Education

A Career as a Live-in Carer: Elderly Care At Its Best

Most people out there would love to be able to continue to live in their own homes until they die. Surrounded by fond memories, perhaps with a cat or two and visited regularly by their offspring.

Sadly, for many, if not most, people the reality is that sooner or later they will cease to be able to live independently. Whether the problem is that dementia takes its toll, arthritis means cooking and dressing are impossible or a stroke or fall renders them bed-bound the end is often to be found in regimented care and nursing homes.

But what if your care came to you?

Live in care is no longer the preserve of the extremely rich. In fact, in some cases, it is no more expensive than moving into a care home. The client gets the care they need, precisely tailored to their needs on a daily basis, and gets to remain living in familiar surroundings. This can be extremely important to sufferers of dementia or who have similar impairment due to strokes. They can find any change in circumstances traumatic, and find moving into a home especially hard to adjust to.

What sort of home care services do live-in carers provide?

The level and type of home care services provided by carers varies from client to client. In some cases it will vary on a daily basis.

Usually the carer will be expected to move into the client’s spare room and take over the running of the household. This will include the usual basic housework, cooking, shopping and perhaps gardening.

Additionally, they will provide support with the care needs of the client. This could include dressing, bathing, going to the toilet,  dealing with continence products and reminding the client when medication or treatment is due.

Other services, such as greater levels of nursing care, care of pets and transport to appointments or to attend clubs and meetings, can be arranged as necessary.

But that’s not all…

There are many other benefits of having a live-in carer. It allows the elderly person to remain in their own home, which can allow married or co-habiting couples to remain together even if one partner is fitter than the other. Pets will not need to be rehomed as a carer who is happy to live with, and potentially care for, them can be found.

But perhaps the biggest advantage is in the flexibility and friendliness that a constant care presence provides. A live-in carer is always there for a chat and to provide a listening ear. Meals can be taken as and when the client wishes – even if that means breakfast in the evening and supper first thing. On “bad” days, when the old person is getting quite frustrated and confused, there is constant supervision to ensure that accidents don’t happen and to calm and comfort them. A level of service which even the most exclusive care homes simply can’t hope to replicate.