Homecare

Home care is an excellent service provided by agencies and local authorities for those who don't want to go into residential care but need some help in their own home to maintain their independence. Major users of this service are the elderly.

The Care in the Community Act which became law in the early 1990's stated that people who are finding it difficult to manage at home, through infirmity, illness or disability, should be given the help and support they need to allow them to continue to live in the community amongst their friends and relatives, for as long as they are willing or able to do so.

SERVICES AVAILABLE

• Carers
• Home helps
• Sleep-overs
• Sitters
• Qualified nurses

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT HOME CARE PROVIDER

Obtain as much literature as possible from various agencies and your local social services department.
Check how long the provider has been serving the community.
Make sure staff are experienced and, if home nursing is required, that they are qualified.
Enquire about what costs will be involved and whether financial assistance is possible.

SLEEP-OVERS

An experienced carer will be available on-call to attend any needs overnight.

DAY CARE

Carers are usually available from 1 to 24 hours and will attend to the daily needs of the client. They are usually available to cook meals and do light domestic tasks.

SITTERS

Sitters can provide respite for those caring for elderly or sick relatives as well as providing companionship for those living on their own.

LOCAL AUTHORITY HOME CARE

About 500,000 people in England and Wales have home care delivered by local authority social services departments. At present charges for home care depend on where you live - each authority sets its own charges. But from April 2001 a new national charging scheme is to be introduced.

SPECIALISED NURSING

There are agencies available who can provide qualified nurses to attend to the needs of patients in the comfort of their own home.
Nurses who specialise in the care of patients suffering from cancer usually work together with the patient's doctor or consultant, maintaining a high standard of care and treatment.