Convalescent care, also known as convalescent home care, is a type of care provided to people who are recovering from an illness or injury. This type of care is typically provided in a residential setting, such as the care recipients home, a nursing home or assisted living facility, and is designed to help people regain their strength and independence after a period of illness or hospitalisation. The care provided in a convalescent home may include things like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services, as well as help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. The goal of convalescent care is to help people recover from their illness or injury and get back to their normal lives as quickly and safely as possible

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What is Convalescent care?

We are very proud to announce our partnership with the amazing Blackburn and Darwen Carers Service.&nbsp;Sam Morris - CEO of BwD Carers Service said:&nbsp;The Carers Service supports those looking after a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without their help due to illness or disability.Often the family member needs help and support to provide the care their family member needs.Caree is a platform that will help family carers find the right person to help and support their family member.Offering choice, control and flexibilityThe Carers Service are happy to be a part of Caree, giving family carers peace of mind.https://www.bwdcarers.org.uk/

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Caree Partner with Blackburn and Darwen Carers Service 

The decision between home care and residential care will depend on the individual's needs and preferences, as well as their financial situation. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between these two options: &nbsp;<ul><li>The level of care needed: Home care is typically best for individuals who only need occasional or limited assistance with activities of daily living, while residential care may be a better option for those who have more complex needs.</li><li>The individual's preference: many people prefer to remain in their own homes and have care provided there, while others may prefer the structure and support provided by a residential care facility.</li><li>The cost: Home care is generally far less expensive than residential care, but the costs can vary depending on the level of care needed and the type of services provided. It is important to consider the individual's financial situation and what they can afford when making a decision.</li></ul>Overall, the best option will depend on the individual's unique needs and circumstances. It may be helpful to consult with a healthcare provider or care coordinator to determine the most appropriate option. &nbsp;

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Is Home Care or Residential Care the Best Option?

Deciding whether to become a self-employed carer is a personal decision that will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. Here are some things to consider when making this decision:<ul><li>The benefits: Being self-employed as a carer can provide you with more control over your schedule and the type of work you do.</li><li>Self-employed carers on the platform typically earn 30% more than employed carers per hour.</li><li>You get to chose your clients</li><li>The carer platform gives you access to 1000’s of work opportunities so you don’t have to find them yourself.</li><li>We do all the vetting so you don’t have to provide these to clients</li><li>We provide insurance for the work you carry out on the Caree platform</li><li>The challenges: Being self-employed you will be responsible for your own tax returns, but don’t worry its quite simple and we’d be happy to put you in touch with our partner accountant to help you with this who specialises in this field.</li><li>Your qualifications and experience: To work as a self-employed carer, you will typically need to have relevant qualifications and experience in the field of care. This may include things like a certificate or diploma in caregiving, as well as experience working with clients in a care setting. Caree are looking in talks with a training provider that we negotiating favourable rates for carers on the caree platform.</li><li>Overall, becoming a self-employed carer can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it is not for everyone. It is important to carefully consider your goals and circumstances before making a decision.</li></ul>

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Should I become a Self Employed Carer?

Caring for elderly relatives can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you provide the best care possible:1. Understand their needs: It's important to understand your elderly relative's specific needs and how you can best meet them. This may include helping with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, or providing transportation to appointments. 2. Keep them safe: Make sure that your elderly relative's living environment is safe and free from hazards. This may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing tripping hazards, and making sure that medications are stored properly. 3. Encourage independence: While you want to provide help and support, it's also important to encourage your elderly relative to be as independent as possible. This might include helping them to maintain their hobbies and activities, or helping them to learn new skills. 4. Stay connected: It's important to maintain regular communication with your elderly relative, whether it's through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits. This will help you stay updated on their health and well-being, and it will give them a sense of connection and support. 5. Get help if needed: Caring for an elderly relative can be physically and emotionally demanding. It's important to take breaks and seek help when needed. This may include hiring a professional caregiver, enlisting the help of other family members, or finding local support services. &nbsp;

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How to Care for Elderly Relatives 

