Staying at home
If home is where you want to be, it’s essential that you and your carers have as much support as possible. Caring can be hard work, both physically and emotionally. It’s not always easy to ask for help, and many people find it impossible. However, it is important that your carers save enough energy to do the things that only they can do, such as spending time talking to you and supporting you. They can pass on some jobs to other people, where possible.
Your GP, community nurse, specialist nurses and social work services can tell you about other types of help and support. If you need equipment for example, a commode or mattress, then ask your community nurse for advice. You may need to rearrange your home: for example make a dining room into a bedroom – so that the person can be cared for on the ground floor and does not have to cope with stairs.
Care at night may be available in your area. Volunteers from local organisations may be available to sit with you while your carer shops, or they may be able to do the shopping.
You can make an appointment with your GP, community nurse or social worker to talk through what may happen and make a plan for dealing with emergencies which may occur. They may also refer you to other services which can also help you.
You need to know how to reach the district nurses or out-of-hours doctor. Ask your general practice for local contact details. If you’re being looked after any other services, you need to know how to contact them in the middle of the night or at weekends. This should enable you to sort out most problems that occur at home.