Realising that an elderly relative might need extra support within their home may be difficult to come to terms with. Whether they’re struggling with everyday tasks like washing or cleaning or becoming less sociable and impacting their well-being, starting the conversation about home care support is often the first step towards improving their quality of life.
If your loved one agrees to some professional support, choosing the right home care agency is essential. The care team you choose will significantly impact their physical and mental health moving forward. Yet, finding the right home care agency can be overwhelming, especially the first time you pick up the phone to enquire about the care services available. To put your mind at ease, we have looked into what you can expect when contacting a home care agency like Papillon Home Care. Once you find the right agency, you will feel a sense of relief and confidence in the care your loved one will receive.
First Contact
When you call a domiciliary care agency, you will start a meaningful conversation about the care and support your loved one needs to maintain their independence. This initial contact is about getting a feel for whether a home care agency is the right fit for your loved one and your family. It’s normal to feel apprehensive, but knowing what to expect can help to prevent unnecessary stress.
At Papillon Home Care, we understand the importance of making the right care decisions for your loved one. Our friendly team will put you at ease from the first phone call, ensuring you feel supported and informed at every step.
Talking about the Care and Support Needs
One of the first things you will discuss with a care agency is your loved one’s specific care needs. This is your chance to discuss your concerns about their health, daily routines and any challenges they may face. Being open about their care needs helps home care agencies personalise the services to suit your loved ones’ individual needs.
Home care agencies offer a vast range of support services, whether assisting with domestic tasks, like cleaning, bed making, social tasks like days out and companionship or personal care tasks, like washing and managing medication. They will support your loved one in maintaining their independence while enabling them to live happily and healthily at home.
Home Support Services include:
How Much Care Required
When you call a care agency, you can ask detailed questions about home care visits and who will provide one-to-one support. This is the time to ask about the services offered and how they can meet the specific needs of your loved one.
It’s important to discuss the flexibility of home care services and determine whether care is available for a few calls a week, multiple calls a day or a full time care package. At Papillon Home Care, we offer bespoke care plans that are as unique as our clients, ensuring your elderly relative receives the support they need in a way that best suits them. This personalised approach will make you feel your loved one is treated with the utmost care.
Care at home may start with just a few weekly calls and build up over time as the support needs increase. A care package can be amended and adapted to suit the person’s needs, whether increased due to additional health needs or illness or decreased due to improvements in health or independence.
Costs and Financial Support
Understanding the costs involved and any financial support available is an important part of choosing a home care agency. All agencies should be able to answer any questions you have about the cost of receiving care at home and how you can fund the care services your loved one needs.
Our Papillon Home Care team can provide advice and guidance about paying for home care services. We can signpost you on where to check if your loved one is eligible for any funding to support paying towards their care.
Arranging a Care Assessment Visit
After these initial discussions, the next step typically involves arranging a visit to your loved one’s home. This visit allows a care assessor to view the environment and the specific needs of your loved one. It’s also an opportunity to meet the agency’s staff face-to-face and better understand how the care agency works. We understand that inviting strangers into your home can be worrying, but rest assured, our team at Papillon Home Care is professional and respectful and prioritises your loved one’s comfort and safety.
We know how critical this initial assessment is; it’s not just about evaluating needs but also creating a solid foundation for high-quality care and ensuring your loved one’s personal preferences are considered from the outset.
Papillon is There to Help
Our compassionate and skilled care professionals are there to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible, designed for their personalised needs and circumstances.
We can provide long term care or short term care.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
