Arthritis Carer

PRIVATE CARE IN THE HOME FOR SOMEONE WITH ARTHRITIS

Around 10 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis. After a while, having arthritis can become an extremely painful experience, and this could result in daily tasks and activities being more challenging to manage. Guardian Carers understands that this can be frustrating for the individual and result in them having a negative emotional and physical impact on their health and wellbeing. This can also be overwhelming for their loved ones. Even though arthritis can potentially make even the most simple tasks seem challenging, the right support and medical care will allow the individual to remain independent in their own home, and still continue to enjoy their activities in a familiar surrounding with familiar faces. The additional support from a private carer will enable them to improve their quality of life.

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is a very common, often lifelong, a condition that affects the joints, with the individual typically experiencing pain or inflammation. It is becoming increasingly common as a person ages, although young children and adults can also be affected. Other factors that can also cause arthritis include autoimmune diseases, broken bones, and viral or bacterial infections. There are various types of arthritis, however the most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is typically the most common of the three, with around 8 million people living with it in the UK. It often affects people over the age of 50, however it can also develop at any age as a result of another joint-related condition or injury. It is a degenerative that erodes the lining of the cartilage that prevents the bones in a joint from rubbing together. This can result in movement being more difficult, and as the bone joints start to rub together, the person may experience increasing levels of pain and stiffness. The joints that are typically most affected by osteoarthritis can be hands, knees, hips and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis is also a chronic disease that affects around 400,000 people in the UK. But instead of the cartilage breaking down, the lining of the joints can become inflamed, which can result in pain, loss of function and possible long-term damage to the joint, which can disability. Typically the condition can start when a person is between 40 and 50 years old, and women are also three times more likely to be affected than men. This specific type of arthritis can also make a person develop problems with other organs and tissues in their body as the condition progresses.

Because of the various types of arthritis, the symptoms of each person can vary, however the most common symptoms can include swelling in and around the joints, pain in the joint along with tenderness and stiffness. The individual’s skin can also become red and warm over the affected joint, as well as restricted movement of the joints and weakness of the muscles. There is currently no cure for arthritis, and this could mean the chronic pain and stiffness may result in the person becoming dependent on others to assist with daily tasks and activities. However, the correct support, treatment and lifestyle changes can reduce the person’s pain, and joint function could be improved and prevent further damage. At Guardian Carers, we pride ourselves in giving you or your loved one the most professional private care in the home for people living with arthritis, and ensure your health and wellbeing comes first.

HOW CAN A PRIVATE CARER IN THE HOME HELP YOU?

By arranging private care in the home, the person with arthritis is able to receive additional support and make their life easier. At Guardian Carers, we provide specialised private care to come to your own home and assist with domestic tasks, as well as the individual’s personal care needs. Opting for live-in care can be the best option as it can guarantee there is always someone there to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, we also offer live-out private care, as well as part-time or full time. Having a private carer in the home will mean there is always someone to help encourage them to carry out certain exercises, to escort them to the doctors or physiotherapy appointments if it is needed.

WHAT DUTIES CAN A PRIVATE CARER HELP YOU WITH?

Guardian Carers can provide you with highly qualified and professional private carers, with all of them having a minimum of 3 years experience in the care industry. They will be able to assist you with an array of domestic duties and personal care for someone living with arthritis. The private carer can also offer emotional support, companionship and encouragement, as well as post-operative care if they have undergone an operation.

Duties can include:

• Helping with personal care and hygiene
• Encouraging the person to exercise
• Assisting with mobility around the home
• Arranging and taking the person to any doctors appointments
• Preparing any meals and snacks
• Managing their medication and ensuring they take it on time
• Keeping the house clean and tidy
• Helping with groceries
• Household work such as ironing, laundry and changing the bed sheets
• Going for walks with the person in the park or around the neighbourhood
• Any pet care if it is required

All of our private carers are specially trained to offer the relevant support needed, which can help you or your loved one to become more independent and not having to rely on the help of their family or friends. Many of our carers are experienced in caring for people with medical conditions, so having a more expertly minded carer at hand will provide more ease and confidence knowing they will be able to care for the person in the correct manner. Their physical condition may also improve if they are receiving one-one-one private care in the home. We will always ensure to match you with a private carer who not only has the relevant skill set, but also complements your personality. We understand it is very important for the private carer to fully comprehend the needs and requirements of the client living with arthritis, and to make it their priority to help the person adapt to any physical limitations and discovering ways to relieve symptoms. They will also guarantee to provide you with a positive attitude and give any physical and psychological support.

