The future of home care in Gloucester • Caremark

Across the UK, an increasing number of people are choosing to be cared for in the comfort of their own homes. Recent figures show that almost one million individuals have opted to receive home care services. These individuals are driven by the desire to remain independent and close to friends and family in their local area. This will affect the future of home care in Gloucester.

As the home care industry evolves, we’ll take an in-depth look at the emerging trends, challenges and opportunities. There are undoubtedly challenges to be faced in today’s environment. However, home care providers are working hand in hand with the UK Government and other health professionals to create exciting opportunities to enhance the quality and accessibility of home care services.

We’ll explore how technological advances, demographic shifts and policy changes are shaping the future of home care. We’ll also take a closer look at some of challenges faced by care providers. In addition, the potential strategies they can implement to overcome them.

Technological advances

The rapid development of technology is having a huge impact on the way individuals can live happily and safely at home for as long as possible. New affordable, accessible technology is helping individuals to connect with others without needing to step outside. It’s enabling people to retain control of their own home. Also, providing opportunities to manage changes in their health in a fast and effective manner.

Smart phones, tablets and smart speakers enable individuals to stay organised and on top of routines. It’s quick and easy to set up reminders about medication, appointments and everyday tasks around the house. This empowers individuals to remain independent and in control of their own lives.

Everyday tasks can also be easily controlled from a device. Whether that’s turning the heating on or closing the curtains at night, it’s possible to do these jobs without needing support. More than ever before, individuals in Gloucester can make their own decisions about some of the simple needs in their life.

An individual’s family can be reassured they are safe and comfortable even when they’re not able to be with them. Smart watches can remotely monitor physical health, including heart rate, sleep, and movement.

Of course, a person’s care cannot be entirely placed in the hands of technology. The latest advances work hand in hand with face-to-face interactions. Video calls enable people to connect with others, even if they live outside Gloucester. It’s also possible to run some medical appointments and check-ups by video. These often happen with several healthcare professionals at the same time, enabling more effective collaboration.

Demographic shifts

While home care isn’t necessarily age-related, it’s certain that the UK’s ageing population will lead to an increase in demand for home care services. Additionally, the number of people currently receiving care at home is projected to rise significantly over the coming years.

With greater demand, there will be a greater need for highly skilled caregivers. Caregivers who can provide cover from short term care to ongoing, highly specialised services.

Fortunately, there are many people who are training to be professional caregivers. This will be able to fulfil the need for home care in Gloucester. Many of these individuals are transferring from other careers and will bring a wide range of specialist skills with them. Furthermore, advances in technology mean caregivers can easily stay up to date with the latest approaches to care through online training and development, leading to adaptable, specialised home care services.

If you’re considering home care services in Gloucester, rest assured that your individual needs will be met by a diverse and highly skilled workforce.

Policy changes

The UK’s ageing population in a post-pandemic world has led the UK Government to bring in a range of reforms to the care sector. This places particular emphasis on the benefits of home care services.

The need for individuals to remain independent in their own homes has been recognised as a priority. It is now widely acknowledged that this not only enhances physical and mental wellbeing, but also eases pressure on other healthcare settings. Following the pandemic, more people are preferring to stay at home rather than in other care facilities. This is not only for the emotional wellbeing of being in their own home, but because of greater sense of safety.

The Government has recognised that care needs to be designed with the individual at the centre of the decision-making. Significant investment has been made to ensure collaborative working between individuals, their loved ones and health professionals so that care plans are holistic and well informed. Additionally, significant changes have been made to the way care is paid for, to make it accessible to more people.

Challenges and opportunities

Alongside these key issues come a great range of challenges and opportunities for Caremark and the wider care sector. Greater collaboration between individuals and their healthcare providers will continue to put individuals at the centre of their care. Government policy that supports this can only continue to strengthen the links that already exist in Gloucester.

Despite a period of uncertainty following both COVID and Brexit, there is now a large group of people from which we can recruit. These people will bring a wide range of skills and experience. For those receiving care in Gloucester, many of our caregivers will be from the local area. In addition, they will already have established links to the community, enabling individuals to continue to pursue hobbies and social activities.

Exciting opportunities exist to develop technology and systems to enable more responsive care. Already, Caremark has trialled new systems that empower our home caregivers in Gloucester to be more adaptable to people’s changing needs. For example, changing the times or durations of visits, daily if necessary.

How can Caremark help?

At Caremark, our caregivers place compassionate, responsive care at the centre of everything they do. For more advice or information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.