What is live-in care?

Why should you choose live-in care?

Many people choose live-in care so that they can retain their independence and live exactly how they wish in the comfort of their own home. All care is a compromise between people wanting to get on with things, and getting the support they need.

Ultimately, live-in care is an option that minimises the change involved when this compromise becomes inevitable. It allows your loved one to hold on to their routines, and you to be reassured they’re being looked after.

Personal care

The personal care provided by in-home carers can be tailored to include whatever level of assistance you or your loved one needs. It often includes support with incontinence issues, help with washing and general hygiene, dressing, applying their makeup, brushing tea, and shaving. A live-in caregiver is there to meet your loved one’s needs, however personal or complex.

Live-in care means that there will be someone there overnight too, so if support is needed during the night, it’s on hand. This gives you the reassurance of knowing there’s always someone there for your loved one, whatever the time of day or night.

Those who require full-time care both day and night, over and above three times per night, could benefit from 24-hour care in which instance two carers are needed and would work in shifts to ensure full 24/7 care is available.

Practical help

In addition to personal care, a live-in carer will also carry out domestic tasks such as shopping, light housework, washing, and ironing. You won’t have to be worried that your loved one is eating properly – the carer will aim to plan and prepare nutritious and balanced meals for them every day.

If your loved one has animals, and they need help to look after their pets, just mention this when arranging care and we’ll ensure your carer is happy to do so. This enables your friend or relative  to continue enjoying the companionship of their beloved pets, rather than having to give them up.

Having pets around is not just a mood-booster, it has been linked with an array of healthy benefits. This is one reason why it’s so important for private care providers to match a carer with the care recipient carefully, to ensure that all their needs can be met.

Familiar surroundings

It’s completely understandable that people who’ve lived in their own home for many years are naturally very reluctant to move, even if they’re aware that they need help with some aspects of their lives. A live-in carer can enable the older person to remain in their own home where they feel comfortable and safe.

This is especially important if your loved one has dementia. The condition can often cause people to become very upset by changes in their environment. A specialist carer can provide dementia care – a higher level of support which helps with some of the specific difficulties the condition presents – be it sundowning, mood swings or challenging behaviour.

Help with day-to-day tasks

Even something as simple as answering the door can be difficult – or even impossible – for some older people, but with a dedicated home carer, there’s always someone to pick up the phone or go to the door. This also provides a vulnerable person, especially those in need of dementia care, with protection against anyone attempting to defraud or deceive them.

If your loved one needs help with their correspondence or day-to-day financial matters, a caregiver they trust will be able to help with this. They’ll also assist with managing any arrangements such as hairdressing or healthcare appointments, social outings or shopping trips.

Many carers can drive, or will otherwise accompany your loved one. This means that the care recipient is able to maintain their independence, their mobility, without feeling they’re imposing on family members.

Peace of mind

It can be difficult and stressful when you know your loved one needs elderly care at home, especially if the situation has arisen suddenly and you need an urgent solution.

Keeping your loved one safe, happy and well cared for is, of course, the number one priority. You naturally want to find a solution and the peace of mind that comes with it.

It’s the same for your loved one. Many elderly people worry that they may have become a burden to their family members. And, although a carer can take some getting used to, they’ll often be much happier knowing their needs are being met, without depending on people they love.

Health and wellbeing benefits

There are many wellbeing benefits linked to live-in care – many of which arise out of being able to remain in one’s own home.

Not only does it allow people to maintain their social network and continue their favourite hobbies – but live-in care actually reduces the risk of being housebound by 64%. Which in turn can prevent mental health problems and improve mortality.

In addition to mental health benefits, live-in care also has an array of physical health benefits – research has indicated that live-in care could actually reduce the risk of falling by 33% and, in turn, the risk of a hip fracture by 46%.

Maintaining independence and routine

One of the biggest benefits of live-in care is that it allows people to maintain their independence and routine for longer,  continuing with the little things they enjoy – from choosing their favourite meals to visiting social clubs and their friends whenever they like.