The greater a person’s everyday needs right now, be they illness or disability-related, the greater the likelihood they will not be able to meet these needs for themselves in the years to come. Recent research shows the number of people opting to be cared for at home in Ireland as they grow older is increasing.
What this research also tells us is what older people both need and want from their home care provider. At Hibernia, we believe we have everything older clients are looking for.
Hibernia helps older people keep their independence
Older people would prefer to stay in their own homes, surroundings and communities rather than move into residential care. Most admit they struggle to adjust to receiving home care and genuinely fear losing their independence. This is something that we at Hibernia actively work to provide solutions for. Our expert carers help and support older people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, dementia and Alzheimer’s to live independently in their own homes.
We build personalised, tailored home care packages
The older people surveyed also expressed a desire for high-quality, tailored care that respects them as individuals, as well as care staff who will listen and treat them as people. Hibernia works hard to make sure each person’s home care package is personalised. Together with clients and their loved ones, we’ll build out a plan specific to their needs, and work with any other supports they have in place, such as the public health nurse for example. Our carers continuously communicate with clients and their families, seeking feedback to make sure we are meeting their needs.
Each client is put in touch with a supervisor who will check in with them for an informal review of their home care package once every month, and for a more formal, in-depth review every three months. If we feel the package approved for them by the HSE is insufficient for their needs to maintain their safety or quality of life, Hibernia will advocate for the client and support them when we feel they need more help than is currently resourced.
Hibernia builds compassionate relationships with older clients
Loneliness is a major problem for older people living at home, with high rates of depression, particularly among those with complex needs and health problems. No matter how frail or physically disabled, the majority of older people yearn to get out about, meet friends and take part in community life wherever they can. Hibernia home care staff are chosen for their compassion and friendliness. Our team members build and nurture strong relationships with older clients and provide a consistent, reliable face for companionship, supporting them to leave the house for light exercise or meet up with friends.
We care by listening and working hard to understand
Older people value care professionals who understand their needs and give them a sense of being in control of their own health and wellbeing. That’s what we practise at Hibernia, transforming home care, for good, with people who listen to what our clients want and put their voice at the centre of everything we do.
