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Supporting the Emotional Wellbeing of Homecare Clients

The Benefits of Homecare for People of All Ages

Supporting the Emotional Wellbeing of Homecare Clients

In homecare, providing exceptional physical support is essential, but equally important is nurturing and supporting the emotional wellbeing of clients. Caregivers should approach their role with empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of the needs of those under their care. The importance of it cannot be underestimated and it can provide a range of benefits for loved ones receiving care.

The Importance of Emotional Support

Emotional wellbeing is more than just the absence of negative emotions, it encompasses positive feelings such as happiness, contentment, and a sense of purpose. For homecare clients who may be dealing with health challenges or limitations, their emotions can greatly impact their overall quality of life. Support in this way can boost a client’s confidence and motivation. Clients who feel stable in their emotions are more likely to engage in beneficial activities that promote independence and self-sufficiency leading to numerous benefits.

Improved quality of life
Enhanced physical health
Increased independence
Better relationships, both private and professional

Studies have shown that emotional wellbeing can positively affect physical health. Approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental illness. In this age group, physical illness is more common and includes heart disease, loss of mobility, lung disease, chronic pain, and frailty. When clients are happier and less stressed, their immune system functions better, and they may experience fewer health complications.

At Myhomecare, we are committed to providing holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of our clients. These are vital components of a fulfilling life, and our dedicated team is here to support our clients every step of the way.

• Our tailor-made homecare and packages cover a wide range of services from basic home help and befriending to advanced nursing care and supported hospital discharge.
• Carers enjoy their roles and remain working with us, so there is a familiar face who knows the specific needs and routines.

If you or your loved ones are in need of compassionate and comprehensive homecare, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Ways To Support Emotional WellBeing

Caregivers are not just skilled professionals; they are also compassionate individuals who genuinely care about clients’ wellfare. They know the importance of listening to clients and take the time to actively listen to any concerns, fears, and desires, creating a safe space for them to express their emotions.

Act compassionately
Active listening
Encouraging engagement
Personalised care plans

Clients are encouraged to stay engaged in activities they enjoy. Whether it’s a hobby, social interaction, or pursuing personal interests, these can all help to boost their emotional wellfare. Individualised care plans take into account clients’ needs and preferences. This tailored approach ensures that support is integrated into every aspect of the care. Read more on this topic in our previous blog that highlights tips for caregivers in homecare.

In the realm of homecare, the provision of emotional support by caregivers is paramount in ensuring the holistic wellbeing of clients. By actively listening in a compassionate manner, encouraging engagement, and creating personalised care plans, a nurturing environment is developed where patients feel valued and emotionally supported. This promotes a sense of security and dignity in the comfort of their own homes. It is integral to holistic care, fostering a happier and more fulfilling life for cherished clients where the right people with the right skills and knowledge can deliver exceptional care in the right place.

Find out more about our compassionate homecare services.

Career Advice, Caregiver Advice, Home Care Advice

The Importance of Professional Development for Homecare Workers

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

The Importance of Professional Development for Homecare Workers

As a homecare worker, the broadening of knowledge and skills to better serve clients and build meaningful relationships is seen as a priority. The importance of professional development for homecare workers cannot be underestimated as it helps to sharpen existing skills while introducing new ones that will help make an even more effective caregiver. With so many resources available today, it can be difficult to sift through all of the options, however, the below can provide some guidance on how to pursue these professional opportunities.

Did You Know?

There are around 27, 208 care personnel employed in the health sector in Ireland.

The Importance of Professional Development for Homecare Workers

Elevates Homecare Excellence

Continuous education serves as a vital platform for homecare workers to enhance their skills and expertise. As the healthcare landscape evolves, caregivers must stay abreast of the latest medical advancements, caregiving techniques, and technologies. Regular training workshops and courses empower homecare workers to acquire new skills, such as administering specialised medical treatments, understanding the complexities of various health conditions, and employing the latest assistive technologies.

