As we grow older, retaining as much independence as possible while staying safe can be a fine balancing act.
While care facilities are sometimes necessary to help look after the elderly, many would prefer to stay in their own home, as long as they are able to.
However, simple tasks such as cleaning, cooking and administration can become more of a challenge – and that’s not to mention experiencing isolation and loneliness if the individual finds it harder to get out and about.
This can have a huge impact on both the mental and physical health of the person experiencing these feelings.
According to a survey conducted by Age UK, 1.4 million older adults are affected by loneliness. The charity warned that if this statistic isn’t taken seriously, they believe that ‘by 2026, there will be two million people over 50 in England who will often feel lonely’.
This is where Helping Hands extend their support. As a home care provider, they’re looking to tackle both the issue of isolation, while helping older people keep their independence.
Recognised by the sterling reputation they’ve built since first starting out nearly 30 years ago, Helping Hands aims to provide high-quality care and companionship across England and Wales.
They offer a range of bespoke care packages, including visiting care, respite care and even live-in care. As well as supporting customers with household duties and personal care, the carers also provide companionship, which can be invaluable to someone living alone, or those unable to go out and socialise on a regular basis.
The company understands that requirements are unique to each individual’s needs, hence the need for a person-centred approach to care, so that customers’ lives and routines can be maintained and accommodated to as much as possible.
Regional care director, Adam Wilkins explained: “It’s so important that our customers are able to stay in a place they love, their own home, and receive the support they need when they need it.
“We are proud that we can offer this to our customers through our live-in care service. They can live an independent life no matter what condition they are living with and it’s thanks to our amazing carers that this is made possible.”
Shelia’s story
Shelia Ferrar is one of those customers who has opted for the live-in care package, to best suit her needs. After a nasty fall, which both shook her confidence, and required an extensive recovery period, Shelia and her family sought out the services of Helping Hands.
“You get to a stage where you think you can do everything yourself, and you’ve got to have somebody to watch over you,” Shelia said.
Carer Christina moved into the spare room full-time to help stay at home, rather than have to consider any alternatives such as moving into an assisted care facility, which didn’t appeal to Shelia.
Now several years on, they’ve built a strong bond, and Shelia has expressed her delight at being able to remain as independent as possible, while having invaluable help and companionship around the home.
“She [Christina] gets me up in the morning, she does the housework, and she makes the beds, and she does the cooking,” she explained.
But perhaps, even more importantly, Sheila no longer feels alone.
“She’s not just somebody doing things in the house for me. She’s my friend, she’s like a daughter,” Sheila added.
Compassionate home care since 1989
Covering every region of England and Wales, Helping Hands has been the home care provider of choice for thousands of families for over three decades, with over 150 branches across the nation.
Their carers strive to go the extra mile for their customers, so that the individual and their families can experience the peace of mind that their ongoing support provides.
They also have scope to look after those with additional or complex needs, such as dementia, and aim to work with customers in order to find the right package for their needs.
People are at the heart of what they do, be it their customers, and especially their employees, without whom their reputation and services wouldn’t be possible.
Helping Hands seeks to recognise and commemorates its employees for their hard work through its ‘Moments of Kindness’ scheme.
This initiative was introduced to reward carers who go above and beyond their role and make a real difference in people’s lives, just like Christina.
Speaking about the Helping Hands team, regional care director Adam Wilkins added: “The compassion and empathy that our customers receive from our carers is second to none; they genuinely make the company what it is today, true Helping Hands.”
If you are interested in receiving live-in care for you or a loved one, visit the Helping Hands website.
