Live in care is when a trained carer lives in the home of the person needing care. This is a good solution for someone who typically sleeps well through the night, as the carer will also be asleep.
A live in carer will need to have a separate bedroom within the home and most agencies require a daily break of at least two consecutive hours, so extra care cover may be needed for this time.
Live in carers aim is to allow you to live as independently as possible in your own home, assisting you when required. Live in carers can help with a number of different aspects of care including:
- Ensuring medication is taken correctly
- Supporting with hygiene and personal care
- Ensuring dietary needs are met
- Companionship, in the home and at social events etc.
- Assistance with everyday domestic tasks including shopping, cleaning, cooking and laundry
- Supporting with any household admin
Questions about funding care?
Care Sourcer’s friendly care experts are on hand to provide guidance on typical care costs, help you explore your funding and benefit options, or even negotiate care fees on your behalf. Call us on freephone:
(Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
However, live in carers will not be able to support with any complex medical needs and do not replace any need for a district nurse.
Benefits of live in care for person with dementia
Familiarity and stability of environment can be really important to the wellbeing of a person living with dementia.
Employing a live in carer enables the person with dementia to receive full time care but within their own home, so without the upheaval of moving to a care home. This also helps the person to retain their independence and continue their normal routines as much as possible.
Other benefits include:
- Helping with a variety of tasks around the home such as cleaning, cooking, laundry and grocery shopping
- Less worry about your loved one’s safety as there is always someone with them in the home
- Reduced loneliness as there is always someone there for companionship and outings.
- For a couple it can be significantly cheaper than two beds or double room within a care home
- The care can be provided as needed and without rushing as there is no time limit
- Infection control, as you will not be required to share anything with other residents as you may expect to in a care home
- Care can be available on a long or short term basis, depending on your specific needs
Cost of live in care
Depending on the complexity of care needed and where you live within the UK, live in care can cost between £650 and £1600 a week. This might end up working out cheaper than the cost of a residential care home.
You may be eligible for support with the cost of care. The amount of funding you receive for care and the specific cost for the care will change significantly depending on the country you live in and your specific circumstances.
Read more about the cost of care.
More information about live in care
We have more information about live in care here, including details of overnight care, what you need in your home to accommodate a live in carer and how to find a live in care agency that is right for you.
Questions about funding care?
Care Sourcer’s friendly care experts are on hand to provide guidance on typical care costs, help you explore your funding and benefit options, or even negotiate care fees on your behalf.
Call us on freephone: 0800 098 8299 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
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