Whether a decision for yourself or a loved one, choosing the next steps forward in a care plan can be a stressful time for all those involved and trying to find the absolute best standard of care can be dizzying.
So what do residential care homes provide? Locations such as Avon Park Care Home in Southampton can offer many advantages that other care options might not be able to, which makes them an excellent choice for those who may need a little more support.
Residential care homes provide an excellent level of security. The vulnerability of older people can make them the target of fraud and crime in their own homes, and this can be particularly dangerous if they have trouble remembering to lock doors and windows. In a care home, this responsibility is taken on by the staff, taking the worry off everyone’s shoulders and ensuring their safety.
Care home staff will always be there to help with any technological concerns, such as helping to read or send an email or make a phone call. In today’s super-connected world, this is especially important, as the vulnerability of those less familiar with technology can make them a target: in 2019, over 40% of older people said they had been targeted by scammers at some point. A scary statistic, but one that staff at Avon Park are ready to prevent.
Nearly a quarter of people aged over 60 say they feel lonely ‘sometimes or often’. Being alone can be draining, and can cause a sense of isolation, both of which take their toll on mental health, which, in turn, affects physical health. Fatigue, insomnia, restlessness, and many more symptoms can be caused or exacerbated by poor mental health, which is why it is so important that care homes such as Avon Park create a strong sense of community, with regular
social outings and activities.
Everyday tasks such as dressing, washing and even eating and drinking can become difficult, which is why there will always be staff available to help in a residential care home. But they go even further than that: while a typical home may have inconvenient furnishings and appliances, care homes are adjusted to make life as easy as possible: chairs and beds at convenient heights, easy-open wardrobes and other helpful adjustments.
Eating healthily can be a challenge for older people, especially for those with decreased mobility and limited transport options. In fact, one in ten of over-65s in the UK are malnourished. This is why residential care homes place such a focus on nutritious, regular meals, not only benefiting physical health but also mental health by maintaining a daily structure.
Care homes such as Avon Park will always have trained staff on hand and ready to deal with any issues that might arise. Medication that may be forgotten at home will be taken care of, and any health anxieties can be addressed quickly and efficiently. Healthcare services are also tailored to the residents’ needs, meaning that while at home, it could be difficult to find support for a condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, care home staff are trained specifically to provide the necessary help and assistance.
Caring for a loved one can be a full-time and difficult job, and can be overwhelming for those who need to work alongside caring.
If you are struggling to balance care and work,
or simply don’t have the time to provide care, a
residential care home can provide peace of mind that your family member is in safe hands.
