UNIT 3. INTEGRACIÓ SOCIAL.
HOME SUPPORT SERVICES. (HSE)
Home Support Services help people live safely in their own homes when they need extra help. These services can include help with cooking, cleaning, personal care, taking medicine, or going to medical appointments. Many countries offer these services, but the way they work can be different.
Example from the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, many older adults receive home support through local social services or the National Health Service. For example, Mrs. Brown is an 82-year-old woman who lives alone in Manchester. She has arthritis and finds it difficult to move around her house. A home care worker visits her every morning to help her wash, dress, and prepare breakfast. Another worker comes in the evening to help her take her medicine and prepare dinner. Because of these services, Mrs. Brown can continue living in her home instead of moving to a residential care home.
Example from the United States
In the United States, home support services are often provided through programs such as Medicaid, private insurance, or community organizations. Mr. Garcia is a 45-year-old man who lives in Texas and uses a wheelchair after a car accident. A personal care assistant visits him five days a week. The assistant helps him with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and getting ready for work. The service allows Mr. Garcia to live independently and keep his job while receiving the help he needs.
Example from New Zealand
New Zealand also offers home support services through its public health system. Mrs. Rangi is a 70-year-old woman living in a small town near Wellington. She has diabetes and some vision problems. A home support worker visits her three times a week. The worker helps with shopping, house cleaning, and checking that Mrs. Rangi takes her medicine correctly. These visits also give her social contact and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Differences Between Systems
Although the goal is similar, the systems in these countries work in different ways. In the United Kingdom, services are often organized by local councils and health services. People are assessed to see how much support they need. In the United States, services can depend more on insurance, personal income, or state programs, so access may be different for each person. In New Zealand, home support is more connected to the national public health system, and services are often coordinated through local health authorities.
Another difference is the amount of support people receive. Some users may get daily visits, while others receive help only a few times a week. The type of services can also vary depending on the person’s health condition, age, and level of independence.
Importance of Staying at Home
Home support services are very important because they allow people to stay in their own homes and communities. Many people feel happier and safer in a familiar environment. Staying at home can also help people maintain their independence and daily routines.
In addition, these services can reduce pressure on hospitals and residential care homes. With the right support, many people can live at home for longer while still receiving safe and professional care.
For these reasons, home support services play a key role in social care systems around the world. They support independence, dignity, and a better quality of life for many different people.
Part 1: Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions using information from the text.
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What are Home Support Services?
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Name three types of help that home support workers can provide.
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Why does Mrs. Brown in the United Kingdom need help at home?
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How often does Mr. Garcia receive help from a personal care assistant?
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What kind of help does Mrs. Rangi receive in New Zealand?
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Who usually organizes home support services in the United Kingdom?
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Why can access to services be different in the United States?
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How are home support services connected to the health system in New Zealand?
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According to the text, why do many people prefer to stay in their own homes?
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How do home support services help hospitals and care homes?
Part 2: Vocabulary Check
Match the word with its meaning.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Independence | a. Help given to someone who needs assistance |
| 2. Assessment | b. The ability to live and act without help from others |
| 3. Support | c. A process to understand a person’s needs |
| 4. Routine | d. Things you do regularly every day |
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Write about this in your diary. Use the following questions to help you.
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Why do you think many people prefer to stay in their own homes instead of moving to a care home?
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What qualities should a good home support worker have?
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What problems might people face if they do not receive help at home?
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Do you think home support services will be more important in the future? Why or why not?
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In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of home support services for families?
4. Complete the text using the following words. Try to use these words in you answers to the questions above.
intimacy – quality of life – autonomy – socio-affective environment – homes – capabilities – life project
Many people prefer to remain in their own __________ as they grow older or when they need support. Living at home helps people feel comfortable and safe because they are in a familiar place.
When people stay in their own homes, they can maintain their __________ and continue making their own decisions about daily life. This independence is very important for their wellbeing and dignity.
Another important aspect is __________. At home, people can have their own private space and continue their personal routines without feeling that others are always watching them.
Staying at home can also improve a person’s __________. People often feel happier, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives when they are in a familiar environment.
In addition, people remain connected to their family, friends, and neighbours. This creates a positive __________ that supports emotional wellbeing and reduces feelings of loneliness.
Home support services help people continue using their __________ and doing the activities they can still manage by themselves, with some assistance when necessary.
Finally, staying at home allows people to continue developing their personal __________, maintaining goals, interests, and plans for the future.
Qualities of Home Support Services (HSE) Teams
First, they must be respectful and empathetic. Many users are older adults, people with disabilities, or people who are ill. They may feel vulnerable or worried. A good professional understands these feelings and treats every person with dignity and kindness.
Another important quality is good communication. HSE workers need to listen carefully to users and their families. They also need to explain information clearly, for example about medication, routines, or available services. Good communication helps build trust between the professional and the user.
HSE teams must also be responsible and organized. They often visit several users each day and need to manage their time well. They must follow care plans and make sure that the support they provide is safe and appropriate.
Flexibility and patience are also essential. Every person is different, and situations can change quickly. Professionals may need to adapt to new needs or unexpected problems. Being patient helps them work calmly and respectfully.
Finally, teamwork is very important. HSE professionals collaborate with other workers, health services, and families. By working together, they can provide better support and improve the user’s wellbeing and quality of life.
