Find trusted live-in care providers to support you at home with round the clock care.

How live-in care works

Just because your care needs are increasing there is no reason that you have to leave the comfort of your own home. There are many benefits to live-in care, not only are you able to stay in your own surroundings but you will receive the undivided attention of your live-in Carer.

If you are unfamiliar with how live-in care works, it is when you employ the services of a live-in care provider, they will send a fully vetted Carer to come and live with you. Your Carer will be given their own room in your house and be on hand 24-hours a day to tend to your care needs.

When you employ the services of a live-in care agency they will go through a thorough fact-find with you, either face-to-face or over the telephone.

In order to find the right carer, the provider needs a complete understanding of your care needs and your personal preferences.

It is important that you specify what you’re looking for in a Carer, for some people previous experience and specific personality traits are important.For others, it is more important that their Carer is sympathetic to their cultural beliefs and is able to converse in a language other than English.

For free, help and advice finding live-in care in England then please get in touch with TrustedCare. Our friendly Advisers would be delighted to assist you with your search and answer any questions you have.

What does a live-in carer do?

Having an live-in carer can help you with so much more than just personal care - they're on hand to assist you with anything that needs doing around the house. Be it domestic chores, meal preparation, shopping or simply being there to share a cup of tea and a chat! Further to this, your Carer will be able to help you with all those little tasks that now present a challenge, such as attending Dr appointments or visiting friends.

Your live-in Carer will require their own room within your house, a place for them to sleep and take breaks. It is not normally expected that your live-in Carer will stay awake throughout the whole night. However, should you need assistance with one or two trips to the bathroom then your Carer will wake-up to assist you.

Through a live-in care provider’s TrustedCare profile you can view information about the service they provide and the care-types their Carer’s are trained to support. Where applicable you can view service images and read verified service-user reviews.

What support can a live-in carer provide?

Live-in carers can provide a huge amount of support, some of which are listed below:

1. Personal Care - Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming. Support with toileting and continence management. Help with mobility and transfers.
2. Medication Management - Prompting and administering medication. Monitoring medication effectiveness and side effects. Liaising with healthcare professionals regarding medication needs.
3. Meal Preparation - Planning and preparing nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary needs and preferences. Assisting with feeding if required. Promoting healthy eating habits.
4. Companionship and Emotional Support - Providing engaging companionship and conversation. Supporting emotional well-being and mental health. Facilitating social interaction and activities.
5. Light Housekeeping - Assisting with laundry, ironing, and changing bed linens. Light cleaning and tidying of living spaces. Running errands and shopping for groceries.
6. Mobility and Activity Support - Assisting with walking and exercise. Accompanying on outings and appointments.
   Encouraging physical activity and engagement in hobbies.

Specialised Support

Live-in carers can also provide specialised support for individuals with specific conditions, such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, or recovering from a stroke. This may include:

• Memory care and cognitive stimulation.
• Assistance with communication and behavioral challenges.
• Tailored support for physical limitations and rehabilitation.

By providing personalised care and assistance, live-in carers empower individuals to live fulfilling lives in their cherished homes.

Please see the useful articles below related to home care and live-in care services, for further support please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What are the benefits of live-in care?

Live-in care offers a compelling alternative to traditional care homes, providing a unique set of benefits that cater to individual needs and preferences. Here are some key advantages:

1. Comfort and Familiarity of Home

• Stay in familiar surroundings: Live-in care allows individuals to stay in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by cherished memories and belongings. This can be particularly beneficial for those with dementia or strong attachments to their home environment.
• Maintain independence and routines: Individuals can continue to live their lives on their own terms, maintaining their established routines and enjoying the freedom and privacy of their own space.

2. Personalised One-to-One Care

• Dedicated attention: A live-in carer provides undivided attention and personalised support tailored to specific needs and preferences. This level of individual care can be difficult to achieve in a busy care home setting.
• Flexible and responsive care: Live-in care can adapt to changing needs,
  ensuring that individuals receive the right level of support as their circumstances evolve.

3. Companionship and Reduced Loneliness

• Constant companionship: Live-in carers offer consistent companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation that can be common among older adults or those with limited mobility.
• Social interaction and engagement: Carers can encourage social interaction, participate in hobbies, and accompany individuals on outings, promoting a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

4. Peace of Mind for Family and Friends

• 24/7 support and supervision: Knowing that a loved one has round-the-clock care and support provides peace of mind for family and friends, especially for those who live far away or have busy schedules.
• Reduced worry and stress: Live-in care can alleviate the burden of caregiving from family members, allowing them to focus on their own lives while ensuring their loved one receives the best possible care.

5. Enhanced Quality of Life

• Improved well-being: Live-in care can contribute to improved physical and mental well-being by providing personalised support, companionship, and a sense of security.
• Maintaining a sense of purpose: By enabling individuals to remain active and engaged in their own homes, live-in care helps preserve a sense of purpose and dignity.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

• Tailored to individual needs: Live-in care can be a cost-effective option, especially for couples or those who require a high level of support.
• Avoidance of care home costs: In some cases, live-in care can be more affordable than residential care, while offering a more personalised and flexible approach.

Live-in care offers a truly person-centred approach, empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

What types of care can live-in care support?

Within reason, live-in care providers can support individuals with the same healthcare conditions as anyone living within a residential care home setting. Live-in carers are subject to the same 'checks' as those who work in residential settings. A live-in carer must be DBS and reference checked before moving into a person's home to care for them.

• Elderly (Over 65 years)
• Mobility
• Dementia
• Younger Adults
• Frailty (Weak & Delicate)
• Degenerative Healthcare Conditions
• Hoisting
• Challenging Behaviour

Choosing a Carer

Finding the right live-in carer for yourself or a loved one requires careful consideration. It's about more than just practical assistance, it's about finding someone who can provide compassionate support and enhance your overall well-being while you remain in the comfort of your own home. Here's what to consider when making this important decision.

Specific Requirements

Firstly, think about the specific needs and preferences of the individual requiring care. Do they need help with personal care, meal preparation, medication management, or mobility? Are there any specific health conditions that require specialised care? Understanding these needs will help you identify a carer with the right skills and experience.

Positive & Understanding

Compatibility and personality are also crucial. A live-in carer becomes an integral part of your daily life, so it's important to find someone you feel comfortable with. Consider their personality, interests, and communication style. Do they have a positive and supportive attitude? Are they patient and understanding? A good match can create a strong and positive relationship.

Experience & Training

Experience and qualifications are essential factors. Look for carers with proven experience in providing the type of care needed. Check their qualifications and certifications to ensure they meet industry standards. Inquire about their training in specific areas such as dementia care, medication administration, or first aid. A carer with the right expertise can provide confident and competent support.

References

References and background checks provide valuable insights. Request references from previous clients and contact them to learn about their experiences. Reputable care agencies conduct thorough background checks on their carers, including criminal record checks and verification of qualifications. This step ensures peace of mind and safeguards vulnerable individuals.

Clear Communication

Communication and availability are key to a successful care arrangement. Establish clear communication channels with the carer or care agency. Discuss how often you'd like updates and how they will handle emergencies. Confirm their availability and ensure they can provide consistent care, including coverage for holidays and unexpected absences.

Practicality

Finally, consider the practical aspects. Discuss the carer's living arrangements within your home. Will they have their own room? How will household tasks be shared? Clarify expectations regarding meal preparation, laundry, and other household duties. A clear understanding of these practicalities ensures a smooth and harmonious living arrangement.