How to help your loved one transition into care

We all want to see our loved ones receiving the support they need. If you and your loved one are considering care as an extra help to make sure they are living life to the fullest and have their potential medical needs attended to, then there are several things to consider that might make the transition easier. 

Helping your loved one mentally prepare for the change

The first, and most important step, in helping your loved one transition to care is being there for them as they get used to the idea. Many older people will be unaccustomed to having extra dedicated support, believing they are already independent and very capable. However, helping them see the value in extra support will make the transition smoother and more relaxed for all involved.

It's essential not to rush the initial process, include your loved one in the decision making and give plenty of time to discuss their preferences, concerns and wishes going forward. Most care providers offer highly personalised and adaptable services, ensuring that no-one should have to make compromises or settle for less.

For many, time and open, relaxed dialogue is all that is needed to help them prepare mentally for the change. Plus, visiting and meeting different carers will often make the idea seem less alien and grow them familiar with new environments.

Finding a carer

Once you’ve decided that employing professional care is the right solution to make sure your loved one receives the support they need, it's time to begin the search for a carer. There are many avenues for care, from a residential care home, to assisted living, temporary or respite care, or live-in care too. 

It's important to thoroughly research which option caters for which needs. For example, assisted living provides more independence than a care home, but more support than living alone. And some options are more flexible than others, for example, live-in care usually offers a range of services, bespoke care plans and care for various conditions. Devoted’s live-in care options range from twenty-four hour care to personal and dementia care as well.

Websites such as Care.com, and your local council website will have plenty of information about the care services available nearby and be able to provide some guidance about who to approach.

Getting your finances in order

Financing care can seem like a steep mountain to climb, and it's true that there are various guidelines and thresholds to take into consideration. Recently the UK government announced reforms to adult social care which altered how care is paid for, and how much it costs. 

There is now a cap on the maximum amount that care might cost, which levels expenses across the country, but can affect individual families differently. Although partially means tested, many middle-income families may have to dip into their personal assets before they reach the maximum costs cap. 

Therefore, when preparing care for your loved one, you will need to assess and get your finances in order. Financial support is available for most people, but without taking time to prepare beforehand, it might seem like an overwhelming process. Guides like this one from Age UK, will have answers to a lot of common questions, and their helpline is open to answer queries directly.

At Devoted, we have a team dedicated to not only providing bespoke and exceptional standards of care, but also supporting you in the process of setting up a care plan for your loved one. If you have any questions or want to enquire about how Devoted can help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.