Debunking The Most Common Myths About Home Care
Myth 1: Home Care is Expensive
One of the most significant barriers to considering home care is the perception that it’s prohibitively costly. However, home care can be a cost-effective option compared to residential care facilities. Here’s why:
- Flexible Packages: Many home care providers offer flexible arrangements. Gladys offers options ranging from just a few hours a week to full-time care, allowing families to choose what best fits their budget.
- Long-Term Savings: Home care can prevent minor issues from escalating into more significant health problems, potentially saving on future medical costs. Additionally, the comfort of being in familiar surroundings has been shown to positively impact well-being, which can also reduce the need for costly interventions.
- Funding Options and Assistance: Government resources are often available to help cover the costs of home care. Local councils may provide financial support, especially if home care can prevent the need for more intensive health services later on.
Many families find that with careful planning and access to available local authority funding, home care is affordable and invaluable in enhancing the quality of life for not only their loved ones but their own peace of mind.
*We can find Care in most areas we cover from around £24 an hour, hardly breaking the bank.
Myth 2: Home Care Means Losing Independence
There’s a common concern that accepting home care assistance equates to losing independence. Many older people have been independent for a very long time, the thought of having someone come in and takeover tasks that they are now struggling to do is a concern for their pride. This is why we carefully take what we do at Gladys. Our Home care is designed to support autonomy and help older adults maintain as much control over their lives as possible. Here’s how it works:
- Discrete assistance: We’ll never send someone in a uniform. All of the Carers and Helpers we supply are friendly local people ready to lend a hand.
- Encouragement and Empowerment: Carers and Helpers encourage self-reliance by offering guidance and support rather than taking over. This means older people can continue engaging in daily routines, hobbies, and community connections and get rid of the tasks they don’t fancy doing anymore (frankly, if someone turned up and did all your hoovering every week, it’d hardly be a burden…).
- Building Confidence: The presence of a carer often boosts confidence, especially when it comes to safety. Knowing that help is nearby can give people the courage to continue with activities they might otherwise feel unsure about.
Great home care promotes independence and quality of life, helping older adults retain their sense of self while staying safe and supported.
Myth 3: Home Care is Only for Severe Cases or ‘old people’
Some people believe home care is only necessary when a person has advanced medical needs. However, home care offers a broad spectrum of services, from everyday assistance to more specialised support. Here’s a closer look:
- Preventative and Routine Support: Home care can help with tasks like meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, and shopping—services that ease the burden on family members and help older adults stay independent.
- Companionship is the bulk of home care: Loneliness is a significant concern for many older adults. Regular visits from a carer provide valuable social interaction, helping reduce feelings of isolation and improve mental health.
- Peace of Mind for Families: Home care provides reassurance that someone is regularly checking in and attending to any immediate needs for families who worry about their loved ones being alone.
- Care is only for the elderly: Yes home care is often accessed by older people. But this isn’t everyone. We help people aged from 24 to 104 with a range of different tasks, from companionship on trips to town, to cooking meals and walking the children to school.
Hopefully we’ve helped to debunk some of the stigma and myths surrounding home care. So if you’re that person that’s too proud to ask, but is really needing a hand to start dusting the top of the kitchen cupboards or a younger adult with severe anxiety who needs a companion and a chaperone to help you build your confidence in town or doing a shop, then don’t feel afraid, get in touch and we’ll set the record straight.
