Looking after independence

Older Oldham residents are being offered an alternative to a residential home with the launch of a live-in care service.

Habito, the brainchild of Caremark, will be operated by experienced and qualified carers to enable older and disabled people to maintain their independence in their own home. Across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale the service is expected to create 30 to 50 jobs.

Helen Graham, business director of Caremark Oldham, said: “There is a strong demand for this type of service to enable people who do not want to move into residential care to remain in their own homes but still have round-the-clock care.

“The costs will be broadly in line with residential care but of course we will be providing a dedicated one-to-one service.”

The service will provide long and short-term care, including respite care, with costs similar to residential care-home fees.

“For some older people and their families, the thought of giving up their home to move into residential care is extremely distressing,” added operations director Stephanie Doherty.

“We will provide a dedicated live-in carer to look after their personal care needs and provide companionship as well as cooking meals and carrying out domestic duties.”