When considering private live in care it is important to have conversations and clear expectations with your potential caregiver. Be sure to ask about their experience and qualifications as well as providing them with a safe space in your home where they can sleep and rest.
Families must also comply with legal responsibilities such as providing suitable living conditions, paying minimum wage and overtime and maintaining accurate records of the caregiver’s wages.
Personal Care
Private live-in care is consistent around-the-clock support for a loved one in the comfort of their own home. This is a great option for those who find the idea of residential care daunting or where regular domiciliary care isn’t enough to meet their needs.
When families hire a private carer themselves rather than going through an agency, they become legally responsible for things like employment contracts, insurance and paying their carers a living wage. It’s also up to them to ensure that their loved ones have respite cover if their carer takes time off work, which can add to the cost of private live-in care.
If you’re planning to have a private carer live with your loved one, it’s important that they have a room of their own so they can have space and privacy if needed. A spare bedroom is ideal but a study, living room or dining room can be adapted too. It should have a fully functioning bathroom and somewhere for the carer to store their belongings.
Companionship
Although private live-in care is often seen as a more expensive alternative to residential home care, it can be much more cost-effective in the long run. It provides a flexible care solution that gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one is well looked after and kept company all day, every day.
Caring companions do not provide professional medical assistance, but are more like household staff that tend to the basic needs of the elderly and disabled. They cook, help with bathing and dressing and take the elderly or disabled to social events and appointments.
The most important thing to consider when looking for a carer is their availability and affordability. Whether your relative is eligible for NHS funding, a local authority support package or you have private funds available. In addition, you will need to ensure your loved one has a spare room for the carer and has access to a bathroom or shower.
Meal Preparation
Many aging adults find the idea of cooking for themselves daunting, which leads to them relying on pre-made meals or junk food. Caregivers often provide meal preparation services, ensuring that your loved one is eating nutritious and healthy meals throughout the day without having to cook for themselves. Caregivers can also help with planning meals, sourcing recipes that meet dietary requirements and personal preferences, and buying groceries to prepare the food.
It’s important that your bespoke care plan includes details about what your aging relative enjoys eating and drinking so that the caregiver can make sure they’re enjoying their favourite foods at each mealtime. Meal prep can also be a great way for your carer to bond with you over the shared experience of cooking and sharing meals together. It’s recommended that a food allowance be provided to your live-in carer so they can buy the ingredients needed for meal preparation.
Housework
For the carer to provide the best support they will need some space and time for themselves. It is essential they have a room of their own, which does not necessarily have to be a spare bedroom but could be a study, dining or living area.
Caregivers will tidy their clients’ homes to keep them safe and clutter-free, wiping down surfaces, putting items away and cleaning up any spills. They may also help with laundry and ironing and prepare meals based on the individual’s preferences and dietary requirements.
It is important to note that if a family decides to employ a live-in carer directly instead of going through an agency, they will be responsible for paying their wage, sick pay and holidays, taking out relevant insurance cover and providing a contract of employment. However, if you choose to use an agency they will take on these responsibilities for you. You should always check your contract before hiring a private carer direct to ensure the above points are covered.Private live-in Carers
