At Hamill Homecare, we recognise that independence is incredibly valuable, regardless of an individual’s care needs. When we feel independent, our self-esteem is boosted, and we feel more capable of tackling the day as best we can.
Attaining this sense of independence can be more challenging for those with care needs. Personal care support can make a significant difference in helping them live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
If you or a loved one is interested in pursuing personal care, read on as we examine use cases for this kind of care, the options available, and how to attain them.
What is personal care?
Personal care is a form of care that allows individuals to have their care needs met from the comfort of their own home.
Individuals receiving this care can maintain their routine while receiving support in daily tasks and personal hygiene – preserving independence, privacy and dignity through a bespoke care plan.
By working closely with family members, social workers, and medical professionals, a care plan can be created to offer a tailored care experience that allows the individual to remain close to their loved ones and familiar surroundings, helping sustain a stronger sense of self and well-being.
Who is personal care for?
While many people might associate personal care services with the elderly, the truth is that personal care is for anyone who needs it.
This includes the elderly, who may be used to living independently but now need support in completing tasks to maintain this lifestyle. However, the remit of personal care can also include individuals who are recovering from surgery or who have a long term illness.
What is a Care Assistant?
A Care Assistant (or carer) is employed to help an individual complete various daily tasks that may be challenging to undertake independently. The carer is responsible for addressing the individual’s care needs while following a tailored care plan.
While a friend or family member can perform this role, a qualified carer is trained to manage more complex tasks, such as safeguarding and first aid.
Although the duration of a carer’s visit is determined entirely by the individual’s needs, a visit from a Hamill Homecare carer will last a minimum of 45 minutes to ensure the client’s needs are met to the fullest extent.
What support does Personal Care provide?
As mentioned, personal care is intended to uphold and foster independence and dignity to those who require it.
Depending on the individual’s specific needs, a carer’s method of achieving this may take many different forms, including:
- Assistance with domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning
- Personal hygiene, such as toileting, showering and oral care
- Support with feeding and administering medication
- Support with getting in and out of bed, and getting dressed
- Social enrichment through companion care and facilitating socialising opportunities
It’s important to note that in addition to these support duties, separate care may be required for those who need more specific types of care, such as complex care and palliative care.
Now that we know more about the types of activities a personal carer can support with, let’s examine how to request personal care for yourself or a loved one.
How to pay for Personal Care with Hamill Homecare
Following your initial enquiry and once we have a basic understanding of your needs, our care coordinator will visit your home to complete a thorough assessment. This assessment forms the basis of your personalised care plan.
You can arrange for Hamill Homecare to provide personal care either:
- Privately: You will be responsible or all costs
- Using SDS Option 2: You will have an assessed budget from the Council and may need to pay a ‘top up’ to meet our costs.
To learn more about the funding options available, click here.
Need more information? Get in touch
If you or a family member are considering personal care, we hope this blog has provided you with helpful information to begin the process.
Should you require further information, our team would be delighted to discuss the finer details and offer insight into Hamill Homecare’s approach to personal care. Get in touch today.