Research Shows ‘Lack Of Awareness’ Of Care Options

New research has highlighted that, while a quarter of British adults have either organised or are in the process of organising care for a relative or friend who is no longer able to cope at home alone, there is a lack of awareness of the different options that are available.

The options that people are most aware of are: getting people to visit the home to provide help or care (such as home helps or nurses) family and friends providing the care and support or the person going into a residential or nursing home.

But there was very little awareness of other options, such as organising a live-in carer to live with the relative and provide care. Only 4% of respondents knew of this option, which can be an alternative to a residential home and can allow a more independent life.

There are now companies, such as Helping Hands Homecare that can provide this service throughout England and Wales for people of a range of ages, including those who have suffered a stroke. The service can be funded privately or through social services (subject to assessment)

Lindsey Edgehill, of Helping Hands Homecare, said: “The Wanless Social Care Review on securing good care for older people highlighted that older people prefer to receive care at or close to home. The Report also noted that the proportion of older people receiving home care in England is low by international standards.

“The new research has also shown that, when people become aware of live-in care, the majority (76%) believe that a live-in carer would be a better option than the relative going into a residential home. This is because most people believe that their relative would be happier, be able to continue with their own life and routines and that they could keep some independence. However, most people do not know that this is even an option which can be considered.”

Paul Cann, Director of Policy and Research at Help the Aged, said: “Arranging the care of an older person is something that most of us have to do at some point. It is concerning that there is still a lack of awareness of the full range of options that are available, and we hope that this new research will lead to an increase in awareness of options such as live-in care.”

More information is available from: www.live-incare.co.uk or by calling: 0808 180 9488.