Quality homecare lies not only in clinical expertise or smart technology, but also in the strength of family support. While professional carers and health services provide essential care, families play a central role in creating an environment where older adults, people living with disabilities and those with chronic conditions can thrive at home.
Why Family Matters in Homecare
Family members are often the first to notice changes in a loved one’s health or behaviour. Family members understand what "normal" looks like for their loved one and will notice changes out of the ordinary like eating less, sleeping in later or being more forgetful than usual.
These insights are crucial as they may suggest the individual is experiencing health challenges or may need additional support to maintain their current quality of life.
Families provide:
- Emotional support: A familiar face can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and boost confidence in older adults receiving care at home.
- Advocacy: Family members often speak up on behalf of their loved ones, ensuring their needs are heard and respected in care planning.
- Practical assistance: From transportation to grocery shopping, families that live in their loved one's area can fill the gaps between formal care visits.
Challenges Families Face
Caring for a loved one at home is rewarding but it can also be overwhelming. Many family caregivers juggle this role alongside full-time jobs, parenting, and their own health concerns. 72% of family carers in Ireland, stated in the 2024 State of Caring Report that they have never received any respite. Common challenges include:
- Burnout and stress
- Lack of training or resources
- Uncertainty around medication or clinical needs
- Feelings of isolation or guilt
That’s where Care at Home Solutions like HaloCare can come in.
How HaloCare Supports Families
At HaloCare, we understand that families need support, too. Our solution bridges the gap between professional care and day-to-day living, ensuring peace of mind for both the individual and their Circle of Care.
Here’s how we help:
- Real-time insights: HaloCare’s contactless, discreet motion detection sensors, combined with the appliance management solution, enables HaloCare to monitor both environmental and physical safety. HaloCare can ensure appliances like taps and ovens are not left running, while also tracking activity levels. If a client hasn't been active for a while, the Care Hub team can proactively intervene to address any potential concerns as early as possible.
- Circle of Care Support: Family members can join the HaloCare Circle of Care Companion App, where they can take comfort knowing their loved one has been moving throughout the day, has made breakfast etc.
- 24/7 Care Hub support: HaloCare’s Care Hub provides 24/7 support, offering emotional assistance or timely interventions as needed. Clients can choose to receive a daily "comfort call" at a time that suits them, ensuring they have the reassuring connection of a familiar voice every day.
- Keeping families connected: The HaloPad is an easy-to-use, secure tablet designed specifically for older adults, helping them stay connected with family through built-in features including photo sharing and video calling.
- Emergency solutions: Safety at home is a top priority, and having the right solutions in place provides family members with peace of mind, knowing that protocols are in place should anything happen to their loved one. The HaloCare solution includes contactless long lie detection, wearable fall detection and panic buttons, ensuring timely assistance if needed.
Get in touch for support
Homecare solutions like HaloCare are designed with family caregivers in mind, helping to ease the challenges of caring for a loved one. By providing essential support, these solutions enable family members to focus on what truly matters, enhancing their caregiving experience and ensuring a better quality of life for everyone involved.
If you would like to learn more about HaloCare, get in touch today.