How Do You Get Home Help for the Elderly?

As our loved ones grow older, it’s natural to want them to remain in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar faces and memories. Ensuring they receive the right support to maintain their independence and well-being is a common concern. Home help for the elderly provides a compassionate solution, offering bespoke assistance tailored to individual needs.

Here you can explore what home help entails, the services it includes, the availability of free assistance and how you can access these invaluable resources to support your loved ones.

What is home help for the elderly?

Home help for the elderly encompasses a range of services designed to support individuals in their own homes to maintain their independence and well-being. These services can include support with daily activities such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship and help with personal care tasks. The goal of help for the elderly at home is to provide bespoke support that allows the elderly to continue living comfortably in the familiar surroundings of home.

Country Cousins offers home help for the elderly as live-in care services, providing dedicated carers who reside with your loved one, ensuring round-the-clock support and companionship. This approach allows individuals to maintain their routines and lifestyle while receiving the necessary assistance.

With over 60 years of experience, Country Cousins is committed to delivering compassionate and personalised carers that treat your family as their own.

What does home help for the elderly include?

Help in the home for the elderly includes a variety of services to support the elderly in their own homes. These can include:

• Assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming
• Meal planning and preparation
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Companionship and emotional support
• Medication reminders and organisation
• Transportation for errands and appointments
• Monitoring health conditions and reporting changes
• Respite care for family carers

Who can benefit from home help for the elderly?

Home help services are ideal for elderly individuals who:

• Face mobility challenges, such as arthritis or balance issues
• Live with chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease
• Are recovering from surgery or illness
• Experience cognitive impairments, including dementia or memory loss
• Feel socially isolated or live alone
• Have caregivers needing respite or additional support

The benefits of home help for the elderly

Choosing home help for the elderly with Country Cousins offers many benefits:

• Personalised one to one care: Our dedicated carers provide bespoke support, ensuring your specific needs and preferences are met.
• Familiar surroundings: Remain in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by cherished memories and personal belongings.
• Enhanced well-being: Staying at home can contribute to better mental and emotional health, helping to promote a sense of independence and dignity.
• Companionship: Our carers offer consistent companionship, building meaningful relationships that enrich daily life.
• Flexible support: We adapt our services as your needs change, providing seamless care without the disruption of moving to a new environment.

Is there free home help for the elderly available?

We know ensuring your loved ones receive the support they need at home is your priority, and understanding the availability of free support services can be reassuring. While comprehensive free home help services for the elderly are limited, several avenues can provide valuable support at little to no cost.

NHS services

The NHS offers certain free services that can support individuals at home:

• Equipment and home adaptations: The NHS provides some equipment and home adaptations to help individuals live more comfortably and safely at home. These are typically free and not means-tested. To request a home assessment, contact your local council’s adult social services department. You can reach them online or by phone.
• NHS Continuing Healthcare: This is a package of care provided outside of hospital, arranged and funded solely by the NHS. Eligibility is based on an assessment of care needs. Read our handy Financing & Funding guide to learn more.

Local Authority support

Local councils may offer support services, including:

• Social Care Funding: Financial assistance for care services where eligibility depends on individual circumstances. To determine your eligibility, the council will conduct a needs assessment to evaluate the level of care you require. Learn more about getting a care needs assessment.
• Disabled Facilities Grants: For significant home adaptations, councils may offer Disabled Facilities Grants to help with costs. These grants are means-tested and can assist with major adaptations.

Financial support

For those on low incomes, financial assistance may be available:

• Pension Credit: A means-tested benefit for those over State Pension age, which can provide additional income and may entitle individuals to other benefits, such as help with health costs.
• Winter Fuel Payments: A government payment to help with heating costs, available to those over a certain age. Eligibility criteria apply.

How do you get home help for the elderly?

Arranging home help for an elderly loved one through Country Cousins is a straightforward process designed to provide compassionate and bespoke care. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Initial consultation

Reach out to our friendly, UK-based care advisors at 01293 224706 for a no-obligation, confidential discussion about your care needs. We can provide impartial advice and guidance about your care options.

2. Detailed assessment

A dedicated member of our team will work closely with you to understand your loved one’s unique requirements, preferences and daily routines to create a tailored care plan.

3. Carer matching

We will carefully match your loved one with a self-employed, live-in carer whose skills and personality align with your family’s needs.

Talk to our team today

If you are considering live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.

Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, contact us through our online enquiry form.