Tackling Common Misconceptions About Care at Home
Care at home is an increasingly popular alternative to moving into a care home – but it is still poorly understood by many. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most common myths and misconceptions about this type of care.
1. Private Care at home is only for the wealthy
Many families often immediately disregard home care as an option because they assume it is too expensive. This is not always true – you will be surprised to learn the costs of care at home are typically lower than residential care.
The cost of home care will depend on the area, care needs and provider. Working with agency carers is typically more expensive than finding a carer through an introductory agency like SuperCarers. Our day care prices start at £14 per hour, and live-in care prices at £750 per week.
2. If you want to use professional home carers, you’ll get different carers for each visit
Historically, unless you knew a private carer through personal connections your only home care option was a care agency. While some agencies make a real effort to send the same carers, their tight margins often mean that they are forced to roster carers for efficiency – at the cost of consistency.
These days, there are a number of introductory agencies which can help you find a qualified, vetted professional carer to work with directly – including SuperCarers. As your relationship will be with the individual carers you have chosen, you can be assured that it will be the same friendly face visiting each time.
3. If your Local Authority pays for your care, they will pick your provider and care package
According to the 2014 Care Act, every person eligible for Local Authority-funded care has the right to choose their own care package and provider. This means that they are obliged to give you the money to spend on your preferred providers if that is what you want. This form of support is called a Direct Payment, and is explained in more detail on the NHS website
4. If you own a house, you will have to sell it and spend the proceeds before the Local Authority will pay for your care
To receive financial support from your Local Authority, you need to first undergo a care assessment and a means test. Put very simply, if your savings are below the higher threshold you will receive some assistance, and if they are below the lower threshold the Local Authority will pay for your care in full.
If you are moving into residential care, the cost of your home may be considered when your savings are being calculated. However, if you opt for care at home it will not.
More information about funding care can be found in SuperCarers’ Elderly Care Guide.
5. Care is an unskilled profession
While carers aren’t accredited like doctors and nurses, caring is still a highly skilled profession which can be physically and emotionally challenging. Professional care workers undergo extensive training in order to gain their qualifications, which are required to work for any regulated care agency. Most introductory services will also require these qualifications, and will check their validity on your behalf before the carer can register themselves as available to work.
6. Care at home is not suitable for the very sick
Sometimes people think home care is only appropriate for individuals with less advanced care needs, whilst a care home is the only safe option for those requiring around-the-clock care. However, home care organisations often provide round-the-clock, personalised, intensive care. This can even be nurse-led, if needed.
7. Care at home is only for the sick
Carers don’t just look after ill people. They can also provide companionship, domestic assistance, errand-running and transportation.
A common misconception of hiring a home carer is having to sacrifice independence and freedom – when in fact a carer will do the opposite and help you maintain independence, safety and freedom resulting in a higher quality of life.
Answering your questions about care at home
If you have any questions about home care, and whether it is the right option for you. You can call one of our friendly care advisors on 020 8629 1030 or visit supercarers.com.
Connecting people who care
SuperCarers is an introductory service which helps connect individuals and families with trusted, experienced and vetted carers. Unlike a traditional care agency, instead of directing the care itself we focus on finding excellent carers, making personalised matches, and providing you with the tools to make the management of care easier. By cutting out the agency middle-man, we are able to reduce costs while still ensuring carers are rewarded well for their hard work. Meaning everyone can focus on what matters most – caring.
