Bariatric care describes the care and support given to people who are extremely obese. Bariatric care is an umbrella term that covers the care given in a hospital setting, a specialist facility or at home, specifically catering to the needs and health issues of people with extreme obesity.
Today, we’ll explore what bariatric care is, who it’s suitable for and how Country Cousins can provide the support you or a loved one needs from the comfort of home.
Bariatric Care: What You Need to Know
Due to the rising rates of obesity, there is a growing need for care and support that addresses the specific needs and health issues of people living with obesity, either in a medical/health setting, such as a hospital or in day-to-day life.
Bariatric care is often associated with bariatric surgery, which is surgery that helps obese people lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing a portion of the digestive tract. However, bariatric care is more than just this and encompasses all medical, health and day-to-day care needed for people with extreme obesity to live well.
Bariatric home care services are designed to address the unique needs of these individuals, providing them with personalised care and support to ensure a safe and successful recovery process.
Bariatric care at home includes:
- Post-operative care: After bariatric surgery, patients require careful support and monitoring to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Mobility: Support moving around at home and repositioning throughout the day to reduce skin conditions and promote comfort.
- Nutritional support: Helps individuals with obesity develop personalised meal plans that meet their nutritional requirements, assist in weight loss and facilitate a transition to a new way of eating. This can also include preparing nutritious meals.
- Meals On Wheels For The Elderly: Some families also explore services like Meals On Wheels For The Elderly to support nutritional needs at home.
- Physical therapy: Assistance with physical mobility and exercises to increase strength and minimise symptoms.
- Assistance with daily activities: Support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, toileting and getting out and about.
- Skin health: Common skin conditions experienced by people with extreme obesity, such as pressure ulcers, contact dermatitis and bacterial and/or yeast infections, require daily care to facilitate healing and prevent conditions from worsening.
- Emotional support: Living with extreme obesity can be emotionally challenging and increases the risk of mental health issues. Bariatric home care provides companionship and emotional support to help keep a positive mindset.
- Medication support: Reminding to take medication, such as insulin, to manage type 2 diabetes.
Understanding Obesity and Its Impact
Obesity is a growing problem in the UK, with rates rising dramatically across all age groups in recent years. The term ‘obese’ is used to describe people who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 39.9, while ‘severely’ or ‘morbidly obese’ is a term given to those with a BMI of 40 or above.
The NHS states that approximately 26% of adults in England are obese, and an additional 38% are overweight (BMI between 25 to 30). Morbid obesity has increased by 400% in the last 20 years, going from 1% of the population in 1999 to 4% in 2019.
The impact of obesity on an individual’s health can be very serious. With significantly increased levels of risk associated with chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast and bowel cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, strokes and mental health issues.
Receiving Bariatric Care at Home
While bariatric care can be provided in various settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, many people prefer to receive care at home, where they feel most comfortable. Live-in care services makes it possible for those with extreme obesity and related health conditions to remain in the comfort of their own home, safe in the knowledge that they have all the support they need to live well.
At Country Cousins, we have been providing live-in bariatric home care to people across the UK for over 60 years through our network of professional and experienced bariatric carers. When you receive bariatric home care from Country Cousins, you can rest assured you are getting professional, personalised, one-to-one care from carers who understand your needs.
Safety Considerations and Health Equipment
Bariatric care requires safety considerations for both carers and the care recipient to prevent injury. It is dangerous for care workers to manually lift people, as it can cause them injury. Therefore, they often use slide sheets, slings and hoists to move a person safely.
Many people receiving bariatric care struggle with mobility. This can be due to their physical size and related issues such as bed sores or amputations from diabetes, or unrelated reasons such as their age. They may need assistance to transfer to a wheelchair, shower chair or commode.
They may also require support to change position if they are bed-bound to prevent bed sores. In these situations, it is essential to prioritise safety and ensure appropriate equipment is available to meet their unique requirements.
Emotional Support and Mental Well-Being
A Country Cousins carer provides more than just practical support. Living with extreme obesity can take its toll on a person’s mental well-being, as it not only affects their physical condition but can also impact their ability to socialise or engage in the local community. They may face discrimination and stigma, all of which impact a person’s mental health.
One key component of emotional support for people receiving bariatric care is creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. A Country Cousins carer provides companionship and emotional support on a day-to-day basis, which can have immeasurable benefits for a person’s mental health.
A live-in carer can also help a person access bariatric support groups and assist them in attending social events, which have a positive impact on an individual’s mental health and outlook on life.
Why Choose Country Cousins?
If you or a loved one requires bariatric care at home, either on a temporary basis after bariatric surgery or for ongoing support with daily life, Country Cousins is here to help you.
We have over 60 years of experience providing high-quality home care to people across the UK. In fact, we are the longest-serving home care agency in the UK. We offer personalised, flexible care tailored to your needs, ensuring you receive exactly the care you need, when you need it, from carers experienced in your specific health conditions.
Our bariatric care plans can be tailored to suit you or a loved one, depending on your individual needs, preferences and cultural requirements. We’ll work with you to provide as much or as little support as needed, fostering independence and upholding dignity throughout our time together.
1. What does bariatric care actually involve day to day?
Bariatric care focuses on supporting people living with extreme obesity with everyday tasks such as mobility, personal care, skin health and nutrition along with emotional wellbeing. It also includes using specialist equipment safely and adapting care routines to reduce physical strain and health risks.
2. Is bariatric care only needed after weight-loss surgery?
No. While bariatric care is often associated with recovery after bariatric surgery, many people require bariatric support without having surgery. This can include long-term assistance with mobility, skin care, daily living activities and managing obesity-related health conditions.
3. Can bariatric care be provided safely at home?
Yes, bariatric care can be safely delivered at home when the right carers, equipment and care plans are in place. Many people prefer home-based care because it allows them to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving personalised, one-to-one support.
4. What makes bariatric care different from standard home care?
Bariatric care requires specialist knowledge, training and equipment. Carers may need to support higher body weights, manage complex mobility needs, and prevent issues such as pressure ulcers or skin infections. Care is adapted to prioritise dignity, comfort and safety for both the individual and the carer.
5. What equipment is commonly used in bariatric care?
Depending on individual needs, bariatric care may involve equipment such as reinforced beds and chairs, hoists, slide sheets, shower chairs or wider mobility aids. This equipment helps to reduce strain, improve comfort and prevent injury during daily activities.
6. How does bariatric care support skin health?
People living with extreme obesity may be more prone to skin conditions such as pressure sores, infections or irritation. Bariatric carers support with regular repositioning, skin checks, hygiene routines and applying treatments to help prevent problems and promote healing.
7. Does bariatric care include emotional and mental health support?
Yes. Emotional well-being is an essential part of bariatric care. Living with extreme obesity can be isolating and emotionally challenging, so carers provide companionship and reassurance along with a non-judgmental presence, helping individuals to feel supported and respected.
8. Who might benefit most from bariatric home care?
Bariatric home care may benefit people with limited mobility, those recovering from surgery, individuals managing obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, or anyone who finds daily activities strenuous due to their weight. Care is always tailored to individual circumstances.
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