EXPERIENCED AND SPECIALISED PRIVATE CARE IN YOUR HOME

Care services at home are essential if you are managing a health issue such as arthritis. Private carers for the home are specifically trained and have years of hands on experience managing this condition on a day to day basis, they will provide you with a deeper understanding than your loved ones might be able to provide.They will also be more experienced that your loved ones may be in dealing with more challenging situations that might arise. They are also able to guide you through the changes that happen within yourself, provide you with reassurance and an understanding shoulder to lean on.

WHAT IS THE COST RATE OF A PRIVATE CARER TO HELP SOMEONE WITH ARTHRITIS?

When thinking of the question ‘how much does a carer cost?’, it is highly important to also look at alternative options to an assisted living facility, which can be very expensive depending on which home. The very common query people when searching for a private carer for the home is regarding how they will cost. Fortunately, in most cases, hiring a private carer is less expensive than going into an assisted living facility. However, it is important to take into consideration that the rate could differ and depends on the type of care and level of support you will need, as well as factors such as geographical location.

The price of care will depend on the type of care you need, whether in personal care, companionship or live-in care. At Guardian Carers, on average, many of the private caregivers may cost £12-15 an hour. Our live-ln care package can range from £100 - 140 per day, but this could depend on the complexity of the role. We also provide a wide range of overnight private caregivers, which can cost between £15 - £20 per hour.

If you or a loved one are medically able to stay home, a private carer can provide you with a middle ground between care in the home and independence. Budgeting and financing for private care can be difficult, but Guardian carers can provide you with any advice you need and search for the private carer that fits your financial requirements.

HOW CAN AN AGENCY HELP YOU FIND A PRIVATE CARER FOR SOMEONE WITH ARTHRITIS?

Making that decision to find a private carer for your loved one with arthritis can be an overwhelming situation, and starting your search can be even more time consuming. With over 14 years experience in the care industry, Guardian Carers understand that you want to search for a private carer that best matches your needs and requirements. They should also be able to work the hours you need and are specially qualified to help you with an emergency situation.

At Guardian Carers, all of our private caregivers are required to go through an in-depth vetting procedure and background check. This involves an enhanced DBS check, face-to-face interviews with the carer which will allow us to discuss more detail about their experience and qualifications, as well as personally checking their verbal references. We will then provide you with an extensive list of private carers that we think best suits your needs and interests, which you can then interview personally. We will always be happy to provide you with any interviewing tips and questions that you may want to ask, as well as guiding you through all the paperwork that is required to hire a private caregiver. For example, by providing you contract samples and a payroll service. All of our carers have a minimum of 3 years experience in the care industry, and are able to care for you however you may need.

From the very first call, your expert consultant will guide you through what your options are, what would suit your requirements most closely and put your mind to rest with any concerns you may have regarding your medically specialised carer at home search. Our consultants are also on hand to help and answer any questions you might have along the way, using an agency that specialises in medically trained carers at home like Guardian Carers means you have a direct line to the experts. No matter what stage you are at with your arthritis care search, our consultants are on hand to assist.

START YOUR SEARCH TO FIND YOUR SPECIALISED PRIVATE IN-HOME CARER

90% of the families we work with are in a happy and lasting placement. You can be assured that you will receive support from all sides and be presented with specialised private carers that perfectly aligns with your care needs and requirements. We work with families to find solutions, whatever your needs are. With Guardian Carers our ethos is, it’s your care, your home, your way.