Residential Care for Couples
We all rely on someone for care and companionship to some extent, which is something that only increases as we get older.
Many couples will have shared much of their lives together, and it’s understandable that couples wouldn’t want to be separated in old age. So, when additional care and support is required for medical reasons, you can rest assured that residential care for couples is an option in many care homes.
Moving into a care home can be an emotionally challenging time, not only for the person who requires the care, but also for partners and their wider support system. Deciding to move into a care home together is favoured by many couples, as they get to live out their later years together with the help and support they require.
So, what are the options available for elderly care for couples? We explore live-in care and residential care for couples below.
Types of Elderly Care for Couples – Live in Care
Live-in care is a popular option for elderly care for couples as it allows you to remain living in your own home while you or your partner receives the required care. This is a popular option as it allows you to stay in familiar surroundings, with very limited disruption to lifestyle and existing routines.
However, live-in care is largely dependent on the type of care required, and may not always be the most suitable option for your or your loved one. For example, if the care required is substantial in the later stages of dementia, or they require 24-hour care services, it may be a better option to consider care homes for couples.
This option is popular for couples in the instance where only one of them requires the support, as the other person in the relationship can continue to live out their later years with minimal change to their life, with the reassurance that their loved one is receiving the care and support they require.
Residential Care Homes for Elderly Couples
Often, elderly people who move into care homes do so on their own. However, this isn’t the only option – which is often a relief for those who do not wish to be separated from their other half.
There are a variety of care packages for couples, whether one or both parties require care services. Now, more than ever, couples are making the decision to move into a care home together, even if their care needs are different, as they don’t wish to be separated, having spent so many years together.
Many care homes offer spacious bedrooms, with features adapted to provide the best possible care to residents. Care homes for elderly couples offer support with:
- Personal care such as toileting, bathing and getting dressed
- Assistance with mobility
- Administering medication
- Meals provided
- Housekeeping
- Companionship
Care Packages for Couples – Types of Care Available
Couples make the decision to move into care homes for many different reasons. Sometimes, it’s because one or both require support and assistance which can no longer be provided by family, friends or visiting care providers.
The services each care home provides varies from home to home. Care services include:
- Respite care
- Nursing care
- Dementia care
- Residential care
It’s important to assess the needs and requirements of the person considering moving into care prior to visiting care homes to ensure the home provides appropriate care services. For example, specialist dementia care, 24-hour nursing care or respite care.
Funding Residential Care for Couples
If you are just beginning your research into elderly care for couples, one of the first questions you’re likely to consider is how is the move into care going to be funded?
If you own a property together, you are likely to be self-funding the move into residential care, which should allow for a wide variety of choice when it comes to choosing a care home.
If only one person requires care services, there may be additional charges for the other person choosing to move into the care home. More information on funding can be found on our ‘Care Home Funding’ page.
Interested in exploring options for elderly care for couples and want to find care homes in your area who offer the facility? Find a care home and get in touch to speak with one of our friendly advisors to learn more.
