LIVE-IN CARERS CAN HELP SPEED UP HOSPITAL DISCHARGE
The NHS has been in the spotlight again recently. Reports about the junior doctors’ strike, and the shortage of beds in our hospitals resulting in patients being transported long distances to be treated, have kept the NHS top of the news agenda again.
Helping people to continue their recovery after an operation in the comfort of their own home is often the type of support that carers registered with Otus Live-in Care are called upon to deliver. So the recent news stories have brought to mind an article we published a while ago which addressed some of the issues currently under the spotlight. We have reviewed and updated our story for this week’s blog.
Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that hospitals are often under immense pressure to meet targets relating to bed space management with delays in hospital discharge often being the major contributing factor. In the case of elderly patients, discharges can be delayed due to the time it takes to assess and ensure that suitable care arrangements are in place. Often the priority for an elderly person in hospital is to get back home to his or her own familiar surroundings. A live-in carer can enable this, as well as giving peace of mind to loved ones as the carer is available 24 hours a day. This can be very beneficial when someone needs physical help as well as companionship and support to regain confidence.
Professional and experienced live-in carers have the additional skills and training to help someone needing more personal care e.g. full assistance with mobility (using a hoist); assistance with bathing, washing and dressing (including help getting into and out of the bath or shower); continence care and help with toileting (including the emptying of commodes or catheters). With specific training and experience in how to care for a person who has a terminal illness, has suffered a stroke or is suffering from advanced Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, live-in carers can effectively support people in their own homes, and at the same time give loved ones peace of mind.
In summary, engaging a live-in carer has many benefits for the patient and, by enabling a more speedy discharge from hospital, could potentially help ease the current lack of beds in our hospitals.
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 help 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]