Need ad-hoc care for elderly parents

[ambu]

Hi there,

My parents are 78 and 83, and live in the South East (just outside London), while I'm working in Bristol.

None of my other siblings are nearby to them, and we're getting increasingly worried about their ability to stay in the home they've lived in for the past 40 years.

It's just small stuff - handling the kettle, changing lightbulbs, and general housework that they need help with. I know we could just get someone local through an ad in the paper or something like that, but I'm worried about them getting ripped off.

Does anyone know any good care services where you can just organise care for a few hours a week, without having to go through a big care agency or anything like that?

Has anyone else experienced the same problem with their parents/relatives?

[holeinmyheart]

There is a thread on AIBU, the title is ' to wonder why old people don't move into a retirement home' or something similar. It has had hundreds of replies. There are a lot of Mumsnetters in the same boat.
Your GP will know all about the care service providers in your area. Your local Age concern will as well.
Best of luck as we are in the same predicament.

[fulltothebrim]

Yes, my mother ( 82) was in the same situation. No other realtives around to help.
Our solution was to have her come to live with us.

[CMOTDibbler]

Do your parents have any friends, or go to a church where people might be able to recommend a carer/home help or a cleaner who is very flexible (my cleaner does more than cleaning for some clients).

My parents had their carer recommended by the district nurses, and shes fabulous - works for herself, few clients, incredibly flexible, and knows people like cleaners, gardeners so was able to put them in contact with them as they needed more help.

As well, dad uses the services of the home improvement service that is run through their local council which charges a flat fee per hour, and was able to additionally supply hand rails, better locks, key safe etc as well as fixing dripping taps, gates. Has been brilliant to know they can use that

[ambu]

CMOTDibbler - interesting, thanks for your response.

They do have some friends in the local area, but as is the case with getting old, there are increasingly less of them :(

I'll ask my parents to check with their cleaner, but I didn't realise that it was a common thing for cleaners to also offer care services.

[CMOTDibbler]

Sorry, I meant friends who might know someone - word of mouth is the best way.

I don't know if all cleaners would, but mine doesn't do caring as such but will heat up food, change beds, keep an eye on the fridge expiry dates, change lightbulbs, do the washing, and generally keep an eye on things.

[MERLYPUSSEDOFF]

Have you tried the local Age UK?

[ambu]

I haven't tried the local Age UK yet.

I didn't know if there was some sort of site where I could find someone to look after my parents, but it sounds like i'll just have to trawl through the classifieds and see if I can find something. Or else I'll just ask around.

Hmm, how frustrating!

[UsedToBeAPaxmanFan]

Can I ask why you don't want to go through a care agency? Care agencies are registered, their staff will be DBS checked and trained in areas such as infection control, moving and handling etc. Plus the agency will have an annual inspection from CQC. If you find someone yourself, they may be fabulous, but you are running more of a risk.

Our local council also runs a "safer homes" project which fits hand rails, key safes etc. I think most councils do.

If your parents cleaner is happy to do extra tasks, that's fine. But if not, I do think you should consider booking an agency. You can check with your local council which ones they have a contract with, as that means there will be additional checks.

What are your parents views on this?

[Unescorted]

I read about a scheme (endorsed by Age UK I think) where an elderly person requiring ad hoc care takes a young lodger who cannot find accommodation FOC - the lodger then does the ad hoc care (lightbulbs, meals, washing etc). The lodger may be working so not 24 hour or medical care, but from the case studies in the article it seemed to help both parties out.

I will google & see if I can find it again.

[Imnotaslimjim]

Contact SS and ask for a assessment of care needs to be done. You don't need to use an agency these days. If they are granted a care package, they can be given the hours to hire someone themselves. Its fairly straightforward and they get help to do it more info here

[Unescorted]

Here it is Homeshare International

[ambu]

Thanks all. @usedtobeapaxmanfan - the reason I would rather not go through an agency is simply the cost. Seems to be very expensive, and minimum £15 per hour. I'd rather pay someone trustworthy a little bit less, but have a direct relationship.

Also, these agencies seem to have huge 'introductory' fees, and my parents really don't need that much help - it would seem like a big waste of money!