The Department Of Health has estimate that by 2050 there will be 19 million people aged over 65 living in the UK. When considered alongside the Age UK’s projection that 80% of these people will need care in their later years, it is now clear that very few people will remain unaffected by the ageing population’s need for care, whether moving into care themselves or helping relatives with the transition.
With almost two million people already in either residential or receiving home care, the issue of preparing for care is no longer an avoidable subject.
You have most likely come to this section because you have a significant decision to make about your long term care or that of a close relative. Choosing care can be a daunting prospect so before you make any decisions, it would probably be helpful to understand the type and level of support you and your family require. For example, do you need a live-in service, or will hourly care suffice? Do you require specialist residential support because you are living with a complex condition, such as dementia? How can you access appropriate care, if you are a couple wishing to stay together? Or are you looking for other types of support, for example with your social activities or household duties?
As you have become older, there will undoubtedly have been some aspects of daily life that have become harder, either as a result of illness or simply just becoming frailer with increasing years.
As a consequence, family and friends may be concerned about your ability to manage, but with the right care and support, you should be able to stay in your own home for as long as possible.
When making choices about care, there are a number of factors that will help you decide which option or range of options will suit you best. It is likely these factors will include the quality, location and cost of the care, but there could also be very personal factors that help you decide.
Some important considerations include:
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