According to statistics, in 2021, approximately 13 million people were aged 65 or older in the United Kingdom. By 2030, the number of people aged 65 and over will surpass 15 million in the UK, thus nearly 20 percent of the population will reach retirement age.
www.statista.com
With our increasing aging population, inevitably arises the questions surrounding care and what is best for us as we reach retirement age and above. A recent survey carried out by SureSafe found that 96% of elderly people over the age of 75 “would prefer to remain living in their own homes, rather than moving into residential care or into a family members home”. Today there are many personalised care options available that make staying in our own homes a reality, ensuring a good quality of life is not only sustainable but enjoyable too.
Comfort, familiarity, security
Remaining in our own home as we age is a tremendous comfort; after all it is the place that we have carefully built with our loved ones, where memories have been made, filled with family, friends and perhaps pets if you are an animal lover. It is where all our precious possessions are housed, cared for and loved. Thinking of home for most of us sparks feelings of warmth, pride, safety and independence, a place we most like to be. There really is “no place like home” as Dorothy famously proclaimed. Remaining at home, allows that continuing sense of awareness, we know our space intimately, we have our daily routines, and we feel secure in our familiar surroundings.
Empowerment, independence and the right to choose
By remaining at home, we can continue to have some autonomy and control over our day to day living. This is a very important factor in aging well because it means we still have our independence and have the power make to our own choices.
Having the ability to be able to still carry out daily tasks, even if this is with a little assistance from a care or companionship service shows us that we are still very capable of completing things independently and promotes a can-do positive attitude.
In terms of our well-being and mental health, it is a real confidence booster and helps us to maintain a positive outlook for the future.
Maintaining social connections within your community
Remaining at home is not just about the place where you live, it is also about the community that surrounds you and how you are connected to that. When we have been established in a community for some time, we build up strong social connections, whether that be through work, friends, family, volunteering or hobbies. We become part of the fabric of that community, thus keeping us socially active and engaged. By remaining at home, we can continue to take part in regular activities within our community and maintain the friendships we have carefully nurtured over time. This really enhances overall health and quality of life, helping to prevent long term health conditions such as heart disease and dementia.
More cost effective
When choosing the right care for yourself or a loved one, the mere thought of the cost of a care home can be incredibly overwhelming. And for the majority, financially it is not always an option and dependent on circumstances, it isn’t always necessary. Needing a little assistance will look different to each individual.
The variety of care and companionship services available in the UK today, means there really is something for everyone. At home services can come up with a tailored care plan that is specifically centred around your needs, which can be continually monitored and assessed, allowing for variation as and when required. Having a lack of constraint where assistance is concerned ultimately only leads to greater freedom for individuals that need that little bit of extra help.
More importantly, it keeps the cost down and monthly expenditures more manageable. Because you decide how much care you require and for how many hours. It is also important to remember that financial assistance is available to many eligible individuals in the UK who require care support This really is worth investigating when you are looking into employing care services.
Peace of mind for family and friends
Remaining in the family home as we age with the assistance of a care or companionship service can bring much needed peace of mind for the family and friends that surround them. They can help support their loved one in making the right choice in terms of the service they choose, allowing them to resume their original role in the family (son, daughter, husband, wife, friend) if they have become the main carer. This can redefine expectations again and rebuild those family bonds.
Most of all, everyone gets to enjoy seeing their loved one remain at home, where they are secure. Family and friends also get to enjoy those important visits, celebrations and new additions to the family as generations continue.
The Bespoke Life, Companionship service
The Bespoke Life in Cheltenham is here for you as a companionship service should you require it. We are dedicated to ensuring that each and every one of our clients receive the best quality assistance possible. We will tailor our services to meet your needs and ensure that we take a person-centred approach. We can help you with the following:
- Conversation and company
- Welfare visits
- Assistance with travel
- Arrange and accompany to appointments
- Supporting participation of hobbies and interests
- Shopping, with, or for clients
- Household administration
- Light housekeeping
If you would like more information and confidential chat about how The Bespoke Life can support you, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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