Live-in care is delivered by a professional carer who lives with you in your home so that care and support are on hand 7 days a week, day and night. This type of care means that you get to remain living independently in your home and the community you love. Many individuals who are faced with the possibility of moving into residential care, but would prefer to stay living in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by loved ones and happy memories.
At Country Cousins, we have been providing live-in care for over 60 years through our compassionate and experienced carers who work across the UK. We offer flexible care options that can be adapted at any time and our friendly carers can help with all aspects of independent living, such as housework, cooking, shopping, and running errands. If you would like to find out how Country Cousins can support you or a loved one to continue living at home download our live-in care guide, get in touch with us on 01293 224706, or complete our online enquiry form.
If you would like more guidance on what to expect when welcoming a carer into your home, take a look at our helpful article: If you need to assist a live-in carer.
How does live-in care work?
Live-in carers can provide support with a wide range of tasks to make living at home more easily, such as:
- Personal care – includes washing, dressing, shaving, and toilet needs
- Mobility support – as well as steadying support (e.g. with a walking frame or walking stick)
- Overseeing medication – such as ordering prescriptions
- Housework – including tidying, laundry, shopping, and preparing meals
- Companionship – and accompanying on trips out
- Preparing and cooking meals – grocery shopping, and washing up
- Running errands – arranging appointments, paying bills, or other domestic administration
- Specialist support – for conditions such as dementia, cancer, and diabetes care
What can a live-in carer not do?
While a live-in carer can help with a broad range of tasks and duties one should also consider things that the carer is unable to assist with. For example, a live-in carer cannot work a 24-hour shift. They will sleep while the client sleeps at night so they are rested and ready for the day ahead. Carers can be woken up during the night for unforeseen things, such as visiting the toilet. However, if regular night-time support is needed then overnight care may be more appropriate.
Country Cousins carers are trained and experienced professional carers. Carers are carefully matched to your needs, especially when support with a medical condition is needed; such as dementia care or disability care. However, carers are not trained to provide nursing support such as administering injections or moving immobile clients without a hoist, such as carrying them between the bed and wheelchair, which requires 2 people.
Here are a few other things that carers cannot due:
- Carrying out DIY or other in-house alterations
- Smoking or drinking in your home, unless you permit them to do so
- Inviting unknown people to your house or making calls from your telephone
- Accepting gifts or loans from clients
- Witnessing legal documents such as a will or credit agreements
What are the benefits of live-in care?
There are a huge number of benefits to receiving live-in care at home, they include:
Maintain independence and freedom
Remaining at home means you stay in control of your life. Keeping the routine and way of life that you love, instead of having routines imposed on you. From choosing what and when you eat to maintaining your hobbies and interests, staying at home means that you decide. The comfort and security of living in familiar surroundings are unrivalled.
Value for money
The cost of live-in care is often similar to residential care but with the additional benefit of personalised one-to-one care from a carer who you develop a close bond with. For couples requiring care, the costs are usually significantly cheaper than residential homes and allow them to remain living together which is often not possible in a care home setting. Other financial considerations include avoiding the potential stress of selling a family home and protecting inheritance for children and grandchildren.
Keeping connections with loved ones
Live-in care allows you to maintain your relationships with friends, family, neighbours, and pets. Your loved ones can visit or stay with you any time, and you’re free to take holidays or visit loved ones whenever you wish. Maintaining a connection in the community we know and love is vital for mental well-being and quality of life. It also fosters peace of mind, both for the care recipient and for their family.
Help with daily tasks and domestic chores
Live-in carers do more than just take care of a person’s medical needs. They provide practical and domestic help on a daily basis, from doing cleaning and laundry to walking the dog and collecting prescriptions. Most daily tasks, errands, and chores can be carried out by your carer if you wish. Having relief from the burden of domestic chores means you can relax and not worry about coping alone.
Support with health conditions
Live-in carers are professionally trained to a high standard. At Country Cousins, carers are matched to clients based on specific health needs, lifestyles, and preferences. You will receive support from someone who is trained and experienced in the specific health condition that affects you. Giving you peace of mind that you are receiving the best care possible. Carers can administer medications, help with mobility issues and assisted transfers, and offer continence care or other medical support as needed.
Reduces risks and hazards
Research from the Live-In Care Hub shows people who enjoy live-in care at home suffer nearly 30% fewer falls than their care and nursing home counterparts, and 50% fewer hip fractures. Receiving one-to-one care ensures you get the personalised care and attention you deserve. Receiving live-in care also reduces your risk of infections, compared to a residential care home setting. This is due to the number of people living closely together. According to the Live-In Care Hub, the rate at that people die of coronavirus in care homes and nursing homes is about 7,136 per 100,000 people. For live-in care, the rate is significantly lower at 1,482 per 100,000.
Quality of care
Live-in care at home gives you one-to-one personalised care, tailored to your specific needs and wishes, something that cannot be matched by residential care. Getting continuity of care, 24 hours a day, from a dedicated carer means they get to know what you need and when. Live-in care arrangements can be adapted to the changing needs of clients, creating a seamless care service.
Consistent companionship
Having a dedicated carer means that you get to develop a close bond. Many people comment that their carer becomes like one of the family – a trusted person they can rely on and confide in. The elimination of stress, vulnerability, and loneliness cannot be underestimated in its ability to improve quality of life and overall happiness. With live-in care, there is always someone around to share life’s ups and downs.
At Country Cousins, we know how important companionship is to the success of a live-in care arrangement. That’s why we carefully match our clients and carers based not only on medical needs but also taking into account, lifestyle, hobbies, and interests so we can find the perfect companion for you.
How much does live-in care cost?
One of the most common concerns around receiving live-in care is just how much that care might cost. Many people are pleasantly surprised to find out that live-in care is often similar to residential care in a care home. In some circumstances, it can work out cheaper, such as in the case of couples receiving live-in care. Everyone’s needs and circumstances are different and the care market can be complicated in its pricing structures and service models. That is why here at Country Cousins, we offer a simple, three-tiered approach to our care offering.
Our live-in care options:
- Standard live-in care (for individuals or couples)
- Advanced live-in care (for individuals or couples with complex needs)
- Night support
If you would like a printed copy of more information please contact us directly.
What do I need to provide for a live-in carer?
A live-in carer would need to have their own bedroom with a wardrobe and drawers to store their belongings. The carers would also need to be provided with food, often they will eat the same food as the client and join them at mealtimes unless the client prefers to eat alone. The bathroom should be functional and clean. Some clients provide a safe for the carer and themselves. That doesn’t mean either of you cannot be trusted, however, it can make everyone feel more comfortable and is a good way of safeguarding each other.
You may also need to notify your home insurer that you have a live-in carer and if you would like your carer to drive you around in your car then you will need to add them to your car insurance policy.
Why choose Country Cousins?
Country Cousins is the U.K.’s longest-serving live-in care agency with over 60 years experience of caring for people in their own homes across the UK. We take care of over 500 clients every week in the comfort of their homes, offering compassionate and professional care for the elderly, those convalescing at home, and disabled adults who need extra support to live independently. We carefully select carers taking into account your lifestyle, personal preferences, hobbies, care needs, health conditions, and more so we can match you to the perfect carer who has the skills and qualities suited to you.
We know through decades of experience that finding the right carer to fit with your personality and lifestyle is critical to success. Most of our clients tell us that their live-in carer has become a trusted friend. This is our aim for all our clients. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer any questions you might have with no obligations. Get in touch with one of our experienced team today on 01923 224706 to discuss your live-in care needs or complete our online enquiry form.
