Alternatives to Care Homes in the UK

Introduction

When you or your elderly loved one is struggling to stay safe and independent at home, you might feel like a care home is the only option. However, there are several alternatives to care homes in the UK. Today, we'll talk you through some of the other options, along with the costs and benefits of each. Of course, there is no single solution when it comes to care for older people. A care home could be the right option for somebody, just as an alternative could be the right option for somebody else, so make sure to do your research and investigate all the possibilities.

If You Want to Continue Living at Home

Lots of people are reluctant to move into a care home because they want to carry on living in their own home. You might want to stay close to nearby friends and family, or simply surround yourself with precious memories. As long as you can receive the support you need at home, there may not be any need to move. Here are some alternatives to care homes which could allow you to continue living in your own home.

Personal Alarms

Thousands of families across the UK benefit from personal alarms every year. With a Careline365 alarm system in place, the alarm user can call for help with just the touch of a button, so you no longer need to worry about what would happen if you have a fall or medical emergency. This offers vital peace of mind to older people and their families. Lifeline alarms are simple to set up and easy to use, with no complicated installation necessary; just take it out of the box, plug it in, and you're ready to go. There are several different kinds of alarms available, and every Careline365 alarm gives you 24/7 support from our Emergency Response Team, 365 days a year.

Adapting Your Home

As well as ordering a personal alarm, you might want to make some useful adaptations to your home. This might be a daunting prospect, but it could end up being more affordable in the long run than moving into a care home. Grab rails are one of the easiest adaptations you can make, and can be very useful in lots of places, especially the bathroom and stairs. They give you something sturdy to hold onto and help you keep your balance, preventing dangerous falls, and they're relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Some bigger adaptations could include installing a stairlift, a walk-in bath or shower, or building ramps outside the front and back door. These could be a little more costly, but it's certainly worth it to make your home as safe as possible.

Domiciliary or Live-In Care

If you're struggling to complete personal care tasks like dressing, washing, or cleaning, domiciliary or live-in care could be good alternatives to a care home. With live-in care, a qualified carer will move into your home to support you 24/7, and you'll normally be able to request a carer who meets your specific needs, such as one with access to a car or who is comfortable around animals if you have pets. Domiciliary home care, on the other hand, involves having a carer come to visit on a regular basis, whether that's as little as half an hour each week or as much as all-day visits multiple times a week. This is sometimes called respite care, and it's suitable for people who need regular support but not full-time help. It's also a great option for those who are cared for full-time by a partner or relative, since it gives that carer an opportunity to take a break and recharge.

If You Don't Mind Moving Out of Your Home

On the other hand, your current home might no longer be a suitable place for you. You might need certain mobility aids which make it inaccessible or inconvenient, for example, or it might be too far from your support network. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you need to start looking at care homes if you don't want to. Here are some more alternatives to care homes which involve moving out of your current home.

Move In With Relatives

If you feel apprehensive about care homes, speak to your family about it. Once they understand your concerns, you'll be able to look for a solution together, which could mean moving in with a relative or close friend to get the support you need. Not only will this reassure you, but it's also bound to give your loved ones peace of mind. This could be a very affordable route for you and your family too, especially if you decide to sell your current home and put the funds towards any care expenses you might need to cover. If your loved one becomes your carer, you might also want to look into respite care from time to time.

Sheltered Housing

Another alternative to care homes is sheltered housing. This is like a middle ground between living in your own home and moving into a care home, allowing you to carry on living independently, just with a little more support in a home that's easier to manage. Most sheltered housing schemes also include access to an alarm system like the Careline365 alarm. Lots of local councils and housing associations offer sheltered housing schemes, so get in touch with your local council to see what's available where you live.

Assisted Living

This care home alternative is a lot like sheltered housing, but with a little more support. You'll be able to receive assistance with tasks like washing and dressing, which isn't usually available in sheltered housing schemes. However, you'll still have your own space with your own front door, usually a self-contained flat. Assisted living housing is available to rent or buy, so think carefully about your financial situation before making a decision. Unlike sheltered housing, assisted living is regulated by the CQC, so be sure to look for inspection reports and ratings before you commit to anything.