Throughout our lifetime, we inevitably encounter moments when we must make significant decisions regarding the wellbeing of our loved ones. For many families in the UK, one such decision is determining the best form of care for elderly relatives who require assistance.
Full time care in a professional setting, such as a care home, offers numerous advantages that can provide essential respite for both the individual needing care and their families. At Inchmarlo Retirement Village, we are passionate about the benefits that full-time care can have, providing elderly people with the dignity and comfort that they deserve.
Safety and security
As your relative ages, one of the safest places they can be is in full time care.
Care homes offer a secure environment that is difficult to replicate at home. They are designed with the elderly in mind, featuring safety measures that include 24/7 care and support, personalised care planning, mental health support and security wardens.
Additionally, professional staff are available around the clock to assist with any health emergencies, providing peace of mind that your loved one is always in safe hands.
Constant companionship
Isolation and loneliness are common issues for elderly individuals, especially those living alone or with limited mobility. Care homes provide a community atmosphere where residents can engage in social activities, form friendships, and participate in group events. These interactions are crucial for mental and emotional wellbeing, helping to stave off depression and anxiety.
At-home care, whilst providing the comfort of familiar surroundings, can sometimes lead to social isolation and loneliness in older people. Even with the best efforts of family and home caregivers, the level of social interaction available in a care home is difficult to replicate.
The structured environment of a care home ensures regular social engagement.
Regular meals
Many elderly individuals admit to struggles with nutrition due to a decrease in energy, physical dexterity or ongoing problems with short term memory. These issues are exacerbated if they have Alzheimer’s disease as one of the main concerns with memory loss is forgetting to eat, or believing they haven’t eaten and eating too much.
In a care home, residents receive regular, balanced meals prepared by professional staff, ensuring they get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. This eliminates the worry of meal preparation and dietary management for both the residents and their families.
Comfortable living environment
Care homes provide a comfortable and well maintained living environment so that your loved one won’t need to worry about doing the chores. This means they can dedicate their time to relaxing and socialising after a long life of working and caring for others.
This environment contributes significantly to their overall wellbeing.
Medication management
As people age, managing medication can become increasingly challenging, especially for those with dementia or memory loss. Forgetting to take medication or taking the wrong dosage can have serious health consequences.
Care homes have systems in place to manage medications effectively, ensuring that residents take their prescriptions correctly and on time. This professional oversight reduces the risk of medication errors and ensures consistent, effective treatment.
Promotes an active lifestyle
Regular exercise is proven to keep the mind active and improve the quality of life that we all have, and this becomes even more crucial as we age.
Care homes offer a wide range of activities to meet the diverse range of interests their residents possess including:
- Bingo
- Bowls
- Exercise Classes
- Arts and Crafts
- Regular Outings
- Gardening Club
- Board Games/Quizzes
- Church Services
- Visiting therapets
- Regular external entertainment
- Wellbeing therapy
These activities provide stimulation and engagement, promoting both physical and mental health. In contrast, at-home care might lack the resources and infrastructure to offer such a diverse array of options, and your loved one might not have the capability to get to local clubs themselves.
Independent living
One of the most common myths about care homes is that they remove independence, when in reality they are designed to retain independent living for as long as possible, whilst providing the necessary day-to-day assistance that many elderly individuals find they need but would not get at home.
Care homes tailor care to the needs of each individual, taking the capabilities of your loved one into account. Some care homes will even offer regular shuttle services to local towns and walking spots that residents are free to use if it is deemed safe for them.
Residents will likewise be free to spend the day as they choose, with socialising, dining spots and activities chosen by them.
Respite for relatives
Caring for an elderly relative at home is a privilege but it is also a demanding responsibility that can take a toll on family caregivers, physically, financially and emotionally. Balancing care duties with personal and professional obligations often leads to caregiver burnout and can cause relationship strain, which is the last thing anyone wants when they are conscious that these might be their final years with someone they love.
Full time care homes offer much needed respite for these family members, allowing them to take a break and recharge.
By opting for a care home, families can alleviate the stress and fatigue associated with continuous caregiving. This respite is not only beneficial for the caregivers but also enhances the quality of care provided to your elderly relative.
Family members can visit their loved ones in the care home, enjoying quality time together without the pressures of caregiving duties.
At Inchmarlo Retirement Village, our care home in Aberdeen is the ideal solution for those who require full-time care in a homely environment. Your care is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, giving the elderly as much independence or pampering as is required for their abilities.
Inchmarlo House has both single and double bedrooms, all with en suite facilities.
We understand that the transition to full-time care can be a difficult one for individuals and their families and we aim to do everything in our power to make this as smooth as possible. If you are caring for an elderly relative and require respite, we have a range of options including respite care, daily care and care at home if you feel it is not yet time to permanently commit to a care home.