Live-in care means a carer living with you in your home

With live-in care, a carer moves into a client’s home to provide 1-2-1 support, matched to the client’s needs.

This can be for a number of days or weeks at a time and can continue for as long as required.

A person can remain in the comfort of their own home whilst maintaining choice and control over their lifestyle.

The basic requirement for live-in care is a spare room and bathroom the carer can call their own.

You may need to make modifications to the house on-going as needs change, perhaps handrails, ramps, etc for continued independence and comfort.

Live-in carers help and support individuals to maintain their dignity, keep their homes in order as well as prepare meals and other household tasks. They can also play a key role in supervising medical requirements, though may or may not carry out treatments themselves, they can work with NHS providers that come in to provide treatment.

Some carers can be retired or trainee nurses, some are younger with a variety of skills in companion care and more complex care needs, so the carer you require will depend on your needs. Having someone in the home to help in case of an unforeseen need or an emergency is incredibly reassuring for the family.

A live-in carer can support specific needs to keep clients comfortable and independent in their own homes.

Live-in care provides much-needed continuity of care and a stable reliable companion for an elderly person. Live-in carers may live with their clients for up to 4 weeks at a time, at which point they will hand over to the next live-in carer who will then live with the client for 4 weeks and the rota repeats with a ‘‘group’’ of carers. Some clients may choose to engage 3 carers so they can get to know their caring group for improved continuity.

A live-in carer can be chosen on the basis of shared interests and hobbies, as well as for the ability to meet the specific requirements of each client.

Put simply, a live-in carer will try to support your loved one to carry on doing the things they enjoy, whilst offering stimulating company, keeping them active and engaged with life.

On a typical day, the carer and the client will share their daily activities. They might play games together or share activities such as cooking or gardening, clubs, or a shopping trip. Where agreed, and if required, they may also help your loved one with getting dressed, and personal hygiene as well as prompting them to take medication.