How and when to hire home care support?
The situation at home is getting heavier, and I can no longer manage my mother-in-law's hygiene and meals alone. I've heard about home care support, but I don't know when the right time is or how to hire it. Where do I start?
Recognising that you can no longer manage everything alone isn't failing — it's caring intelligently. Home care support exists precisely so that your mother-in-law can be well cared for at home and so that you don't become exhausted.
Why it happens
As dementia progresses, tasks such as hygiene, bathing, meals, and medication management become more demanding and physical. A single carer can rarely sustain this without support. Home care support allows the person to remain in their familiar environment with professional help.
Practical strategies
- Contact the local council's social services department and consult their online resources to find services near you.
- Look for Home Care Services (HCS) from local charities or private providers; some may offer subsidised rates based on income.
- Define what support you need: hygiene, meals, cleaning, laundry, medication.
- Consider the right time when there's a risk (falls, poorly managed medication) or carer exhaustion.
What NOT to do
- Don't wait for a complete breakdown before asking for help.
- Don't assume that only expensive private options are available — there are subsidised services.
When to seek professional help
Speak to your GP and the social worker at your health centre to assess needs and support (such as the NHS Continuing Healthcare). Alzheimer's Society can also guide you on available resources.
"I thought hiring help was giving up. In the end, it was what allowed me to continue caring for her with affection." — Anonymous Carer