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You may need a helping hand, but consider your needs do not merit going into a residential care home. Perhaps you are recovering from illness or find that cleaning your home, or shopping is becoming harder to manage on your own. You may already have a regular carer who is going on holiday. If you are a couple, one may be struggling to look after the other or perhaps you are both experiencing difficulties in coping. Many carers are not professionals, but everyday people looking after their wives, husbands, parents, friends or relatives. Sometimes they will need advice, practical help or just a break

How to find the home care you need.

Help is available from many sources. This includes your local Social Services department, GP, local voluntary organizations for the elderly, independent, care and nursing agencies and the United Kingdom Home Care association.

Types of home care

Having your home adapted with handrails, stair lifts, bath aids etc, to make your home safer and your life easier.

A home help to help prepare meals, do housework and shopping for you.
A door-to-door transport service.

Personal alarm systems, which give 24-hour emergency cover, if you need help.

Pop in services, someone to assist with that small, but essential task, like changing a light bulb.

Meals on wheels who can deliver a cooked meal, directly to your table.

Help with personal care, like bathing, dressing and going to the toilet.

Night sitters and sleepers, if you need reassurance throughout the night.

A live in service, which offers you 24-hour care and companionship.

Your local Social Services department can carry out a carer's assessment and may also be able to help out with respite care. Many residential care homes also offer respite care.

Choosing home care

It is really important that you feel comfortable with your home carer. You will have more choice if you are funding your care yourself, rather than through the local authority. However it's still important to use a reputable agency and make sure they vet their staff. Ask about their code of practice, the service they provide and what qualifications and training the carer has.

Make sure they able to provide the specific care you need, check their charges, including any extras, and ask what happens if you have a problem with a carer or if one is ill or on holiday. You will also need to know if there is a complaints procedure.

Remember you local authority can help by making an assessment of your needs and compiling a care plan. They have a legal duty to provide you with suitable care at home, though charges and the levels of care may differ, according to the area you live in. If they cannot help, they will be able to suggest other organizations that can and will also be able to advise you about any benefits you are entitled to claim. If you need a great deal of care, you may find it less expensive in a nursing or residential home.

Learn more about this author, ROSEMARIE GLANVILLE.
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