At Country Cousins, our live-in carers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and comfort of those they support. Providing around-the-clock care and companionship, these dedicated professionals are committed to enhancing the quality of life for their clients.
This article offers a glimpse into the daily routines, responsibilities and rewards of being a live-in carer, showcasing the compassion and dedication that defines their work. Join us as we explore a day in the life of a live-in carer at Country Cousins.
For more information about live-in care, check out our downloadable live-in care guide.
What is a live-in carer?
A live-in carer resides with your loved one in their own home to provide them with round-the-clock expert care and support. By being on-site, a live-in carer is always close by in case of emergency and on hand for general support throughout the day.
As part of the process, a live-in carer is matched with your loved one’s specific health needs and preferences. Matching the carer’s skill set to an individual’s requirements ensures that the individual receives expert care from an experienced professional.
In general, a live-in carer can provide varying levels of support to each individual as it is a personalised type of care. It is also flexible and adaptable to suit the individual’s care needs, and so a day in the life of a live-in carer can differ from person to person.
How many hours does a live-in carer work in a day?
Live-in carers typically work up to 12 hours a day. However, they can also provide night-time or overnight assistance. In this case, two live-in carers exchange shifts. This makes sure each carer does not work excessively long hours and can get the appropriate rest period in between shifts.
Enlisting the help of two carers in this way means that your loved one receives appropriate care and support 24/7.
What does a live-in carer do in the morning?
Typically, a live-in carer will start their day when your loved one does. Whether that means getting up as the sun rises or after a leisurely lie-in, the carer fits in with an individual’s preferred routine.
If an individual needs help getting out of bed, a live-in carer will be ready to assist. Before that, they may want a cup of tea or coffee in bed. If so, the carer is on hand to bring a morning brew to their bedside.
After getting up, the live-in carer will help with personal care, from bathing and toileting to dressing, ensuring that your loved one is ready to start the day. The bed is made, laundry sorted and general tidying carried out.
Breakfast then follows. A live-in carer can prepare a morning meal in line with your loved one’s dietary requirements or assist as a sous chef to help them prepare their own.
What does a live-in carer do in the afternoon?
Afternoon tasks may involve preparing lunch and tidying up afterwards.
Following that, a live-in carer can facilitate social commitments and provide transport and accompaniment to:
- Community group meetings
- Medical appointments
- Outings
- Social activities
- Catch-ups over tea with friends
If your loved one has indoor hobbies, such as handicrafts, a live-in carer can prepare materials, set up a workstation or even engage alongside them. Country Cousins can also match individuals with carers who share similar interests, making companionship more meaningful.
What are a live-in carer’s duties during the evening?
In the evening, a live-in carer will provide friendly companionship or give your loved one space and personal time, according to their wishes.
Evening responsibilities often include:
- Preparing the evening meal
- Tidying away the day’s activities
- Supporting nighttime routines
- Helping with undressing and personal hygiene
- Assisting with getting into bed
- Providing a calming drink or reassurance before sleep
If required, the carer may be on hand to support any wakefulness during the night. If overnight waking care is needed, another carer may take over for the night shift so the live-in carer can rest, ready for the next day.
How Country Cousins can help
Country Cousins can introduce your loved one to a perfectly matched live-in carer who meets their health needs and personal preferences. Furthermore, live-in care from Country Cousins provides families with the reassurance that their loved ones are receiving round-the-clock care and support.
Over 400 families trust us daily to match them with the perfect live-in carer. You can depend on us to help you find the most suitable live-in care for your loved one. For more advice on choosing in-home care for your elderly loved one, check out our live-in care guide.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care for your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 244 706. should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm / Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
