Caring for an elderly, ill or infirm relative at home can be a stressful and strenuous experience. We’ve compiled some useful information and advice for home care, to try and make life a little bit easier.
Useful Information and Advice for Home Care in Chelmsford, Essex
Elderly people are at a high risk of falling due to poor balance. The health implications of a fall for an older person are rarely minor. Fall prevention is the best strategy, so it is important that a home carer understands fall risks in the home, how to prevent these, and what to do in the case of a fall.
Common hazards in the home that lead to falls include:
Poorly lit areas
General clutter
Wet floors
Uneven surfaces such as frayed carpets
Badly fitting shoes
Lack of walking aids (rails, a walking stick etc.)
Make sure that the home is kept free from these hazards to avoid falls wherever possible.
In the event of a fall, it is important that you remain as calm as possible and correctly assess the situation. If the person does not appear injured and feels strong enough to stand, then help them onto a nearby chair and give them time to recover. If you suspect the person is injured, encourage them not to move and call 999.
The NHS choices website provides further information on falls, including likely causes and prevention.
Acting as a home carer for a loved one can be an extremely rewarding experience, but at A1 Home Care we recognise that it comes with challenges too.
If you are caring for a loved one, it is important that you get the correct support, both practically and emotionally, to help you cope with a difficult time.
Carers UK is an organisation that helps support people caring for loved ones at home. They provide lots of useful information and advice for home care. They also have an advice line that you can call to speak to a trained volunteer who understands what you are going through: 0808 808 7777. The line is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Home carers may be entitled to a range of financial benefits to help you meet home help costs. These vary depending on individual income, expenses and circumstances. They may include:
Carers allowance
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
War Disablement Pension Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
GOV.UK provides more information about carers and disability benefits.
Call our team today to discuss your home care needs: 01245 354 774
