Elderly critical care at home
Attentive, one-on-one critical care at home, providing the most necessary medical care in the comfort of the person’s own home, instead of a hospital.
What is critical care?
Critical care, or intensive care, is a type of specialist care for anyone who is seriously ill or has a life-threatening condition. For example, after a serious accident, head injury, fall, heart attack, stroke, or an infection like sepsis or pneumonia.
People receiving critical care usually need constant monitoring, frequent medical intervention, and/or regular medication management to remain in a stable condition. Instead of this taking place in a hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU), it can also take place at home.
Critical care at home may involve:
- Constant vital signs monitoring
- Personal care support while they are unable to manage alone
- Specialist care such as stoma management or catheter care
- Non-invasive ventilation
- Feeding tube support
Can critical care occur at home for older adults?
In some cases, older patients may be required to stay in hospital to ensure access to equipment and specialist doctors, but in some cases it is possible to receive critical care at home provided all needs can be effectively met.
Care at home has been found to be as effective, or more, than hospital care, with potentially lower readmission rates. This is often preferred by patients and families. Studies suggest the advantages of critical care at home include an environment with adequate lighting and noise levels to support better sleep, and unrestricted visits from loved ones.
With the help of GPs, local services and coordination from care providers, critical care can be set up at home with ventilators, IV drips, and anything else needed.
Does my loved one need critical care?
If your older relative is experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms, critical care at home may be possible depending on the type of interventions they need. Conditions that require constant monitoring, ventilation, oxygen therapy, or similar treatments may be well placed for this.
One example of someone who could benefit from critical care at home would be a dementia patient, where it may be safer and less distressing to bring critical care to their home instead of moving them to a stressful, unfamiliar place.
This way, patients benefit from one-to-one support, and maintain contact with family, friends, community members and pets, which can keep their spirits high when they are facing a serious condition or difficult recovery.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
I am very happy with the support, care and kindness I receive from all the staff of Home Instead.B.M, Client
From day one Home Instead has given us a first-class professional caring service. Office staff and carers very helpful and understanding.Paul and Sandra, Clients
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How to get started arranging critical care
If your loved one is currently receiving critical care in hospital, there may be discussions about transferring them home to continue treatment and care there. The hospital discharge team can help families arrange this, and should ensure all equipment and medical professionals are in place before the transfer begins.
For more flexibility during critical care, our Care Professionals can provide everything needed for your loved one to receive critical care in their own bed where they feel most comfortable and safe, as well as liaising with medical professionals who can manage their treatment from home. We are always happy to implement critical care quickly and efficiently to avoid any delays and maintain continuity of care.
Why Home Instead?
Our Care Professionals are highly experienced, trained in a number of disciplines, and can support community doctors, nurses and other medical professionals by providing consistent vital signs monitoring, wound care, stoma management or catheter care, and emotional support and updates for families.
In addition, their vast experience in the care industry means they can identify any complications or signs of health issues early, and notify the appropriate healthcare professionals promptly.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so we can confidently provide high quality critical care at home for your loved one during this challenging time.
FAQs
What is elderly critical care at home, and how does it work?
Elderly critical care at home involves providing advanced medical support to older individuals with serious or complex health conditions in the comfort of their own homes. Care Professionals and healthcare providers work together to monitor vital signs, administer medications, assist with medical equipment, and ensure the individual’s needs are met 24/7. This personalised care allows patients to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving the medical attention they need.
How can home care services support elderly individuals requiring critical care?
Home care providers like Home Instead can offer specialised support tailored to the individual’s condition, such as help with feeding tubes, oxygen therapy, or wound care. Our Care Professionals are trained to handle sensitive health requirements and coordinate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care. They also assist with everyday tasks and offer emotional support to both the patient and their family.
What safety measures are taken for elderly critical care at home?
Our home care services prioritise safety by conducting a thorough assessment of the home to make it suitable for critical care needs. This might involve installing medical equipment, ensuring proper hygiene, or managing the layout for easy mobility. Care Professionals are trained to handle emergencies and provide constant monitoring to address any health issues promptly, giving families peace of mind.
How can home care services help families of critically ill elderly individuals?
Caring for a critically ill loved one can be overwhelming for families. Our home care services relieve this pressure by providing expert care, giving family members time to rest and focus on other responsibilities. Care Professionals can also offer guidance on managing the individual’s condition and act as a source of emotional support during challenging times.
Are professional carers qualified to provide elderly critical care at home?
Yes. Our Care Professionals undergo rigorous training to manage critical health conditions effectively. They are skilled in areas such as medication administration, medical equipment operation, and emergency response. Many work closely with healthcare professionals to adapt care plans as needed, ensuring the highest level of support for the individual’s needs.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.