Over a third of people more likely to choose care in their own home post-pandemic survey reveals
A YouGov survey of 2,618 adults commissioned by the Homecare Association has revealed that people’s attitudes towards choosing care in their own home has shifted dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than a third (35%) of people surveyed said they were now more likely to choose care in their own home with 38% of over 65-year-olds preferring to opt for homecare.
Common perception is that safety is a major concern when it comes to care but the survey has revealed that the drivers for preferring homecare were more focussed around lifestyle and choice. The top reasons for people wishing to choose care in their own home due to COVID-19 included; the effect on the ability to live the way that I want (64%); how much control I would have (54%) and the effect on the ability to maintain my relationship with family and friends (53%) - all factors that have been compromised due to isolation during COVID-19 lockdowns. 47% of the respondents cited safety as a reason for choosing homecare.
Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association commented:
“Homecare workers have been a lifeline for many people throughout the past 18 months, showing real selflessness and resilience in providing invaluable support to people in their own homes in incredibly challenging times.
“Homecare services can give people a wider sense of independence and control. 9 out of 10 people aged 65 and over - 88% - agreed that people would prefer to be supported at home rather than in a care home.”
During the pandemic homecare companies have invested heavily in recruiting and training new staff from other service sectors. The survey results also revealed that careworkers are a skilled and vital workforce who should receive more recognition. More than 4 out of 5 people (84%) agreed that care is skilled work that requires standards, training or qualifications. Additionally, 9 out of 10 - 89% - of people aged 65 and over agreed that careworkers make a positive difference to the people they support.
In light of these results the Homecare Association has joined forces with The Care Worker’s Charity (CWC) to launch the first ever national ‘Celebrating Homecare’ day to recognise the highly valued services that homecarers deliver. Every day of the year, homecare workers support people to live safely and well at home, enabling people to flourish within our communities.
The theme for this year’s inaugural event which takes place on Wednesday 22nd of September is ‘made with care’, to celebrate the fantastic relationships that exist between the people who give and receive care and highlight the many activities they enjoy together. Whether this is crafting, baking, completing a jigsaw or even filming a TikTok, careworkers and the people they support are being encouraged to celebrate something they have made or shared together.
Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association commented:
“The government’s announcements on social care last week, make it even more important that we should celebrate homecare and raise public awareness of the benefits that receiving support and care in our own homes brings to all of us”
Speaking about the celebration, Karolina Gerlich, CEO of the CWC said: “It’s right and proper every so often to take a step back from the day to day and look at what you have achieved.
“Careworkers do such amazing work, bringing companionship, care and comfort to so many people.
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate what they do!”
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Editors notes:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,618 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th - 30th July 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+)
The Homecare Association is the UK’s membership body for homecare providers, with over 2,300 members nationally. The Association’s mission is to work together to ensure that homecare is valued, so that all of us can live well at home and flourish within our communities. The Homecare Association uses its trusted voice to help shape homecare and provides hands-on support and practical tools for its members. All Homecare Association homecare provider members agree to abide by the Association’s Code of Practice.
The Care Workers’ Charity is a benevolent fund for the social care sector which has over a decade of experience in giving financial grants to prevent care workers from falling into financial hardship. In providing these grants we know we change lives, providing a safety net for care workers who have nowhere else to turn. Most recently, mental health support was introduced- providing free counselling through Red Umbrella, to address the trauma experienced by the social care workforce.
