Home help can provide essential support for elderly people. It enables them to retain their dignity and independence late into life. But beyond this, home help can provide a real human connection, which means elderly people can retain their social skills while avoiding loneliness.
In this post we’ll outline what help is available for elderly people at home, while discussing when an elderly person might need this sort of help. We’ll also explore how you can get funding for this sort of care, if you’re looking to support a loved one.
How Does Home Help For The Elderly Work?
You can usually tailor a care plan based on your specific needs. A trained carer can visit the home as often as necessary, whether this is a few times a week, or once a day. Their visits can last for a single hour, or for a number of hours.
If an elderly person needs continuous round-the-clock care, it’s also possible to hire a live-in carer.
What Type of Help is Available for Elderly People at Home?
Home help for the elderly can offer support with:
- Daily tasks, including cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, and even light gardening.
- Help with errands, including shopping, collecting prescriptions, and posting letters.
- Companionship, including conversations, excursions and days out, and shared hobbies.
Be sure to read our full guide to the benefits of companionship care for the elderly.
When Does an Elderly Person Need Home Help?
- Mobility issues – We can struggle with mobility as we get older. But home help can provide assistance with essential daily and personal tasks, including help with dressing, bathing, using the toilet, and moving around the house.
- After a hospital stay – A temporary home help carer can offer whatever support is needed while a person recovers from an illness, an injury, an operation, or a lengthy hospital stay.
- Dementia and other conditions – If someone is suffering from dementia or a similar condition, a home help carer can ensure they never miss their medication, while providing essential companionship and support whenever they need it.
How Much Does Home Help for Elderly People at Home Cost?
You can expect to pay between £15 and £30 an hour for home help, though the exact amount you pay will depend on the type of support you need. The greater your care needs, then the more you will pay for your home help.
If you need continuous support, a live-in carer can cost around £206 a day.
You can read our full guide to how much home help costs.
How To Arrange For Home Help For Elderly People
If you want to get home help for an elderly person you know, a good first step is to contact your local council. They can then arrange for a care needs assessment. If you’re eligible, they may then contribute to the costs of your home help.
Alternatively, you can check if the NHS offers home help services for elderly people in your area. You could also see if any local charities offer grants, discounts, or other support.
Specialist Home Help For Elderly People in Surrey
If you live in Surrey or by its borders, you can get bespoke support for elderly people at home with the Crossroads Direct service.
Crossroads Care Surrey’s experienced carers provide personalised support to meet your unique needs. They can assist elderly people with a number of daily tasks, from housework to mobility support, depending on your exact requirements.
Learn more about Crossroads Direct home help services. For more information, call 01372 677 831.
