Preparing your home for care

How do I know home care is right for me or my loved one?

At Minster Home Care, your routine becomes our routine. Our caregivers get to know you and your schedule, we know who has existing health conditions and when they need to take their medications. Our job is to make your life easier, and we want to do that where you feel the most comfortable – your home.

How do I prepare my home for care?

The discussion of starting care is usually triggered by an event, whether that is a fall or an illness. However, if you are discussing care, you should not rush into making any decisions, but instead talk about your options and which will benefit you and your loved ones the most.
Start off small so the transition is not overwhelming.

Our clients have done a number of things when preparing for our services. First of all, once you have spoken with a member of our office team, we will arrange a suitable time for an initial care assessment. During the initial assessment we will discuss what care you feel may help and gain contact numbers for your next of kin, as well as your doctors’ details, just in case of any emergencies.

Our Recommendations

Leaving your home can be difficult, it is where many memories are made and many more can be made in the future. We believe in the importance of receiving care whilst staying in the comfort of our own home, reaping benefits not only physically, but emotionally too.

To ensure your home is prepared for our caregivers, we recommend a few things that you can do to ensure this transition is as easy as it can be.

Install a Key Safe

As one of our caregivers could be visiting your home numerous times a week, we recommend installing a key safe. This ensures that your caregiver can gain access easily, whilst you’re safe in the knowledge that your home is secure from any unwanted visitors. Installing a key safe is also useful if you would like a visit from anyone with little notice, including a family member, a GP or a member of our team.

Home Modifications

If home care sounds like the right option for you, you may want to consider long-term planning, such as making some small modifications to your home. These can include:

• Installing a stairlift.
• Installing a bathroom handrail or hoist.
• Purchasing non-slip mats for the bathroom.
• Hanging a waterproof personal alarm in your bathroom to ensure someone is notified if you are in trouble.

Other adjustments can be made by your caregiver too. These may include simple changes such as labelling your kitchen cupboards, helping you pay a utility bill or assisting you with personal care.

If you believe home care will suit you, contact us today to arrange an initial assessment with a member of our team. From there, we will liaise with you and your family to create a care plan that will include the level of care you may require and your preferences surrounding it. We believe in the importance of ensuring your care is right for you and our staff are fully equipped to ensure that you and your home are prepared.