When it comes to placing a loved one into care, most people are overwhelmed with the cost and therefore are likely to try and care for that person at home. This, however, has additional costs of its own – and not just financially.
#1 Specialist Equipment
It is likely that you are going to need some sort of specialist equipment such as an adjustable bed, adjustable table, and if they have trouble getting around, maybe a hoist and wheelchair too. These items can be expensive, and they will need to be looked after and well-maintained to keep them safe for use. You will almost certainly need a bit of training in using these items, especially a hoist as accidents can happen if your loved one is not strapped in securely or it is not adjusted correctly.
#2 Designated Room
You are going to have to make sure that you have adequate room in your home for your loved one. If your loved one has difficulty moving around ( or is likely to in the future), this should be on the ground floor. You will also have to provide them with areas of the home where they can have some privacy, especially if they suffer from incontinence so that they can have personal care when they require it.
If they do not have their own room downstairs or there is not an adequate-sized bathroom on the ground floor, you may need to think about having some medical curtains from medical-supermarket.com installed in your home to tick this box.
#3 Access for Wheelchairs
In addition to this, you are also going to have to think about when your loved one needs to leave your home. If they require a wheelchair to move around, then you might have to install ramps for your external doors. Even if they can move around on their feet, ramps with handrails could also be a very wise investment.
In saying this, you are going to have to make sure that your internal door frames are wide enough to let a wheelchair through – otherwise you could be looking at more expense in getting them widened.
#4 Hiring additional helpers
Even with the biggest heart, there are going to be times when you are going to need assistance from professional caregivers. Hiring the help of carers is not giving in by any means, and should not be thought of as such. Everyone needs some time to themselves and for respite too. It can be physically and mentally exhausting looking after someone 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. It is important for your mental and physical health that you have days – and certain times of day – away from your caring duties.
There are, of course, different ways around this. You can either have helpers, carers or members of your family take a turn in sitting in with your loved one while you go out and about, or you can opt to make use of those care facilities that allow daycare services at their nursing homes or centers.
