Are you considering live-in care? Maybe for yourself or a loved one? If you’re at the early stages of considering live-in care, this blog post is for you. Here we will discuss what live-in care is and answer some of the most common questions we hear related to live-in care.
What is live-in care?
When people can no longer live alone, either because they are elderly or have a condition that means they can’t cope on their own, live-in care can enable them to stay safely at home. Live-in care provides support for day-to-day life and is a safe and cost-effective alternative to residential or nursing care.
What is expected of a live-in carer?
Live-in carers provide dedicated support to a person whilst maintaining dignity and independence. Although the role of the carer or companion is tailored to the client’s individual needs, there are essential responsibilities that most carers will be required to do at some point.
These include:
- Personal care – such as dressing, bathing, bathroom assistance
- Cooking meals
- Cleaning and laundry
- Handling medication
- Shopping and other errands
- Mobility assistance
- Supporting with public outings, appointments and social activities
A live-in carer becomes an essential part of someone’s life, providing friendship and companionship in addition to the physical care provided.
Do live-in carers do housework?
Live-in carers will support their clients with all the housework tasks necessary to run a home. Cleaning, tidying, laundry, ironing and cooking are all part of the role of the carer if that is what the client needs assistance with.
How many hours a day should a live-in carer work?
Live-in carers often work around 8-10 hours a day. There is usually a rest period of 2 or 3 hours during the day which is arranged at a time when someone else (maybe a friend or family member) is available to stay with the client. If night care is also needed, another carer will be assigned to allow the live-in day companion to rest.
Do live-in carers need their own bedroom?
Yes, a live-in carer needs their own bedroom. It needs to be adequately heated and ventilated with space to unpack and store clothes and belongings. A spare bedroom isn’t always available so converting another room in the house may be needed. The care provider company will likely come to assess the carers living arrangements first.
Do live-in carers need their own bathroom?
No, a private bathroom is preferable but by no means necessary. The bathroom must be clean and functioning with a place for the carer to store toiletries.
Do live-in carers buy their own food?
There are no rules in place stipulating how a food allowance is provided. Whether a food allowance will be provided or not, and how much, is dependent on three factors:
- The live-in care company
- The carers requirements
- The client package
Very often a carer will cook and eat meals with the clients so buying a lot of food separately is not usually necessary. Again this will depend on the individual needs of the client and the care package that is in place.
Sitting down to a scrumptious home-cooked meal is one of life’s essential pleasures. In essence of this Eximius has produced its very own recipe book provided to all clients and carers. Guiding our companions to share suitable nutritious recipes, cooking tips and techniques, to master all of those satisfying staples.
Providing caring, experienced, professional and friendly live-in companions is our speciality here at Eximius. If you’d like to chat about how we can help we’d love you to get in touch.