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How Elder Works

Arranging care for a loved one is stressful. We help make it simple.

To find out more, call us today:

0370 218 8434

Arranging care for someone you love is never easy. It’s often stressful, confusing and complex. In a world that’s difficult to navigate, we’re here to help. We work with the whole family to make everything as simple and stress-free as possible.

From getting everything arranged to how care works on a daily basis, this page tells you everything you need to know about live-in care with Elder.

Jump to section:

  1. How to arrange care with us
  2. How live-in care works on a daily basis

How to arrange care with us

1. Book free consultation

Talk through your family’s situation with one of our expert care team. They’re able to provide advice on navigating the system, discuss how to put funding in place and help you understand whether live-in care is suitable.

2. Complete application form

Following your call, it’s time to complete your application. You can do this by using the My Elder login we’ll give you, or by requesting a freepost form. It covers everything from health requirements and medication, to favourite meals and hobbies.

3. Matching process

Our matching team then work with your family to help you find the most suitable available carer. We’ll help source them based on your loved one’s individual needs and personality.

If your needs are urgent, we’re able to put care in place within 48 hours of your initial call.

4. Receive profile & video

Once we’ve helped to find a carer we think is suitable, we’ll give you access to their profile and introductory video. This gives you an opportunity to be completely certain the whole family is united behind the decision.

5. Carer arrives and trial week begins

We’ll arrange travel with the carer. They’ll arrive between 12pm-2pm on the first day of the care package. Your family will then have a no-strings trial week to be completely sure live-in care works for you.

6. Manage care with MyElder

MyElder puts everything you need to manage your care in one, handy place. From updating payment details and reading carer profiles to planning handover days and, crucially, keeping your loved one’s details updated.

Get started by speaking with an expert. We’ll talk through your care needs and provide you with an individual quote.

Book care consultation

How live-in care works on a daily basis

Daily responsibilities

A live-in carer’s responsibilities will range depending on the level of care that’s required. However, standard tasks include:

Household cleaning

Help getting dressed

Personal hygiene

Meal preparation

Medication prompting

Support with mobility

Running errands

Companionship

Emergency response

A familiar and comfortable routine

We do our best to ensure your loved one’s care is as consistent as possible. However, like all jobs, time off is needed. Here’s a typical pattern of care:

  • Week one: Your loved one’s primary carer starts. They live in, working up to ten hours a day, with two hours of breaks taken intermittently throughout the day. This first week is a trial week. If it doesn’t work out, you’re able to cancel – with no strings attached.
  • Week two to three: Provided everything is going well, the carer remains in place, supporting you or your loved one with everything required to make the most of life.
  • Week four: The primary carer takes time off. A substitute, ‘respite’ carer moves in. They’ll take care of you or your loved one until the primary carer returns.
  • Week five to seven: The primary carer returns. They’ll typically be in place for another three to four weeks. This working pattern will usually then continue, so everyone can get into a comfortable and familiar routine.

Discover every detail about live-in care in our 32-page brochure

Read brochure

Read more about Elder

Our services

How Elder works

Arranging care for someone can be confusing and complex. In a world that’s difficult to navigate, we’re here to help. Here’s how care with Elder works.

Our services

Customer stories

Every family we help are unique. For each, there are different triggers that finally motivate them to give us a call. Here are some of their stories.

Our services

Pricing

Our pricing makes live-in care as affordable as possible by ensuring your family only pays for the support you actually need.

Our services

Carer stories

We go to great lengths to ensure all the carers with us are of the highest standard. Read our carer stories to discover why they joined the profession.

Our services

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is the new standard in elderly support, and a safer, affordable alternative to the care home. Here’s an overview of what it is.

More about how Elder works

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