Getting some extra support set up at home for someone you care for can be challenging. They may resist the idea of accepting help outside of the family or having 'strangers' coming into the home environment. The prospect of this kind of change could feel like a big step in their eyes, or an act of giving up independence.
How do I convince them to accept some extra help?
One way of approaching this is to suggest small changes or even a trial run and then this support could gradually be built up as time goes on and trust builds. Helping the person you look after feel as involved as possible in the decision is important – as well as indicating that you need some extra help and support yourself.
The emphasis on how this could help you could go some way to helping to convince them. As many people fear losing independence, it might also help to explain how this could help them live more independently.
Our animated guide has some ideas to help:
Here, you can watch the British Sign Language version
Should I use an agency or employ a care worker directly?
Using a care agency can be more expensive than employing a care worker directly, but there are certain responsibilities to fulfil if you are taking on the role of an employer to recruit someone directly. See our online pages for more information and guidance:
Fore more information about finding care agencies, see this page.
For more information about directly employing a care professional, see this page.
How do I take time out from my caring responsibilities?
If you feel in need of a break, you should not feel guilty about making this happen. Often it is easier to put the needs of those we care for before our own.
See our webpage Taking a break for some ideas on how to take some time out. On this page, you can also download a factsheet which provides a list of organisations that can help with offering a break or support you to seek respite care.
What can I do if finding professional support is not possible?
If your circumstances are complicated and it's not possible to procure additional professional care support at home, there are other ways to make the home a safer environment.
A worry for many of us is whether a family member or friend could have a fall in the home. We know that this can lead to a long stay in hospital and can quickly cause someone's health issues to become worse or more complicated. If you've seen some tell-tale warning signs that a friend or loved one is at risk, you might find our animated guide about preventing trips and falls useful.
Watch our three-minute animated guide below:
Here, you can watch the British Sign Language version