How do I access social care support?If you feel you need care support in your home to do daily tasks you can ask your local authority for a “NEEDS ASSESSMENT.”&nbsp; This assessment can look at such things as equipment you may need, such as pendants, access to day centres etc. It can also look at practical help you may need from a paid carer.&nbsp;The needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one by ringing their local council.&nbsp; The assessment is usually conducted by a social worker or occupational therapist.&nbsp; They will look at how you manage every day tasks such as washing, cooking and dressing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Do I have to pay for this support?If the needs assessment identifies you need more support you will have a financial assessment to see if the council will pay towards the costs.&nbsp;You will NOT be entitled to help with care costs from your council if:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>You have savings worth more than £23,250. (This will rise to £100,000 in October 2023)</li><li>You own your own property (This only applies if your moving into a care home)</li></ul>&nbsp;If you do not want a financial assessment you can chose to pay all the costs yourself.&nbsp;If you would like more info on how the financial assessment works click on the link below to view more info on the NHS website.&nbsp;Financial assessment (means test) for social care - NHS (www.nhs.uk)&nbsp;Can I choose my own carers?Yes, if you or someone you care for has help from social services you can apply for direct payments.&nbsp;This will allow you to use the budget agreed from your NEEDS ASSESSMENT to choose the care that you want.&nbsp; You may wish to employ a personal assistant rather than have different carers visiting you.For more information on direct payments in your area click on the link below and enter your local authority.Apply for direct payments - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits available to those with long term illnesses or disabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are benefits available for people suffering from an illness or disability that can help with care costs.&nbsp; These are type of benefits are “health” benefits and they are not means tested.&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal Independence Payment“PIP can help you with living costs if you have a long term physical or Mental health condition or disability. Or, difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.” -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gov.uk/pip">www.gov.uk/pip</a>You can claim PIP regardless of if you are working, are claiming other benefits or have savings.&nbsp;There are two components to PIP, Daily living and Mobility. You may get one or you may be entitled to both.&nbsp;The lower rate for Daily living support is £61.85 and the higher rate is £92.40.The lower rate for Mobility support is £24.45 and higher rate is £64.40.These figures are correct as of Dec 2022.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/pip">Personal Independence Payment (PIP): What PIP is for - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a>&nbsp;Disability Living AllowanceIf you have a child under 16yrs they can apply for Disability Living Allowance.&nbsp;Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability</li></ul>You can find out more information and full eligibility criteria by clicking on the link below:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children">Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a>The DLA rate&nbsp;is between £24.45 and £156.90 a week and depends on the level of help the child needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Attendance Allowance.Attendance Allowance is available for those state pension age and older.&nbsp; It helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.&nbsp;It’s paid at 2 different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.You could get £61.85 or £92.40 a week to help with personal support if you’re both:If you receive Attendance Allowance it may mean you can also claim other benefits.You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.<a href="https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance">Attendance Allowance: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a>

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How to get Care Support and how you Pay for it?

Home care can help you in many ways, depending on your individual needs and circumstances. Some of the ways that home care can help include:<ul><li>Providing assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming</li><li>Helping with household tasks, such as laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping</li><li>Providing transportation to appointments and other outings</li><li>Preparing and delivering meals</li><li>Providing medication reminders and assistance with taking medications</li><li>Providing companionship and social support</li><li>Monitoring your health and wellbeing, and alerting your healthcare provider if there are any concerns</li><li>Providing respite care to give your caregivers a break</li></ul>Overall, the goal of home care is to help you maintain your independence and live as comfortably and safely as possible in your own home.

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How can Home Care Help me?

Depression is a common mental health condition that can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to function and enjoy life. It is estimated that in the UK, around one in six adults will experience depression at some point in their lives. Symptoms of depression can vary, but may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Other symptoms may include changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of depression, including genetics, environment, and life events. It is often a combination of these factors that lead to the onset of the condition. Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Antidepressant medication can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of depression, while therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals to understand and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides access to mental health services, including treatment for depression. There are also a number of charities and organizations that offer support and information for individuals living with depression and their loved ones. It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression to seek help from a healthcare provider. With the right treatment, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

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Depression 

Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function, including memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. It is a common condition, particularly among older adults, and can have a significant impact on the individual and their loved ones. In the UK, it is estimated that there are currently over 850,000 people living with dementia, with this number expected to rise to over 1 million by 2025.Symptoms of dementia can vary, but may include memory loss, difficulty with language, disorientation, changes in mood or behaviour, and a loss of ability to think and reason. Dementia can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.Living with dementia can be challenging for both the individual and their loved ones. It can affect a person's ability to carry out everyday tasks and may ultimately require them to have assistance with personal care and daily activities. In addition to the physical challenges, dementia can also have a profound emotional impact, causing feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression.There are a number of organizations in the UK that offer support and assistance to people living with dementia and their caregivers. The National Health Service (NHS) provides access to services such as memory clinics, support groups, and home care services. The Alzheimer's Society is a leading UK charity that provides information, support, and services to people with dementia and their loved ones.While there is currently no cure for dementia, there are a number of treatments and interventions that can help to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include medication, cognitive and behavioural therapies, and support with activities of daily living. Research into the causes and potential treatments for dementia is ongoing, and it is hoped that advancements in this area will lead to improved outcomes for those living with the condition.In conclusion, dementia is a common condition in the UK that can have a significant impact on the individual and their loved ones. While there is currently no cure, there are treatments and support services available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. It is important for individuals and their caregivers to seek out information and support to help them navigate the challenges of living with dementia.For more information, here’s the link to the Alzheimers society website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1sucBhDgARIsAFoytUvjcK_2ZT39epBEIwdgMaWeYHvDOn4a0Zav-c-nerPikxZVx4Cn_5saAgq_EALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">https://www.alzheimers.org.uk</a>

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