Elderly Need Homes To Ensure Proper Care

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 03 Jul 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Closing residential homes affects quality of life.

Care providers must protect the elderly by ensuring those most in need have access to residential homes.

That's according to Nick Bruce, owner of Nightingales Retirement Care, who has spoken out after a glut of home closures.

"Around the UK there are a large number of homes being shut down and replaced by homecare services," says Bruce.

"While homecare is a great solution for many people, it should not be the only option and sometimes people need to move into residential care. An over-emphasis on financial considerations should not deprive the elderly of choice.

"For many, homecare means a life of loneliness and while it is a little more expensive, residential care can mean a much improved quality of life."

Nightingales Retirement Care runs two residential homes alongside a homecare service, in order to give clients the choice they need.

"We know from more than 25 years of experience that elderly people have individual needs," says Bruce.

Sarah Tyce, homecarer for Nettlestead in Bromley, works with clients ranging from 61 to 101.

"My 101-year-old client needs some help but she values her independence," says Tyce.

"Sometimes she'll have a brief respite stay in Nettlestead but she doesn't want to stay there permanently - she's the reason elderly people need to have a choice."

"It is really important that they have that human contact - and with Nightingales they get the care of one person they know and trust."

Nightingales Retirement Care Ltd runs two retirement homes in elegantly refurbished Victorian properties - Priors Mead in Reigate and Nettlestead, Bromley. Nightingales offers a wide selection of delicious, home-cooked meals accompanied by house wines in a boutique hotel atmosphere. The homes are designed specifically to cater to clients' needs in a subtle way, allowing them to really relax and enjoy their stay.

Source
Nightingales Retirement Care Ltd