READING
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment without judgment. It means noticing your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations as they happen. Mindfulness can help people in many areas of life, especially when they face stress, challenges, or difficult emotions.
For students, workers, and people in general, mindfulness can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and help them manage conflicts. By paying attention to their own feelings and the reactions of others, they can respond calmly instead of reacting quickly.
Mindfulness also improves well-being and quality of life. It helps people feel more connected to themselves and others, notice positive moments, and enjoy small daily experiences. Practicing mindfulness for a few minutes each day can make life in a shared flat or in any challenging situation more peaceful and manageable.
What is your experience with mindfulness techniches ( ioga, meditation, esport, spiritual practices,etc. Write about it in your diary.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I would like to recommendyou two books. One is by the catalan young writer Pol Guasch who in "Relíquia" tries to come to terms with his father's suicide ten years ago. The other is by the French writer Delphine de Vigan. I read the Catalan translation titled "Les lleialtats". This book is about Théo and Mathis, two teenagers who share a secret, but also about Hélèle, their teacher and Mathis' mother, Céline. The four are caught by the narrator in a crucial moment in their lives.
ANY BOOKS OR FILMS YOU WOULD RECOMMEND ME? WHY?
COEXISTENCE GROUPS.
Diary Entry – Paula (62)
Despite the difficulties, living together makes me feel safe and gives meaning to my life
Today I wanted to write in my diary about what it is like to share a flat with Anna and Therese. We live together in an apartment and we have support from the Home Support Services team. They help us with some things, but we also try to do many things by ourselves.
Living together has advantages and disadvantages.
One good thing is that I do not feel alone. When I wake up in the morning, I know that Anna and Therese are in the house. We can have breakfast together or talk in the living room. Sometimes we watch television or drink tea in the evening. I like these moments because they make me feel calm and happy.
Another advantage is that we help each other. If someone forgets something, another person can remind her. For example, sometimes Anna reminds me about my appointments, and sometimes I help Therese prepare dinner. It feels good to be useful.
But living together is not always easy. We are three different people and we have different habits. Sometimes Anna likes the music very loud and I prefer silence when I write in my diary. Therese sometimes wants to watch television when I want to rest. When this happens, we try to talk and find a solution.
Another difficulty is that we must share responsibilities. We take turns cleaning the kitchen, doing the shopping, or organizing the house. Sometimes I feel tired and I do not want to do my tasks, but I know it is important for everyone.
The support workers help us when we have problems. They listen to us and give us advice.
Even with the difficulties, I think living together is good for me. I feel safer, less lonely, and more confident. This flat is not just a place to live. It is a place where we share our lives.
TEXT 2
Diary Entry – Abdel (19)
Learning to live together
Today I am writing in my diary about the flat where I live now. I arrived in Spain from Afghanistan one year ago as a refugee. Before coming here, many things in my life were uncertain. Now I live in a shared flat with Mohamed and José. Our social worker helps us, but we try to build our life by ourselves.
Mohamed is from Morocco. He came to Spain when he was still a minor. He told me that he arrived hidden under a truck. It was very dangerous. The state protected him until he turned eighteen. Now he studies and works at the same time, like us.
José is from Honduras. He arrived three years ago. His life has also been very hard. He lost both of his parents because they were killed by gangs in his country. At the beginning he told us it was very difficult for him to adapt to life here.
We are three young men from very different cultures. Sometimes this creates problems in our daily life. For example, our food is different. I am Muslim, so I follow some religious rules about food and prayer. Sometimes it is not easy to explain these things. Also, we have different ways of speaking, different music, and different habits in the house.
Sometimes we disagree about small things like cleaning, noise, or schedules. When this happens, we try to talk. It is not always easy, but we make an effort to understand each other.
Our social worker helps us when we have difficulties. She reminds us that respect and communication are very important.
Even with the problems, I think we are learning something valuable. We are studying and working to build a future. We come from different places, but we share the same hope: to have a better life. Living together is not always simple, but it is helping us grow and understand the world better.
Part 1 – Comprehension (Diary Entry)
Read Abdel’s diary entry carefully. Then answer:
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Where did Abdel, Mohamed, and José come from?
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What difficulties do they face living together?
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How does Abdel feel about sharing the flat despite the difficulties?
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How does the social worker help them?
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What are the main benefits of living together, according to Abdel?
Part 2 – Discussion. Write it on your diary.
Discuss in pairs or small groups:
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What can make living together easier for people from different countries?
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How can roommates respect each other’s culture, religion, or habits?
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What advice would you give Abdel, Mohamed, and José to improve their coexistence?
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Have you ever lived or studied with people from a different culture? What did you learn?
DEPRESSION
A SHORT FILM ABOUT DEALING WITH DEPRESSION.
Write about the story in your diary. I can help you:
- What is the structure of the film?
- How would you say the film plays with symbols? How many can you identify? What do they represent?
READING.
Read the following texts, do the exercises and write entries in you diaries giving some feedback on the following issues.
Digital habits across generations.
LISTENING
STORY 1 SEEING IS BELIEVING.
Watch the video and do the exercises.
VIDEO : Seeing is believing.
Write and entry in your diary.
STORY 2. ALL MY HAPPY FRIENDS.
Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercise. Remember you can read the transcript at any time.
Write about it in your diary.
AND YET,....ANOTHER INSPIRING STORY.
What's the teaching in the following story?
LISTENING galore.
READING galore
WRITING
1- Write an essay about someone's job.
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