Live-in care is a practice where a trained, certified caregiver lives with you in your home. They will be accessible to you at all times, keeping you comfortable and independent in your home. A caregiver can help you with a range of things, including feeding, going to the bathroom, medication, and other important tasks that the patient can’t perform on their own.
It is different from live-out care, where the caregivers live outside the home and only visit your house for specific hours.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about different aspects of this care. Let’s get started.
What a Live-In Carer Does
During live in care, a carer can perform a range of tasks based on your unique needs. For example, they can help with washing, dressing, and some bathroom needs.
They can also cook meals and do the laundry. But know that cleaning the floors isn’t part of their job. If you need frequent medication reminders, they can do that as well, along with safely administering the doses.
For people with Parkinson’s disease or other mobility issues, they can support them with moving safely around the house. If you feel lonely, they can offer emotional support as well by having friendly conversations or playing certain games with you.
Benefits of This Type of Care
Now, this type of care is massively valuable. For example, you won’t have to leave your house and will get everything in the comfortable confines of your home. You’ll also get a dedicated focus from a single companion rather than working with a shared staff that may not give you the kind of personalised attention you need.
If you’re living with your spouse, you can live comfortably together without ever going outside. This is especially true for patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as a stable environment will reduce their anxiety.
How Much Does Live In Care Cost?
In the UK, it costs between £1,200 and £1,500 per week, depending on different factors. For example, agencies that match you with self-employed carers are usually cheaper than fully managed care providers. Similarly, rates in major metropolitan areas are higher than the national average.
The base price will also scale up if a caregiver must wake up multiple times per night to assist the patient.
Similarly, the complexity of diseases also influences how much they’d charge.
Things to Check Before Hiring a Caregiver
When you’ve finally decided to hire this care, it’s important to choose a reliable carer who can give you the extraordinary emotional and physical support you need. First, check their experience with specific needs like bedridden care or stroke recovery. Also check for valid First Aid and CPR credentials to get an idea of where they got their training.
You can also ask for past references, and call at least two of them to verify their reliability and honesty. A good carer won’t shy away from sharing those things.
It’s also wise to arrange a two-week trial phase to test compatibility before you finalise a long-term contract.