Professional development also encourages the development of soft skills, including effective communication, empathy, and patience. These interpersonal skills are fundamental in fostering a trusting and supportive relationship between caregivers and their clients. By honing these abilities, homecare workers can provide emotional and psychological support in addition to physical care, significantly improving the overall well-being of their clients.

Boosts Job Satisfaction and Confidence

It has a direct impact on the job satisfaction and confidence levels of homecare workers. When caregivers are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills, they feel more confident in their abilities to handle complex situations. This increased confidence leads to greater job satisfaction, as caregivers experience a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in their roles.

Pathways for career progression are then opened within the homecare sector. Caregivers who invest in their continuous learning are often eligible for promotions to supervisory or specialised roles, allowing them to take on more responsibilities and challenges. This upward mobility not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their job satisfaction, resulting in a motivated and dedicated workforce that is committed to providing exceptional care.

Myhomecare’s Care Academy

The Myhomecare Care Academy offers training and career progression support and guidance for aspiring carers. The Care Academy also offers the opportunity for those with experience requiring QQI Level 5 accreditation in healthcare, courses to be subsidised.

Our experienced management team, consisting of both clinical and operational, have consulted with industry experts in developing our own bespoke training into the Care Academy to support the continuous professional development of our frontline staff. We provide a wide range of courses for those actively working in the homecare industry and for those who desire a career in homecare.
With just one year’s prior caring experience, an aspiring carer can avail of The Care Academy’s subsidised courses and have that fulfilling career within our supportive team.

Deirdre Doyle, Myhomecare Operations Lead

Ensures Quality Care

Quality care is at the heart of homecare services, and further education plays a pivotal role in ensuring its consistency and excellence. Well-trained homecare workers are better equipped to handle diverse situations and challenges effectively. They can anticipate the needs of their clients, respond promptly to emergencies, and provide personalised care plans tailored to individual requirements.

Caregivers can then stay updated with best practices and industry standards. This knowledge translates into the delivery of evidence-based, high-quality care that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of both clients and their families. By investing in continuous learning, homecare workers contribute significantly to the overall improvement of healthcare services within their communities.

As homecare workers, taking the initiative to engage in professional development activities is a great way to stand out from the rest and feel empowered not only professionally, but personally as well. Not only does it provide essential skills and attributes for success in any career, but it can also build self-confidence, creative thinking skills and ultimately help achieve greater success overall.

It’s important to understand the value of continuous career development on the latest trends in today’s ever-changing homecare environment. Continuous learning and personal growth should be part of every successful homecare worker’s journey.

Be inspired to learn with the Myhomecare Care Academy.

Advice for Older People, Age Friendly Advice, Caregiver Advice, Home Care Advice

Assistive Technology and its Role in Homecare

As homecare needs increase for families and elderly alike, so does the necessity to find solutions to help those being cared for. Assistive technology has become a popular option among families to help them to manage their family care from the comfort of their own homes. From devices designed to detect signs of falls and other emergencies, to apps that aid communication between providers and patients, this technologically advanced solution is playing a more important role now more than ever before. We take a look at assistive technology and its role in homecare and how it assists with aspects of daily living.

The World Health Organisation estimates that:

Today 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition.

1. Mobility and Accessibility

Assistive technology aids mobility and accessibility, together they are essential aspects of homecare, especially for loved ones with disabilities. From motorised wheelchairs to mobility scooters, these devices provide newfound independence and freedom. Ensuring that the home is designed and equipped to accommodate these needs can greatly enhance independence, safety, and overall quality of life.

Mobility and accessibility considerations that can be used at home:

Wheelchair accessibility: involves turning spaces into larger areas to accommodate the wheelchair’s dimensions and widening doorways.
Ramps and lifts: for homes with stairs, ramps or stairlifts can be installed instead to provide safe and accessible passage between different levels.
Bathroom accessibility: this can include roll-in showers, raised toilets, shower seats, and non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of falls.
Grab bars and handrails: strategically placed grab bars and handrails in areas like hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and bedrooms provide support and stability for individuals to move around safely.

