Agecare Q & A
This article appeared in the Mearns Press in February 2007.
Question:
Answer:
The initial choice is between providing care for her in her own home setting or moving her into a residential or nursing home (both now referred to as “care homes”). The choice will be based not only on the cost of providing the care in either setting but also on the availability of people to care for her at home or of a place in a suitable care home near at hand.
Assuming your aunt still has the capacity, you should discuss this choice with her. She may have a preference for one or the other. If she has no capacity, there ought to be someone with legal authority (an attorney or guardian) who can make it for her, perhaps yourself or another relative. If there is no-one with legal authority, then an application will have to be made to Court to have a Guardian appointed to her, with the appropriate powers.
What factors are relevant when considering care at home? The Local Authority can usually provide home help services and meals on wheels although these services on their own are likely to be insufficient. Other staff will require to be employed to deal with matters such as washing, dressing, preparation of food and eating, giving medication, tidying, cleaning and general house-keeping. A private agency can provide staff for these duties on a regular or ad hoc basis. Remember that the house and garden will require maintenance as well.
What factors are relevant when considering care in a care home? The quality of the staff and communication with residents and their families and friends is paramount. The location is important to allow easy access for visitors; the further away the care home, the fewer visitors the resident is likely to get. The quality and variety of food as well as the activities on offer are all important to the comfort and wellbeing of the resident. Cost is a factor, as not everyone can afford a place in some of the more expensive care homes, even with the help of the Scottish Executive’s contribution.
If you are choosing care for the first time, it is difficult to know how to choose a particular care home or service. Information is available from a variety of sources but it can be difficult and time-consuming to find out what you need to know.
We have recently launched AgeCare® for our clients as an answer to this problem. It is an all-encompassing database, giving details of all care homes and services in the West of Scotland, including prices, facilities and general information. This service is available to our clients at no additional cost. We are happy to discuss AgeCare® with you if you feel it would benefit you and your aunt in making the right choice for her care.
Article compiled by Elspeth Talbot
Posted by Sharon Clift on Feb 08, 2007
