24 Hour Care: Ensuring Continuous Support and Safety

24-Hour Care is a comprehensive service designed to meet the needs of individuals who require continuous support and supervision. This level of care is particularly beneficial for those with complex care needs or those who are at risk when left alone, such as individuals with severe health conditions or advanced age.

The Need for Continuous Care

Recent statistics have shown a notable shift in care requirements, with a significant number of individuals needing long-term support. In England, the majority of unpaid carers provide either very minimal (9 hours or less per week) or extensive (50 or more hours per week) care, highlighting the need for additional support in many cases. Particularly in Wales, a higher number of people provided 50 or more hours of care per week than any other category.

Benefits of 24-Hour Care

Continuous care brings several advantages:

Safety and Supervision: Constant presence ensures immediate assistance in case of emergencies or sudden health issues.
Companionship: Reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially important for those who live alone.
Personalised Attention: Care plans can be tailored to the individual’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the right level of support.
Peace of Mind for Families: Knowing that a loved one is under constant watch and care provides immense relief to families.

Challenges in Long-Term Care

The complexity and costs associated with long-term care are significant. In England, over half of the gross current expenditure on long-term care was for individuals aged between 18 and 64, often due to more complex care needs. This highlights the need for specialised services that can adequately cater to such requirements.

Addressing the Needs of Carers

It’s also important to consider the needs of unpaid carers, who often shoulder a considerable burden. The decrease in the number of people providing less than 19 hours of unpaid care per week, paired with a shift towards more extensive caregiving roles, underscores the growing need for professional support services like 24-hour care.

In 2021-22, nearly £22.0 billion was spent on adult social care by local authorities in England, with a significant portion allocated for long-term support. This expenditure is essential in supporting the increasing demand for adult social care services and ensuring the quality of care provided. The trend of a decreasing number of service users receiving long-term care since 2015-16, primarily driven by those aged 65 and over, also emphasises the need for targeted services.

Ensuring quality of life for those receiving care is a key concern. Recent findings have shown a decrease in the proportion of carers who feel they have adequate social contact. This reinforces the need for care services that not only address the physical needs of individuals but also their social and emotional wellbeing.

Tailoring 24-Hour Care to Individual Needs

In ensuring the effectiveness of 24-hour care, it’s essential to tailor the service to the individual needs of each person. This involves a comprehensive assessment process to understand their specific care requirements, preferences, and lifestyle. Care plans are then developed to address these needs in a holistic manner, considering physical, emotional, and social aspects.

Comprehensive Assessment and Personalised Care Plans

Initial Assessment: Conducted by experienced professionals, this assessment gathers information about the individual’s medical history, daily routines, dietary needs, medication schedules, and personal interests.
Family Involvement: Families are encouraged to participate in the assessment process to provide valuable insights and ensure that the care plan aligns with the individual’s and family’s expectations.
Ongoing Evaluation: Regular evaluations are conducted to adapt the care plan as the individual’s needs evolve over time.

Specialised Care for Complex Conditions

Individuals with complex medical conditions, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or severe mobility issues, require specialised care:

Skilled Care Providers: Carers with specific training in managing these conditions are assigned to ensure the best possible care.
Adaptive Techniques: Strategies and techniques are employed to manage behavioural changes and physical challenges associated with complex conditions.
Safety Measures: The home environment is often modified to enhance safety and accessibility, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Emphasis on Companionship and Emotional Wellbeing

Beyond physical care, 24-hour care places a strong emphasis on companionship and emotional support:

Companionship Activities: Carers engage with individuals in various activities such as games, reading, or simple conversations to keep them engaged and socially active.
Emotional Support: Carers provide a listening ear and emotional support, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Technology Integration in 24-Hour Care

Leveraging technology can enhance the quality of 24-hour care:

Monitoring Systems: Advanced monitoring systems can be used for safety, allowing carers to respond promptly to any emergencies.
Communication Tools: Technology facilitates better communication between the care team, the individual, and their family, ensuring everyone is kept informed.

Training and Support for Carers

Providing continuous care is demanding, and thus, carers receive ongoing training and support:

Professional Development: Regular training sessions are conducted to keep carers updated with the latest care techniques and knowledge.
Support Networks: Carers have access to support networks for advice and assistance, helping them manage the challenges of round-the-clock care.

Conclusion

By focusing on personalised care, specialist support, emotional well-being, technology integration, and carer support, 24-hour care services strive to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and effective care for individuals who require continuous support. This approach not only ensures the safety and well-being of the individuals but also offers peace of mind and relief to their families, knowing that their loved ones are in capable and caring hands.