How Can I Arrange Home Care for My Aging Parents

It’s completely natural for elderly parents to face challenges with everyday tasks as they age. Whether you’re unable to provide direct assistance or live too far away to lend a hand, there comes a point when you may need to seek help. This need might arise due to an injury, illness, or simply the natural ageing process.
If you’re in this situation, you’ve probably considered arranging home care services for your parents. But where do you begin the process of organising in-home care? Continue reading for some valuable insights…

Who pays for care?
There can be some complexities to the question of funding care, but in most cases it is relatively straightforward. In most cases, if the care recipient has savings of more than £23,250 they will have to fully fund their own care costs. While they are living in their own home, the home is not counted as an asset. If savings are below £23,250, the local authority will likely be responsible for paying some or all of the care costs, if the person is assessed as having an eligible care need, as defined by the Care Act 2014. You will need to contact the local authority to arrange a needs assessment and a financial assessment.
Your parents have the right to choose how they are supported and by who, and if they are entitled to financial support for their care costs, they can ask for a Direct Payment and arrange their own care.

Starting Point: Exploring home care options
If your parent(s) will be paying for their own care, you do not need to contact the local authority to arrange support for them. Your first step can be to contact Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor. We can facilitate a care needs assessment, which is instrumental in understanding the level of home care or assistance your parents require. This assessment can also identify potential home adaptations to make their life more comfortable, and we can make or suggest referrals to specialist services, such as an occupational therapist.
While your parents may need assistance with various tasks, the primary goal is to promote their independence for as long as possible.

Types of Assistance Home Care Professionals Offer
Home care often extends beyond traditional nursing care. Carers can provide a wide range of services tailored to your parent’s needs, including:
- Household Chores: Sometimes, all your parents may need is help with household tasks that have become challenging due to ageing, such as cleaning, meal preparation or changing the bed.
- Personal Care: Carers can offer assistance with personal tasks like bathing, dressing, and getting in and out of bed.
- Errands: They can help with daily errands like grocery shopping and even unpacking groceries at home.
- Social Support: Care Professionals also offer social companionship, ensuring your parents have regular contact and emotional support. This may involve activities like sitting down for a chat, providing transportation to a day centre, or helping them stay engaged in their hobbies. This is particularly important for those living alone.
Based on the care needs assessment, Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor Care Professionals can provide tailored assistance that precisely matches your parent’s situation and requirements. It’s common for family members and carers to collaborate in caregiving, allowing everyone involved to take breaks when needed.

How Can Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor Assist You?
If you or a loved one is facing difficulties in daily tasks due to illness, injury, or disability, our home care services can provide the extra support necessary to maintain independent living. Our care visits are flexible, ranging from occasional hours to more specialised care, ensuring that your specific needs are met.
If you’d like to learn more about our home care services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can call us on 01769 302003 or you can fill out the form below.
We’re here to explain the options available to you.

Areas We Serve
South Molton, Barnstaple & the surrounding areas
EX31 1, EX31 2, EX31 3, EX31 4, EX32 0, EX32 7, EX32 8, EX32 9, EX33 1, EX33 2, EX34 0, EX34 7, EX34 8, EX34 9, EX35 6, EX36 3, EX36 4, EX37 9, EX39 1, EX39 2, EX39 3, EX39 4, TA22 9, TA24 7 and TA24 8
Unit 1c, Lime Field, South Molton EX36 3BS, UK
01769 302003