All your questions about live-in care answered, giving you valuable insight into this great alternative to residential care.
Live-in care is a fantastic alternative to residential care which can be a great choice for some, but not everyone.
According to the Live-in Care Hub nearly 100% of people would prefer not to go into residential care if they became unwell or enable to care for themselves. Statistics also show that we have an ageing population in the UK. In 2016 18% of the population was identified as elderly, but in 50 years there will be an additional £8.6 million elderly people in the UK. The NHS struggles to place the elderly in appropriate care, many people want to stay in their own homes when they get older, and residential care is unable to currently cope with demand.
These are just some of the reasons that live-in care is a fantastic option for those looking for care into their later years. Have you been considering Live-in care? If you are interested in Live-in care for yourself or a loved one, take a look at these handy Q&A’s for more information:
Is Live-in Care Cheaper Than Residential Care?
It is difficult to put a number on the cost of care because every case is unique. Live-in care can be cheaper than residential care if the care is not specialised, and if the care is provided to a couple.
What Does Live-in Care Involve?
A trained person from a live-in care or home care services agency will live in your home 24/7 and provide you with care.They may switch with another carer every couple of weeks on a rota basis, so you would have contact with two carers, not just one.
Should I Use An Agency Or Hire A Carer Privately?
You can of course hire a private carer but you benefit from emergency cover, easy replacement, training, ongoing support and experience when you use an agency. There are lots of agencies to choose from and they often have excellent care packages available.
What Different Types Of Live-in Care Are Available?
Live-in care can be useful for respite care for family carers. It can also be a good choice for preparing for residential care. When it comes to full-time live-in care, you can have basic personal care, help with the housework, pet care, gardening and cooking, specialist medical care, physiotherapy and more. The services are tailored to your needs.
Does A Live-in Carer Have Their Own Room?
A live-in carer needs their own private room where they have privacy away from the rest of the house. The room should have storage, be comfortable, clean and ventilated. They do not usually require their own bathroom but they should have access to a clean and working bathroom.
Can A Live-in Carer Provide Care Outside Of The Home?
Your carer can accompany you to medical appointments, to family visits, and even on holiday if that is what you would like. The provisions for those trips can be discussed when you get an initial quote from your care agency.
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What Is The Next Step To Getting Live-in Care?
The next step to getting live-in care is getting a care assessment. This will help you determine the level of care needed, enabling you to find appropriate care options. After that you can contact live-in care agencies for further advice and guidance. The more planning and research you do, the more able you will be to make an informed decision about this invaluable type of care.