By Becky Fielder – business development lead for live-in care.
As we grow older, the thought of being separated from a lifelong partner can be heartbreaking. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many elderly couples when they transition into residential care. Often, care homes struggle to accommodate couples with differing needs. For example one may require nursing care and one may not, or one may require residential care whilst one requires dementia care. This leads to one of the most distressing outcomes of institutional care: separation from a loved one. I cannot imagine being separated from my partner after 60 years of marriage.
Live-in care with Springfield Healthcare offers a compassionate alternative. With a dedicated carer living in the couple’s own home, both individuals can receive personalized support while staying together. Whether one partner requires more complex clinical care or support with their dementia, our live-in carers would be trained to specifically care for both individual’s needs ensuring that they stay together, at home, with the best care possible.
This bespoke care planning will support emotional wellbeing as much as physical health. Remaining at home means familiar surroundings, cherished memories and routines that bring comfort and stability. Importantly, it also means shared meals, conversations and continued companionship – key ingredients for mental health and quality of life in later years. It also means that relatives can continue to visit the family home they have always known.
Many residential homes have only a small number of double rooms which also means a higher chance of separation and unfortunately an increased cost for the pair. With our live-in care packages this is not the case, our couples rate is always more cost effective than paying for two rooms within a residential setting.
More than just a convenience, live-in care is about dignity, love and togetherness. It preserves not only independence but the essence of what makes growing old meaningful: staying side by side with the person you’ve shared your life with. For many couples, this is the care solution that truly respects their journey, together.