2. Remote Health Monitoring

Remote health monitoring in homecare involves the use of technology to gather and transmit health-related data from patients’ homes to healthcare providers or caregivers. This approach allows for continuous monitoring of a person’s health status, vital signs, and other relevant information without the need for in-person visits to a healthcare facility. It has become increasingly important in modern healthcare, offering numerous benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. This is especially useful for elderly or chronically ill individuals who require regular monitoring.

Key components and aspects of remote health monitoring in homecare include:

Wearable devices and sensors: patients can wear devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters that collect real-time data on vital signs, physical activity, sleep patterns, and more.
Telehealth and telemedicine: remote health monitoring often integrates with telehealth and telemedicine services, enabling virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Video calls, voice chats, and messaging platforms allow for real-time communication and assessment.
Fall detection and prevention: sensors placed throughout the home can detect falls or irregular movements, triggering alerts to caregivers or emergency services. This is especially important for older adults at risk of falling.
Caregiver support: caregivers and family members can also benefit from remote health monitoring by staying informed about their loved one’s health status and receiving phone/app alerts if there are any concerning changes.

Myhomecare and Assistive Technology

At Myhomecare, we are constantly looking for ways to leverage technology to improve the care we provide. Myhomecare has proudly partnered with Isaac Care, to bring innovative and easy-to-use assistive technology to our clients nationwide. Offering a unique combination of technology and care, supporting people to live independently in their own homes. Isaac Care’s technology allows us to provide wraparound 24/7 support to our clients and provides comfort and peace of mind when our dedicated staff and family members can’t be present. It consists of the following features:

“Circle of Care” family caring app: groups of people involved in the person’s care are kept up to date with real-time instant in-app notifications.
Discreet home sensors: a discreet way of detecting activity around the home, with useful security and safeguarding applications.
Industry-leading wearable devices: the Isaac Fall Alarm is a smart, easy-to-use, personal alarm that offers reassurance that your loved one can instantly access help whenever they need it.
Health monitoring: the Isaac health monitoring kit allows for easy and effective monitoring of a person’s health from the comfort of their own home.

Myhomecare’s clinical team continuously monitor changes in health trends over time from information provided by Isaac Care’s assistive technology. The use of data driven decision making and early interventions leads to reduced hospital admissions and better patient outcomes, further enhancing the quality of care delivered by Myhomecare’s team.

By leveraging the benefits of assistive technology, we can provide reassurance, personalised care and support to our valued customers in the setting of their own homes.

3. Environmental Controls

Lights, temperature control, and even appliances can be managed with the touch of a button or with voice commands. This technology offers not only convenience but can allow individuals to control various aspects of their environment, such as opening and closing curtains, adjusting lighting, and operating electronic devices. These tools can drastically improve the quality of life for those with disabilities or physical challenges as they don’t need to move around the house frequently.

Environmental controls that can help life become more convenient at home:

Adjustable furniture and beds: adjustable-height beds, recliners, and ergonomic furniture can be controlled to provide optimal comfort and support for individuals with mobility or positioning needs.
Security and safety features: home security and surveillance systems can be integrated into environmental control systems, allowing individuals to monitor and control cameras, alarms, and access points.
Voice-activated systems: voice recognition technology enables individuals to operate appliances, lights, fans, and other devices through spoken commands, making it easier for those with limited mobility to manage their surroundings.
Automated doors and windows: automated door openers and window controls make it easier for individuals with limited mobility to access different areas of the home and control ventilation.

It is clear that assistive technology has numerous benefits when it comes to homecare, whether it’s promoting independence, enhancing safety and mobility, tracking health and improving the overall quality of life for loved ones with disabilities or limitations. By addressing various aspects of daily living and healthcare, Myhomecare uses assistive technology along with the right people with the right skills and knowledge in the right place. This empowers individuals to remain in their homes and communities while receiving the support they need.

