South Asian families in London are looking for quality care options that respect their heritage, faith and linguistic needs. Specialist care agencies like Jothno Care can help by providing culturally sensitive options for elderly care in London.
Honouring our elders
South Asian families of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan descent have a deep commitment to caring for elders. The community values respecting elders and family – showing respect for the elderly – and therefore there can be an emotional difficulty when transitioning from family led care to professional support.
While London offers many care options, finding a service that respects our language, diet (halal, vegetarian, spice) and religious practices can be difficult. Jothno Care can provide a guide to navigating the transition to care, providing professional home care and meeting cultural expectations.
Options for elderly care in London
What options for elderly care ensure high quality support without sacrificing cultural identity and dignity?
Home care – where professional carers visit the elder’s home to support them with personal care, meals and daily tasks. This is often the preferred choice, allowing the elderly to remain in familiar surroundings, close to family and maintain their daily routines e.g. daily puja or prayer times.
Our care staff at Jothno Care have fluency in multiple languages including Punjabi, Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi and Bengali which aids direct communication with the elderly and reduces confusion and upset. We have the ability to prepare ethnic meals and understand dietary rules – for example preparing vegetarian meals with no cross-contamination following permissible halal or kosher guidelines.
Short term respite care is ideal for elders who have lower dependency needs and with strong family support structures, providing family caregivers with time to spend with the rest of the family and follow cultural practice themselves. Home care and full time live in care can support elderly parents with more complex needs, for example dementia or mobility limitations.
Residential care homes – requires the elderly relative to move into a dedicated facility for 24/7 care including nursing and medical support. This can break the ties with the local ethnic community and family, causing upheaval for the elderly. It requires a specialist South Asian care home. Look for care homes that have separate vegetarian kitchens, dedicated prayer rooms and temples, staff who speak the relevant language, and the capacity to celebrate festivals e.g. Diwali, Eid, Vaisakhi.
Bringing professional help into the home can raise stigma in the community. However, professional care can be required for advanced dementia or complex needs, especially when the elderly require long term support. Providing professional help is showing respect for the elderly and providing them with what they need. It is supplemental to family care, increasing the support and Jothno Care always includes the family in drawing up care plans.
Paying for elder care
Paying for elder care is a concern for first- and second-generation immigrants especially where financial entitlements are unsure. Regardless of your family’s wealth, the first step is always to request a Care Needs Assessment from the local London council. These are mandatory and free.
Care benefits will be means tested through a financial assessment which will determine the council’s contribution to funding care based on income and capital.
If the council decides that there will be a financial contribution, it can be made as a direct payment allowing the family to choose culturally appropriate care independently. For those over state pension age, attendance allowance can be made for help with personal care.
There is currently a limit of £23,250 (at the time of writing). If you have more than this in savings or capital, you will likely have to pay for care.
If family funds are to be used for private care, ensure that you research the specialist care your elder needs and look for value for money. At Jothno Care we tailor care packages to meet your elders needs and provide excellent value for money with exceptional care. If it meets the need, part time home care or short term respite care can be less expensive than a stay in a care home.
Next steps:
- Contact your local London borough’s Adult Social Services to arrange a Care Needs Assessment
- Call Jothno Care for a free assessment and we will advise you on making the most of your budget for care (we work with many London councils to arrange care). You do not need a health professional to refer you to our services, any family member can do this using our referral form.
- Encourage an open discussion in the family with the elder about their preferences, ensuring that they feel respected and have a voice in the decision-making process
Options for elderly care in London for South Asian families
South Asian families living in London have a choice of options for elderly care between home care and a care home. The decision depends on the personal preference of the elder, the family resources and the needs of the elderly person.
Bringing in additional support for the family from a high quality professional care agency that is culturally sensitive will show respect for the elderly. Home care can support them while they remain in their own home and continue to be a part of their local ethnic community.
This is beneficial for the elderly who can remain independent for as long as possible within the family home. Home care support can be increased as the elder ages or as the need progresses.