How Home Care Supports Healthy Ageing
In today’s world, the desire to live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life is a common goal. A growing body of research from institutions like Oxford Population Health and the British Heart Foundation highlights a crucial finding: modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet and exercise, have a far greater impact on longevity than genetic predisposition alone.
These findings, alongside insights from experts like Dr. Eric Topol, demonstrate that a proactive approach to health can profoundly extend one’s healthspan. For residents in Havering and surrounding areas, this proactive approach can be significantly enhanced by the right support and that’s where home care, particularly from a trusted provider like Certified Care, plays a vital role.
The Key Lifestyle Factors for a Longer Life
1. A Healthy and Nutritious Diet
Research from the UK Biobank shows that a healthy diet, rich in fresh foods and low in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), is a key determinant of a longer lifespan, even for individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
How Home Care Can Support: For individuals who find shopping or cooking difficult, home care can be an invaluable asset. A dedicated carer can assist with meal planning, grocery shopping to avoid UPFs, and preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals. This support ensures that dietary choices consistently align with a longevity-promoting, Mediterranean-style eating pattern.
If you think you or a loved one might benefit from support at home, then contact Certified Care to arrange a non-obligatory care assessment.
2. Physical Activity
Physical activity is one of the most powerful factors for a longer life. A UK Biobank study found that regular exercise can add several years to a person’s life expectancy, regardless of whether they have pre-existing health conditions.
How Home Care Can Support: A live-in carer or a visiting carer can encourage and facilitate physical activity. This can range from assisting with gentle walks in local parks to providing supervision during prescribed exercises, making physical activity both safer and more accessible.
3. Strong Social Connections
Loneliness and social isolation are recognised as critical public health issues in the UK, linked to a significantly increased risk of premature mortality.
How Home Care Can Support: Home care providers offer more than just physical assistance; they provide crucial companionship. A regular presence in the home can directly combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, fostering social interaction and a sense of connection that are essential for mental and emotional well-being.
Do you need support looking after a loved one at home?
Let our experienced Team help you understand your options.
There's no cost and no obligation.
Just a helpful conversation.
The Benefits of Home Care
An Oxford University study found that for a select group of older people, “Hospital at Home” care resulted in outcomes just as good as, or even better than, hospital care, with higher levels of patient satisfaction. This research underscores the value of receiving high-quality care in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
Navigating Home Care Options
For those in the Havering and surrounding areas, a range of elderly care services are available to support independent living and enhance quality of life. For Havering residents, The London Borough of Havering’s Adult Social Care services can provide assistance and information on getting support from a home care agency.
Local home care providers approved and regulated by the Care Quality Comission (CQC) can provide a wide range of services, including:
- Personal care (washing, dressing, continence care)
- Companionship
- Assistance with daily tasks and household chores
- Medication support
- Specialised care for conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease
Provider like Certified Care can also provide flexible support, from short-term care to live-in care.
Here’s a recent review from a client’s son:
The care given to my 89 year old father is excellent. I particularly like that there are only three carers who regularly visit so that my dad has become used to seeing the same people. The carers complete the daily log so I can check on the phone app what he has eaten and that he has had his medication.
Changingregular scheduled care visits or adding an additiional one if needed has been easy which gives me flexibility if I cannot be there.
I am very happy with the service prvided and would recommended Certified Care to anyone who needs care for an elderly parent with dementia.
If you think you or a loved one might benefit from support at home, then contact Certified Care to arrange a non-obligatory care assessment.
Local and National Resources for Support
When considering care at home, it’s helpful to be aware of the support available from various organisations, both locally and nationally. Here are some reputable resources you can explore:
Havering Council – Provides information on adult social care and local care provider hubs.
Havering Carers Hub – A local organisation that offers support and advice for unpaid carers in Havering.
NHS – Offers guidance on care needs assessments and various home care options.
Age UK – A leading charity that provides a wide range of advice and services for older people across the UK.
The National Careline – A free helpline and website offering support and information to the elderly and their families.
Marie Curie – A charity that provides care and support for people with a terminal illness and their families.
Next Steps
Certified Care provides reliable and personalised home care and support in the comfort and safety of your home. Contact us today to find out how we can support you or your loved to remain safe and well in your own home.
Do you need support looking after a loved one at home?
Let our experienced Team help you understand your options.
There's no cost and no obligation.
Just a helpful conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visiting care, also known as domiciliary care, involves a carer visiting your home for short, scheduled periods to assist with specific tasks like personal care or meal preparation. This is ideal for individuals who are fairly independent but need a little help with daily activities. Live-in care, on the other hand, means a caregiver lives with you full-time to provide around-the-clock support. This option is beneficial for those with more complex or advanced care needs, ensuring they have consistent, one-to-one assistance, companionship, and peace of mind without having to move out of their home. The choice depends on your individual needs and the level of support required to maintain your independence and lifestyle.
Funding for home care can come from several sources. You may be eligible for financial assistance from the Havering Council, which is determined through a care needs assessment and a financial means test. The NHS also provides a package of care called NHS Continuing Healthcare for individuals with complex, ongoing health needs. If you are not eligible for council or NHS funding, you can choose to fund care privately using your own savings or income. It’s recommended to explore all options, including speaking with a financial advisor, to find the most sustainable solution for your circumstances.
The primary benefits of home care are maintaining your independence, comfort, and familiarity. By staying in your own home, you can continue your routines, remain close to your community, and keep pets and personal belongings. Home care also provides personalised, one-to-one attention from a dedicated carer, which can lead to better health outcomes and a higher level of satisfaction. Research has shown that receiving care at home can result in faster recovery from illness and a reduced risk of hospital readmission, all while combating social isolation through consistent companionship.