Find out more about the packages we have on offer.

Contact Myhomecare Today

Career Advice, Caregiver Advice, Home Care Advice

The Benefits of Homecare for Caregivers

Caregivers understand the importance of providing quality care for loved ones. Whether caring for an elderly family member or a child with special needs, the benefits of homecare for caregivers are numerous. From greater life balance and support, to strengthened relationships between them and care receiver. It allows them to provide the best possible care without sacrificing their own emotional and physical well-being.

Did You Know?

Over 1-in-8 persons aged 15 years and over provide care. People aged 45-54 years provide care more than any other age group.

Life balance

Caregiving can often be a challenging job. That’s why homecare is a game-changer for those who are looking to balance their responsibilities. It allows them to provide the support needed while also having the flexibility to attend to their personal needs. They gain the opportunity to have extra time to rest, pursue hobbies, or spend quality time with friends and family as it allows them to choose more flexible hours.

It can help reduce the stress and exhaustion that often comes with caring for a loved one. They have the opportunity to work in a familiar environment, reducing commute times associated with traveling to and from a care facility. This provides peace of mind and creates less stress.

Work satisfaction

Whether caring for elderly parents or a child with special needs, working from the home can be a positive experience all around. Personalised homecare can also provide caregivers with the work satisfaction that comes with knowing they are providing exceptional care while maintaining their own health and well-being. This one-on-one interaction allows caregivers to better understand their clients’ unique needs, preferences, and personalities. Personalised care plans can be structured around their needs as well as the hours both are available to see each other.

Providing care in a home setting can be emotionally rewarding for caregivers. They often witness firsthand the positive impact they have on the care receiver’s life, which can lead to a sense of fulfillment and purpose. They experience a strong sense of satisfaction when they see their clients’ health improve, their quality of life enhance, or when they provide comfort and support during challenging times.

Sense of community

Remaining part of the community reduces feelings of isolation and promotes social interaction between the caregiver, care receiver and the local area. Whether it’s regular visits to the recipient’s home or the camaraderie between others in similar care professions, it offers a range of opportunities for connection and understanding. Emotional and practical support makes all the difference and it ensures they don’t have to face the journey alone. Through peer learning and collaboration, they can come together to share their knowledge, experiences, and best practices.

This profession provides an opportunity to work close with families which is more personal than in a hospital environment, this is very rewarding and creates a special relationship between both parties. Through daily interactions, shared experiences, and attentive care, a bond can form based on trust, respect, and empathy.

At Myhomecare, we have the right people in the right place, your home. Our carers see their profession as a calling and are passionate about the care they give. There is always a familiar face who knows the client’s specific needs and routines.

Our Myhomecare nurse has this to say:

Working in a home environment is a completely different environment to a hospital. I have the opportunity to see my little patients growing up and get to know them very well over the years. Working so close with families is very rewarding and creates a great bond which you never forget.

Homecare has many benefits for all involved. It allows both individuals to keep their independence and dignity and creates a good life balance. It allows them to choose their own hours and carry out chores if needed in between work. It ensures that an individual’s healthcare needs are met in the comfort of their own home which provides a sense of community within the local area. By providing personalised care, better job satisfaction is evident. It is a truly rewarding profession that enables caregivers to take a step back and recharge while still ensuring that quality care is provided.

Join our team today to become a valuable caregiver in your community.

Supporting the Emotional Wellbeing of Homecare Clients

The Importance of Emotional Support

Ways To Support Emotional WellBeing

Read more of our blogs

The Importance of Professional Development for Homecare Workers

Elevates Homecare Excellence

Boosts Job Satisfaction and Confidence

Ensures Quality Care

Read more of our blogs

Assistive Technology and its Role in Homecare

1. Mobility and Accessibility

2. Remote Health Monitoring

Myhomecare and Assistive Technology

3. Environmental Controls

Read more of our blogs

The Benefits of Homecare for Caregivers

Life balance

Work satisfaction

Sense of community

Read more of our blogs