Recognising and Addressing Elderly Care Needs During the Festive Season

The festive season is upon us, a time for twinkling lights, roaring fires, and most importantly, family. But amidst the flurry of gift wrapping and carolling, a quieter reality can emerge – the rediscovery of an elderly loved one who, beneath the surface of holiday cheer, may be struggling more than we realised.

Unmasking the Silent Struggle

For many families, Christmas reunions offer a chance to reconnect after months or even years apart. It’s a time of laughter, shared meals, and cherished traditions. Yet, within the warmth of the gathering, a subtle shift can occur. The relative who always seemed so independent might now appear forgetful, confused, or even frail. The twinkle in their eyes might be dimmed by worry, the once steady gait replaced by a hesitant shuffle.

These seemingly small changes can be a wake-up call, a realisation that our loved one may not be as safe or comfortable on their own as we once believed. The festive cheer, while welcome, can also highlight the stark contrast between their current situation and the support they may need.

These revelations can be daunting. The new year looms, and with it, the prospect of difficult conversations about care options. How do we broach the subject without dampening the holiday spirit? How do we navigate the complex landscape of care choices, ensuring our loved one’s well-being while respecting their wishes?

How to Begin the Conversation About Care

Though many cherish the holiday season, it can create added pressure when having difficult conversations about a family member needing further care. There are some small ways to begin the conversation about care in an empathetic, patient way: 

• When approaching the conversation about care, focus on your loved one’s well-being and safety rather than on their perceived limitations.
• Be prepared to listen to their concerns and fears with empathy and understanding.
• Involve other family members in the decision-making process to ensure everyone feels included and supported.
• Remember, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to care. Explore different options and find what works best for your loved one and your family.

Admitting that you or a loved one needs care can be emotional, so it’s important if you do decide to move forward with seeking more care support that you remain involved in the conversation throughout. Live-in care trial periods can be a good way to see how your family may benefit from the support of a carer, as this could showcase to you or your family how much the added support is required. 

What Types of Care are Available? 

At Ashridge Home Care, we offer various types of at-home care to ensure that your loved one receives the assistance and comfort they need.

Live-In Care 

Live-in care might be the best option for your family if you’ve realised that your loved one needs consistent support throughout the day. If during this festive period they’re struggling with basic tasks, such as cooking, eating, or personal care, then a live-in carer will provide them with dedicated support in the comfort of their own home. 

Hourly Care 

Hourly care could be the right choice for your family if you feel as though your loved one would benefit from added support and companionship for a few hours everyday or a couple times a week. Have you noticed that they are still coping with most tasks, but are starting to find certain activities challenging? Hourly care can provide flexible but consistent support throughout the week. 

Respite Care 

If you’ve been caring for someone, but know that during the festive season you’ll be unable to always offer the support they need, then respite care may be a great option. We know that caring for your loved one will be your priority, but if the emotional and physical demands are taking their toll, then respite care can take the weight off and give you time to refresh. 

How can Ashridge Home Care help?

This is where Ashridge steps in. We understand the emotional turmoil that comes with recognising a loved one’s needs, especially during a time traditionally reserved for celebration. We are here to guide you through these often-complicated conversations, providing a safe space for open and honest communication.

Our experienced care specialists can help you:

• Understand your loved one’s needs: Through comprehensive assessments, we can identify areas of concern and develop a personalised care plan tailored to their specific requirements.
• Explore care options: From visiting care to live in-home support, we offer a range of solutions to ensure your loved one receives the right level of care in the most appropriate setting. We can also offer advice on when a residential care home may be the right solution but let’s ensure you have fully explored how your loved one could stay in the comfort and security of their own home before taking that big step.
• Navigate the complexities of care: We can help you understand funding options, legal considerations, and any other challenges you may face.
• Support your family: We recognise that caring for an elderly loved one can be emotionally and physically draining. We offer support and guidance to the entire family, ensuring everyone feels involved and informed.

Remember, prioritising your loved one’s well-being is not a betrayal of the festive spirit; it’s an act of love and responsibility. Let Ashridge Home Care be your partner in this journey, helping you navigate the sometimes-complicated channels of care options with compassion and understanding.

This Christmas let’s not just celebrate the joy of family reunions, but also recognise the opportunity they provide to discover hidden needs and ensure the safety and well-being of our cherished loved ones.

With Ashridge by your side, you can face the new year with a renewed sense of hope and confidence, knowing that your loved one is receiving the care and support they deserve.

How to arrange a carer over Christmas

To arrange a carer over Christmas, get in touch with the team at Ashridge Home Care to discuss availability during the festive period. We’ll help you to clearly outline your needs, including hours, specific care requirements, and any holiday plans so that we can build a care plan that works for your family member. From there, we’ll arrange a meeting to ensure compatibility and to confirm schedules and expectations.

If you’re concerned about your loved one and don’t want to leave them without care this festive season, we also provide urgent live-in care. Urgent care can be provided at short-notice, so if your circumstances suddenly change you can ensure that your family member is getting the care they need. 

By working together, we can make this Christmas a time of genuine joy and shared commitment to our loved ones’ well-being. We are open in-between Christmas and New Year so don’t sit at home worrying, call us for a chat 01494 917344