Jeanette’s home holds many important memories for her and as she gets older she wants to be able to keep those memories close and remain in her own home, even if she needs a little extra help to live her life her way.
She is one of more than 60,000 people Helping Hands has supported over the past 35 years to help them remain as independent as possible. The company believes that there is no place like home.
As we age, the question of how and where we should receive care becomes increasingly important. Traditionally, nursing homes have been seen as the standard solution for elderly care – but more and more people are choosing to live in care, which offers the comfort and familiarity of home, while providing the support and care needed.
Jeanette said: “My family realized a while ago that I wasn’t coping and they were worried – they live in London and if anything happened to me, it would take forever for them to get to me.
“I said, ‘I don’t want to go into a nursing home, I love my home. I want to stay here no matter what’. It’s the place where they grew up.
“I still remember waking up or being woken on Christmas morning to see them reloading the place – the tree, running down to their presents. This house holds a lot of memories for me and the last thing I want is to leave it.”
The importance of conversation
Although many people have a strong preference like Jeanette’s, many families don’t actually have the necessary conversations about future care plans with their loved ones.
Helping Hands invites people to discuss their wishes, so they can plan ahead and be really clear. It is dedicated to providing long-term solutions to allow individuals, or couples, to remain in their homes while receiving the care they need.
By raising awareness and offering personalized services, Helping Hands aims to make living in care a viable alternative to traditional nursing homes. “Life is better at home,” the company said. “Start the conversation today.”
How Helping Hands makes a difference
From personal care to housekeeping, companionship to nutritional advice, Helping Hands can help people keep their routines and lifestyles as consistent as possible – including helping them get their loved one out and enjoying their hobbies and interests and even accompanying them on vacation if necessary.
“Whether your loved one needs help getting dressed in the morning, help with the grocery store, a competitor to play chess with, or someone to take them to their doctor’s appointment, our caregivers will be able to meet their every need,” said Karyn MacKenzie, CEO.
A customized care plan will be created to match your loved one’s needs and wishes with a carer living in their home to provide up to 24/7 care and support, allowing you and your family to focus on quality time together.
Care workers can provide practical and physical care, such as housekeeping, personal care and taking people to appointments as well as companionship and emotional support.
Helping Hands has 149 branches across the UK, with more than 6,000 fully trained carers and has a 4.8 Trustpilot rating. There is also a team of clinical nurses who support with care packages. All branches are monitored and regulated by the Care Quality Commission or Care Inspectorate Wales.