypo’. There are warning signs however, many older people find their hypo warning symptoms become less obvious as they age, and some have no symptoms at all. Carers are alert to the signs which may go un-noticed by the client, such as an inability to concentrate, personality change, morning headaches or interrupted sleep.  Undetected, hypos can cause unpleasant symptoms such as confusion, speech difficulties, aggressive behaviour, unsteadiness and falls, and even a heart attack or stroke.   A live-in carer will discreetly and gently ensure that the client manages their food and exercise to avoid hypos and for those who are more seriously affected by the disease, they can help with mobility or assistance with bathing, washing and dressing – but most importantly, a live-in carer stays with their client 24/7.

Diabetes is still hugely misunderstood and there are so many myths and misconceptions about it; Diabetes UK encourages people to share their stories, facts and videos to let everyone know the truth about diabetes.  If you, or someone you know lives with diabetes, why not get in touch with Diabetes UK and tell them your story.

To find out more about how a live-in carer could help someone suffering from diabetes, call us on 01403­ 710119 for a no obligation chat, or email us at [email protected].