A guide to preparing for a Live in Carer
Preparing for a Live-In Carer
Having a live-in carer can make a significant difference to your loved one’s quality of life. It may help them remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, while giving family members greater reassurance that someone is there to provide day-to-day support.
This quick 3-minute guide covers some of the practical things you may wish to consider before the arrangement begins.
Talk about the change
It is important that your loved one feels involved and comfortable with the decision.
Explain how the arrangement will work, what support the carer will provide and how daily routines may change. These conversations may need to take place more than once, particularly where someone is living with dementia, memory loss or confusion.
The aim is to make the change feel as familiar, positive and reassuring as possible.
Check documents
Carers registered with AtHome are asked to provide relevant onboarding information, which may include identity, Digital ID, right-to-work, criminal-record, reference and insurance documentation, depending on their role and location. A document folder can be supplied to the family on request by AtHome or directly from the carer.
Review insurance arrangements
Carers registered with AtHome are required to provide evidence of appropriate insurance as part of onboarding.
You may like to speak to your own home insurer before the carer moves in, as the presence of someone living and working in the property may affect the policy.
Where a carer will drive your loved one’s vehicle, make sure they are properly insured to drive the car. Their driving licence and any relevant restrictions should also be checked.
Agree how household spending will work
A live-in carer may need to purchase food, household items, prescriptions or other everyday essentials on behalf of your loved one.
Agree in advance:
what the carer is authorised to buy;
how much they may spend;
how money will be provided;
where receipts should be kept; and
how expenditure will be recorded.
Some families use a small amount of petty cash, while others prefer a separate account or controlled payment card.
Clear written arrangements help protect both the client and the carer.
Prepare an emergency contact list
Leave a clear list of useful contacts somewhere easy to find. This might include:
close family members;
the GP;
the local pharmacy;
district or community nursing teams;
the local authority;
emergency repair contacts; and
any other health professionals involved.
You may also wish to include information about medication, allergies, medical conditions and what should happen in an emergency.
Create a comfortable private space
A live-in carer will need their own bedroom, with clean bedding, towels and suitable storage.
Live-in care can be demanding, so the carer should have somewhere private and comfortable to rest during agreed breaks. Reliable internet access can help the carer feel welcome.
A private bathroom may be preferred, but shared bathroom facilities are often acceptable where everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.
Make sure the sleeping accommodation, bathroom access and household layout are explained before the placement is agreed, so the carer knows what to expect.
Consider mobility and safety
Think about whether your loved one can move safely around the home, particularly at night.
Depending on their needs, it may be helpful to consider:
moving the bedroom downstairs;
installing grab rails;
improving lighting;
removing trip hazards;
arranging mobility equipment; or
requesting an occupational therapy assessment.
A carer should not be expected to carry out unsafe lifting or moving tasks without the correct equipment and training.
Discuss food and mealtimes
Many live-in carers prepare meals and may eat with the client, which can provide valuable companionship.
Before care begins, discuss:
your loved one’s favourite meals;
allergies and dietary requirements;
cultural or religious preferences;
who pays for the carer’s food; and
whether the carer has any dietary needs of their own.
Food arrangements should be agreed clearly, including whether a food allowance is included in the carer’s rate or provided separately.
Agree working time and breaks
A live-in carer is not expected to work continuously throughout the day and night.
The family and carer should agree:
usual working hours (usually a 10 - 12 hr day);
daily breaks;
overnight expectations;
what counts as a waking night;
what happens if sleep is regularly disturbed;
cover arrangements during breaks or holidays.
These details should be discussed and recorded in the agreement between the client and carer.
Put the arrangement in writing
A written agreement helps everyone understand what has been agreed; we offer our template agreements to make this straightforward.
It should cover matters such as:
the support the carer will provide;
rates and payment arrangements;
food and travel expenses;
accommodation;
working hours and breaks;
hospital admissions;
holidays and temporary cover; and
how either party can raise concerns.
Our Role
AtHome Care Group helps families connect with carers and personal assistants whose experience, availability and preferences may suit their needs.
We help you describe the care you are looking for, view selected profiles and begin conversations with potential carers. You remain in control of who you speak to, who you choose and the final arrangements you agree.
