Live in care (1)

Live in Care

There are close to a million people aged 65 and above who require intensive social care

These numbers are set to increase in coming years as the number of people living into old age and those with multiple long-term conditions keeps increasing. 

In fact, it’s predicted that people with dementia and other major health conditions like diabetes or obesity will double over the next two decades. 

This suggests that an extra 500,000 individuals will need some complex form of social care.

Social care basically means the provision of personal care, healthcare, and support to anyone who needs them due to an illness, mental health problem, old age, addiction, or physical disability. 

This can be provided voluntarily by friends and family members or paid for privately or publicly. Live-in care is, by far, the most ideal solution for people of all ages with attention needs and different dependency levels.

What Is Live-In Care?

It’s when a professional carer moves into the care recipient’s home and provides 24 hour care. Live in home care is a rising alternative to care homes since it allows the patients to stay in the comfort of their own homes. 

For most people, it allows them to receive a bespoke level of one on one support while continuing to live as independently as possible.

Here is a short video on what Live in Care involves.

Who Would Use Live In Care?

This type of care is suitable for people of all ages who need assistance with personal care, companionship, or complex care. 

Carers are highly trained and experienced in caring for a range of conditions, including palliative/ terminal conditions, strokes, Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, mobility and frailty, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and so on.

Private care may also be necessary for a short period of time if you or your loved one is recovering from an illness/injury or operation, or the informal care giver needs some break.

How Does It Work? 

Live-in care can be organised privately, via a company, or through an introductory agency. If you choose to do it privately, you can use personal recommendations from friends and family, or check out the small ads. 

Although this is an inexpensive and more flexible approach, it carries a lot of legal and financial responsibilities since you are the employer. On the other hand, live in care agencies and care companies involve much less stress and hassles. 

They offer a wider pool of carers, which increases your chances of finding someone with similar interests to your loved one so they can get along easily. In addition, both options have a team on call who alternate to ensure the client’s needs are met 24/7.

The amount of time a home carer works will depend on the needs of the patient. In that case, it’s important to inform a live in carer of any conditions you or your loved one may have to ensure the right kind of care and support is provided. Even though they are available to offer 24 hour care, they’re obviously entitled to breaks, as well as:

  • A space of their own
  • Access to bathroom facilities
  • Cleanliness, comfort and warmth
  • Staying connected
  • Safety and security
  • Correct cover

What Do Live In Carers Do?

They complete a range of everyday tasks, including:

  • Cooking/nutrition
  • Assisting with social activities
  • Running errands
  • Providing mobility support
  • Companionship and emotional support
  • Support with personal hygiene like bathing and toileting
  • Completing household chores
  • Caring for a pet
  • Administering medication, and so on

There are close to a million people aged 65 and above who require intensive social care. 

live in care agencies

Live-in care can be organised privately, via a company, or through an introductory agency

What Types Of Live-in Care Are There?

People who need private care have varying care needs, depending on their health situation and age. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the common types of live in home care:

1 – Long-term Elderly Care

For many elder people, the thought of moving out of their home into a care home can be quite upsetting. 

Being moved from familiar environments and from their treasured possessions can cause considerable stress and anxiety. If your loved one is an elder and needs some assistance daily, this type of private care can be a great choice for them.

2 – Respite Care Elderly

As mentioned earlier, a good number of friends and family members sacrifice their time, sometimes even jobs, to provide social care for their loved ones. 

While this may be fulfilling, it can become exhausting to the informal care giver and even have a negative impact on their health. 

This is where Respite care Elderly comes in; it offers the much-needed break for the regular care giver to revitalise, relax, and recharge, allowing them to come back to the role better able to manage their loved one’s needs.

3 – Alzheimer’s Care

One of the most important aspects of caring for someone with Dementia, especially in the early stages, is to maintain established routines in a familiar and comfortable environment.

It goes without saying that Alzheimer’s care at home allows the patient to develop coping strategies while remaining independent for as long as possible. This can help make even the later stages of the disease calmer for the patient, as well as those around them. 

4 – Palliative Care At Home

People with life-limiting illnesses such as Motor neurone disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and so on need a live in carer who knows the impact of these conditions. 

The home carer needs to give support when it’s needed, but also allow the patient to do as much as they can for themselves. With the right kind of palliative care at home, you or your loved one can stay home for as long as possible.

5 – Convalescent Care

A lot of people are often discharged from the hospital without the proper care arrangements at home. This has caused many to return to the hospital within a month. 

Convalescent care provides the much-needed help for a set period of time to aid recuperation at home and ensure patients make a full recovery before resuming their normal lives

6 – Companion Care

Eventually, many senior people find themselves living on their own. Companionship care aims to fill the void by helping a senior to keep in touch with the world around them.

Ultimately, the type and level of care you receive will depend on your needs. The goal here is for patients to receive care while retaining their independence.

24 hour carer

Why Choose Live In Care?

One of the main benefits of this type of care is that it provides 24 hour care and support. That way, you can rest assured that you or your loved one is being watched over at all times.

Secondly, live in care agencies provide individuals who are not only passionate about helping others, but also have up to date qualifications to ensure patients receive the right kind of care and quality service.

Care companies perform an assessment to determine the needs of their client, and even get to know the rest of the family members. This allows live in carers to offer services tailored to the specific needs of their clients. 

They even offer support to the family, helping them go through such stressful times.

Last but not least, it helps care recipients to retain their independence and dignity for as long as possible. You or your loved one will be able to live in a familiar environment, which is vital for mental well-being. 

You also get to live close to your loved ones and beloved pets that provide invaluable company.

How Much Does Live In Care Cost?

There’s no telling exactly how much this type of care will cost you. It all depends on the type of care and level of support you or your loved one requires. 

That being said, costs start from as low as £400 a week to £1,500 a week. This price is set to go high if caring for couples. Keep in mind that you also have to agree on a food budget. 

We’d generally suggest setting aside £30 per week to cater for the carer’s meals.

Here is a short video explaining more about what 24 hour live in care is likely to cost.

How to Choose a Live in Care Provider?

Choosing a 24 hour carer can be quite stressful, especially if you or your loved one has special requirements. Here’s what to look for to ensure you have the right carer:

1 – Qualifications

If the person receiving care has special needs due to health conditions like dementia, it will be helpful to find someone who’s knowledgeable about the effects of the condition.

2 – Experience

The person you’re hiring needs to have cared for people with similar issues as the ones you or your loved one is experiencing.

3 – References

References should be checked and followed up by a personal phone call. This will give you some confidence that they’re good at their job and are capable of coping well with different situations.

4 – Request a basic DBS check

Don’t let anyone into your home until you’re sure their criminal record check is clear.

Another important thing to consider is the way they interact with the care recipient. 

Consider running a trial session to see how they respond to your loved one’s needs. Ensure the care recipient is comfortable and content with the services as well.

When you’re looking for a 24 hour carer, it’s important to be completely honest about the level of care you or your loved one need. This will make it easier to identify the person who best meets them.

Who Regulates Live In Care?

Live in help Care Quality Commission is an independent body that regulates health and social care services in England. 

They make sure that the care provided –whether by the NHS, local authorities or private companies –meets government standards of high-quality care with safety and effectiveness. 

In that case, make sure your live in care provider is fully regulated by live in help Care Quality Commission.

private home carer