The need for care and support at home can arise slowly or swiftly. It could be the result of a unexpected accident or a lengthy worsening illness. Moreover, the loss of ability and independence can be challenging to cope with. Additionally, having a stream of outsiders supporting you in your own home may feel invasive and bewildering, not getting the right health and social care services at home can be stressful and may put your health and well-being at risk.
At North Haven Care and Support we identify these challenges. We believe that having information about the roles of home care specialists can help you stay in control and choose what is best for you, the individual.
District nursing
District nurses are qualified, registered nurses. They give vital health care to people in their own homes. A district nurse often visits after a person has been discharged from hospital or when they have a long-term medical condition that needs ongoing nursing care. In addition to any ongoing treatment, they will teach you and/or your family how to provide the care you need. The nurse will also check to see whether you need any other specialist support. To give you the best care, district nurses work as part of a team with other health care professionals and with your home care/support service.
Occupational therapy
If your health is inhibiting you from doing your usual routine tasks, your doctor may refer you to an occupational therapist. Health conditions may include a learning disability, mental health, a physical disability or other complaint.
The occupational therapist will talk to you about the undertakings that are important to you, what you can do well and where you are facing difficulties. Their role is to implement ways to make everyday life easier for you. For example, you may have no trouble going out, but could find it hard to dress or to open tins of food or jars, or you could be finding it difficult to get in and out of the bath safely. They will explore ways of helping you to do these things. They may recommend
modifications to your home environment, using special equipment or even approach the task in a different way.
Physiotherapy
Some injuries, incapacities or illnesses may limit your movement or ordinary bodily movements. Physiotherapy targets to improve this. A physiotherapist will look at you the individual and not just see the illness or injury. They will work with you to treat the direct problem and will also give you advice about how to avert the problem recurring or getting worse. For instance, they may propose detailed continuing exercises, sustaining a healthy weight, changes to your posture and positioning etc.
Home Care
Home care services give you the necessary care and support you need to live in the comfort of your own home. This is occasionally referred to as ‘social care’ or ‘domiciliary care’ and does not include nursing support. There are many businesses offering these types of services. North Haven care and Support provides excellent quality care to keep you safe and comfortable in your own home. We believe it’s your life and your care, so it must be your way. We see each of our
clients as unique individual, with individual lifestyle choices and needs. We give you control over your care/support package and provide you with the care and support you want, where and when you want it. At North Haven Care and Support we work with you, your families and your health care professionals as a team so you receive the best services to meet your specific needs.
The services we offer include:
- Assistance with personal care and hygiene
- Assistance with getting up and going to bed
- Prompting with or giving medicines and collecting or returning medication from pharmacies
or dispensing GP surgeries
- Preparing meals and assisting at mealtimes
- Collecting pensions/benefits and shopping
- Laundry/washing/ironing and housework
- Support with social activities such as attending a day centre, visiting friends or family, going
to your church or club.
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