A live-in carer lives with you in your own home, allowing you, or your loved one, to stay in their own home in familiar surroundings with 1-2-1 support. This 1-2-1 support provides a much higher level of attention and companionship than in a care home, which in turn provides better value.
Live-in care is sometimes used to give families sufficient time to compare the benefits of care homes and the flexibility to ensure there is no subsequent and unnecessary movement between care homes. It can also be used for those who have been discharged from hospital and need round the clock care but would prefer to be at home.
A person’s home can hold their own precious memories, which is why people become so attached to their home. Remaining in surroundings that are familiar is an understated benefit for those needing care – particularly if that individual is suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Simple things that we take for granted, like easily navigating your way through your home can make all the difference to someone who might be prone to becoming easily confused.
The cost of live-in care is dependent on the type of care required. The individual being cared for provides a separate room and food. Generally speaking, live-in carers will charge a lower daily or than home care or visiting carers. Specialist care such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia care will obviously command a higher premium due to the level of complexity in the care provided.
Some of the duties you can expect from live-in carers:
Housekeeping
Light Housekeeping: -vacuum, laundry, ironing, changing linens, dust furniture, kitchen and bathroom clean up
Remove garbage, Co-ordinate lawn care and snow removal, Supervise any home improvements/repairs that may be required.
Oversee home deliveries, Care for houseplants and pets if required.
Errand Services
Pick up prescriptions, Grocery and general shopping where required
Dry cleaning drop off/pick up
Transportation
Escorting the individual to medical appointments and social engagements
This could be a trip to the hairdressers, bank and religious services
Transport to airport, to attend lectures, plays, concerts, meetings and sporting events
Record Keeping and Planning/Maintain client calendar
Help Arrange appointments; Birthday, Weddings, Anniversary, Travel planning assistance
Religious holiday reminders, Sort and/or read mail, Mail bills and letters
Record/organize recipes prepare grocery list and clip coupons for shopping
Personal Care
Medication reminders, Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming
Monitor diet and plan meals accordingly/Meal preparation and related clean up
Plan exercise program
Check food expiration and freshness dates
Assist with apparel selection, Sewing/Alteration
Companionship
Letter writing/correspondence Reading
Answer telephone/door
Take and review and phone messages
Discuss current society issues
Buy newspapers, magazines, and books
Activities
Escort on walks, Light exercise, Plan visits, outings and trips
Play games and cards, Rent and play movies, Maintain family scrapbook
As you can see Live-in Carer’s can help with much more than just personal care – they are able to help and assist with a variety of chores, activities and day-to-day appointments. Live-in carers can make a huge difference to an individual in need, providing the companionship or friendly ear that can make all the difference to their recovery and/or wellbeing. Elderly residents with health requirements can become isolated quiet quickly. It can be difficult to leave the house, so having someone to help around the house, provide that level of care that is required, all the while staying where they are happy is a comforting thought for many.
With live-in care providers they are a realistic option depending on the care requirements of the individual and it is an option worth considering and discussing with your loved one.
