Live-in care, or home help is an alternative to residential care for people who require support but do not wish to leave their own home. Traditionally, elderly people would remain in their own home, looked after by family. It is only in more recent years that residential care has become increasingly popular, as families live further away and have more demanding careers. Many people don’t realise that staying at home is still an option. If you choose to opt for live-in care, it means that a carer will live with you in your home for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Carers are highly trained people who have been through a strict vetting procedure to ensure that they possess the right skills to look after you properly.
What will a live-in carer do for me?
A live-in carer will help you with each task that you need to undertake in your day to day life. They will assist with mobility, cooking, housework, taking your medication, bedtime routines, personal care, pet care, trips out of the house and companionship. They are also there to provide one to one emotional support for you.
How will I benefit from live-in care?
The benefits of live-in care are many and varied. A major benefit of employing a carer is that you do not need to leave your own home. Many people have lived in their family home for many years, sometimes decades and are very reluctant to move into a residential community and leave a home that is full of their own belongings, memories and is close to friends and neighbours. If you have a pet, remaining at home means you can keep your pet by your side. Many people have lived with pets as their companion for years and to be separated from them can be a source of distress. Staying in your own home takes pressure off family members who would feel guilty for moving you into a care home but equally do not have the time to look after your full-time care needs. Leaving your own home can create feelings of anxiety and detachment and leave people feeling disorientated and often lonely. Studies show that 3/4 of us would prefer to stay in our own home, and live-in care is a life enhancing option that enables us to do just that. Having the one-to-one attention of a personal carer provides companionship and can even safeguard your health. Having someone nearby to constantly observe and monitor your wellbeing means that you are less likely to have a fall, suffer from skin conditions and contract urinary tract infections. Emotionally, you are likely to feel happier, and experience greater feelings of freedom and independence. Living at home means that you can plan your days around your own routine with no rigid timetable. Carers can ensure that you have your tea and toast exactly how you like it. They can provide home cooked meals to your specification at the time of day that you prefer them. This is a great source of comfort to many people.
