What is Live in Care?
So, what is live in care? In the UK, live in care generally refers to a situation where a carer lives in the same home as the person they are caring for. This can be for a short period of time, such as during a hospital stay or after an operation, or it can be long-term, for individuals who are temporarily unable to do certain things on their own or simply need full time care/support.
What is Expected of a Live in Carer?
A live in carer is expected to adapt his or her routine to accommodate the needs of the patient. This means that carer will be living with you and will adapt to your routine and specific needs. For example, a live in carer would be expected to get up early in order to tend to your personal needs or if you require assistance for dressing or using the bathroom.
What Rights do Live in Carers Have?
A Live in carer is entitled to the National Minimum Wage and paid holiday leave. They also have the right to take breaks, which must be factored into your schedule. If your care needs requires overnight care, then often other carers will work shifts or cover for your normal live in carer, in order to ensure that continuous support is provided. This can include weekends and bank holidays, when most other carers will be off duty.
Is getting a Live in Carer the right option for me?
This is a question that needs careful consideration. You will need to consider what you need help with and how much help you require on a daily basis. You should also weigh up the pros and cons of having a live in carer to see if it is the right option for you.
Pros of live in care
- You will have someone who is always there for you to provide companionship, which can be very comforting, especially if you are alone or ill or feeling particularly vulnerable in your home.
- You will have someone who knows your routine and can help you stick to it, which minimises the risk of accidents or slips (which could be dangerous for an elderly person).
- You won’t feel lonely in your home. This is because a live in carer will be there to chat with throughout the day. This can be a major benefit.
- You receive 24/7 help with what you need. This is a huge bonus, especially if you require assistance with certain tasks or medications throughout the day.
Cons of live in care
- You will have to take full responsibility for your home and it’s upkeep. While your live in carer will be able to help you manage your home, it will be your responsibility.
- You will have to be open when it comes to personal issues. As a live in carer is in your home 24/7, you must feel comfortable enough with them to discuss any problems or concerns that you may have. This can sometimes create an awkward atmosphere until it’s established that they are well known to you and that you can trust them.
- There may be circumstances where you and your live in carer to not get along on a personal level. It is important that you make sure there is common ground and you like each other before choosing a carer to live with you.
The main difference between live in care for couples vs single person
The idea of an aged-care facility is a scary one for a lot of people, and understandably so. There are a lot of things to worry about, from being lonely to not being able to get the care you need. One important question people have is whether it’s better to live alone or with a partner in an aged-care facility.
Live in care for couples vs single is a fundamental decision. Choosing to live in a nursing home with a spouse leaves you both in the same place, but has the risk that one of you will need to be relocated later. If you stay at home, that means one person has to care for the other every day. In many cases, families choose live in care so that someone can help with bathing and dressing and provide companionship for the other person. This option can be beneficial for the person living in the home, because it allows them to have more control over their schedule and their diet.
Reasons why live in care for couples is better
Live in care for couples is a great option if you have a senior living with you, but it’s not right for everyone. The main benefits of couples live in care that it can be more cost effective; it can also mean that you experience small changes to your lifestyle and can still stay in familiar surroundings with your partner. It also reduces the burden for one person to take care of the other, especially if both people in the couple are elderly.
What are the different types of Live in Care in the UK?
There are a few different types of live in care in the UK, which can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual. The most common types are:
- Live in carers who stay in the home of the person they are caring for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This type of care is available if you feel you need round the clock care.
- Live in carers who stay in the home of the person they are caring for a certain number of hours each day, usually around 8 hours. This type of care is available if you only need some help during the day.
- Live in care workers who stay in the home of the person they are caring for, but are free to come and go as they please. This type of care is available if you need someone to be there during the day or evening but want some independence.
You need to assess your needs to make an informed decision as to what your specific requirements are.
Should I contact a care agency or employ someone direct?
If you’re looking for live in care, it is generally recommended that you contact an agency rather than employ someone direct. This is because the latter can be more time consuming and risky as you must ensure they are properly vetted. If you are looking to employ live in care or any other type of care service in the UK, you may have considered whether it is better to contact a care agency or if you should look for and employ someone on your own. The first thing to consider is what you want from your care. If your needs are relatively straightforward and time isn’t an issue, then this may not be a problem. But if there’s more to it than this, we can help connect you with live in care providers who can help you with your needs.