Day in a Life of a Live-in Carer
A live-in carer can significantly improve an older person’s quality of life, becoming their confidant, irreplaceable companion and family member all in one. The suitable assistance of a 24-hour live-in carer, however, is not just about making the senior feel better or taking care of daily chores. It is also, and perhaps most of all, a person who takes care of good health, nutrition and medication, thus ensuring that the senior lives a longer and more comfortable life!
Hiring an experienced caregiver is not only a necessity but an investment in the health and life of our loved ones. But what does a day in the life of a live-in carer look like? What exactly are the responsibilities of home care? You are about to find out.
Who is a live-in carer?
A live-in carer is a fully trained carer who lives with you or a senior close to you in your own home. Depending on the arrangements and qualifications, the live-in carer will assist you with your specific needs to ensure that you are comfortable and independent at home. Home care professionals most often assist with activities such as personal and specialized medical care, companionship and support, house cleaning and other daily household chores, driving the elderly person to different places, washing the elderly person, and cooking to meet dietary and nutritional needs.
On the other hand, a 24-hour live-in carer with a medical and nursing background will additionally take care of the administration of insulin, or injections, and will also provide support in monitoring the senior’s health, while a live-in carer with a physiotherapy training will take care of physical fitness and mobility. In the case of people suffering from dementia, for example, the live-in carer can also take care of the senior’s mental condition through activities that improve brain function and motor skills.
What does a live-in carer’s day look like?
The exact nature of a live-in carer’s day depends on the state of health, the requirements of the senior as well as the capabilities, qualifications and arrangements with the caregiver, so below we have prepared just a sample day of home care as a reference. Now, where does a live-in carer’s day start?
A morning with a live-in carer
How a live-in carer starts the day depends most on what the senior’s morning routine looks like, as the carer is supposed to always be there to help when needed. Whether the senior prefers an early wake-up call with a cup of their favourite coffee and a moment to themselves, wishes to have breakfast ready when they wake up or needs help with personal care, such as grooming, toilet, bathing or dressing – the live-in carer should be on standby.
The live-in carer can also help you to get out of bed and move around the house safely. Then, after the morning routine, the live-in carer may support the senior with any activities that you may find difficult, such as making the bed, doing the laundry, or vacuuming. However, it is worth remembering that you should schedule the live-in carer’s morning duties well in advance.
An afternoon with a live-in carer
The afternoon duties of a live-in carer can vary greatly, and the number and characteristics of these duties should be determined when hiring live-in care. Much depends on the skills of the 24-hour live-in carer as well as the needs and preferences of the senior.
Often during afternoons carers have a free time for the live-in carer, but sometimes the elderly need care and assistance. What might be the requirements for a live-in carer in the afternoon? The live-in carer may have to prepare dinner, clean, or drive the senior to a doctor’s appointment. They may also suggest other ways to spend leisure time with the senior.
An evening with a live-in carer
The evening duties of a live-in carer usually involve helping to prepare for bed and evening hygiene activities, cooking a meal, reminding to take medication and suggesting evening activities. Afterwards, the person should have some free time, as a 24-hour live-in carer does not mean working 24 hours a day, so it is necessary to agree on everything in advance and to respect the other person’s boundaries. However, it is important that the caregiver will be sleeping in a spare room in the elderly’s home and will be on hand if something happens or the senior feels unwell. This provides peace of mind not only for you but also for your family members.
Here is an example of a live-in carer’s day. However, this is only an overview, as the duties and schedule of a carer depend entirely on the senior’s preferences, lifestyle and state of health. It is the residents who determine the number of responsibilities and free time, as well as any additional duties or requests to the caregiver.
We hope that this article has given you a better idea of the work of a live-in carer and the ways in which such professionals improve the quality of life of the elderly. And for more reliable information about senior living and live-in care, please check out the other resources available on our blog, which you can find here.
