Living Independently

Interest
September 2, 2020

The home-based care alternative

As we age, there are big decisions to be made around our care. For an increasing number of Kiwis, private care in the home is a fantastic and flexible option. Miranda Smith, who has owned and managed Miranda Smith Homecare for over 20 years, manages branches in Taupō and Bay of Plenty. Here, she answers your questions.

What is private home-based care?

It’s tailored care in a person’s own home – or, sometimes, in their retirement village unit. Private homebased care gives people choices and the ability to live independently as long as possible.

What types of care are offered?

Miranda Smith Homecare offers everything from a few hours of companionship per week through to palliative care, 24-hour care, dementia care and caring for those with complex needs. It’s totally flexible and you’re not locked in. You can choose how much care you need, when you need it, and how long you need it for.

What about respite care?

Yes, we offer that too – caregivers need a breather! We will happily organise high quality respite care to those caring for a loved one with dementia or other long-term illness. Sometimes we even organise for the respite to take place out of the home, so the main caregiver can simply be in his or her own space for a while, without the responsibilities of caring for their loved one.

Is home-based care expensive?

It’s actually very cost-effective. You only pay for the care you need, and the benefits of staying in your own home, close to your community and surrounded by the things you love is, for many, priceless. If a client is already receiving government funded homecare, but it’s not enough to meet their needs, Miranda Smith Homecare can work alongside the funded carer in order to meet the care level required.

How are clients and carers matched?

At Miranda Smith Homecare, we work hard to ensure there is a good rapport between the client and carer. In many cases, clients and their families can choose their carer and there are some lovely stories, such as clients who love to paint being paired with carers who are proficient artists.

I’m worried about the spread of infection – does homecare reduce risk?

Yes. Over 95% of Miranda Smith Homecare carers visit just one client, so risk to the client is far lower than it would be if carers were split across multiple clients in many locations. Carers also complete detailed infection prevention training and maintain meticulous hygiene standards.