Around the clock care helps facilitate a better quality of life and comfort for many elderly and disabled people, however, some perceive it as being synonymous with the loss of independence. This is likely because those in need of consistent care generally move into a care home, where staff provide assistance to a group of people throughout the day.
With up to 97% of elderly people preferring to stay in their home whilst receiving care, it's no surprise that there is a somewhat glum perception of around the clock care - however care homes are not the only option available for those who need long-term and consistent support, live-in care makes it possible for a person to remain in their own home whilst receiving care. A live-in carer is unique in the fact they will live in the home of the person in need of assistance, seeing that the necessary level of care is provided without upheaval and disruption to life. Live-in care provides a solution that works for people who are faced with the question "what to do when in need of around the clock support?" We've listed things to consider to ensure your home is suitable for live-in care and its advantages. A spare room A spare room is a vital requirement if you are considering live-in care for yourself or a loved one. A live-in carer will move into the home and will be typically be expected to sleep overnight. During their working hours (around 12 hours), a live-in carer will provide assistance for a range of different tasks, this can include bathing and getting ready in the morning, preparing tasty meals, prompting medication or simply helping you get into town for a spot of shopping! What your live-in carer does is completely dependent on your care needs and wishes. During the 12 hour period, carers are entitled to a 2 hour break, this break will be coordinated with the person receiving care so it can be taken at the best time possible. Family, friends & partners The very purpose of live-in care is to facilitate independence, this means a person can continue living how they wish and with whom they wish. Not only does live-in care make it possible for a person to maintain close connections and ties in the community, it provides peace of mind for the family. The pressure of care is alleviated, giving couples and families more time to do the things they enjoy. Pets If pets are a large part of your life, the question of what to do with a pet when you require full-time care can be extremely difficult to resolve. Unlike other full-time care options, live-in care supports a person's choice to have a pet in the home, providing complete assistance with pet care. Live-in carers are often trained to ensure your pet is well looked after in your home, carrying out a range of pet care tasks. Will you be comfortable? Your comfort is the number one priority, therefore, it's important to consider whether you will be happy with the significant change. Many elderly people who have lived alone for a great number of years may find the idea of now sharing their home a little daunting, however soon discover the relaxing and worry-free benefits of 24-hour care in the home. A live-in carers job includes companionship aspects as well as health and clinical care, the 1-to-1 nature of live-in care often creates long-lasting friendships and bonds between a carer and a patient.
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There is no better option than a career in Live-In Care if you have a natural passion for helping others. As a Live-In Carer, you can experience an unmatched level of professional fulfillment and job satisfaction, providing support at a personalised and sustained level - a quality of care which is sometimes difficult to deliver in a care home or hourly care setting. By choosing a live in care job, you will be making a difference in the lives of a person at a time when they need companionship and support the most.
Live-In Care does present its own unique challenges and requires a select set of characteristics to prepare a person for the responsibility of around the clock care in a home environment. Find out whether you possess these top qualities needed to become a successful Live-In Carer. 1. Professional Or Personal Care Experience Having previous experience in Live-In Care is extremely valuable, unlike other care provisions, carers will typically work alone during a placement. This means there is often little opportunity for shadow learning. Although all Live-In Carers will conduct extensive training before being placed with a client, a good understanding of the fundamentals such as manual handling, medication management, and current care delivery techniques will provide a great platform from which further knowledge and Live-In Care specific skills can be built upon. Your knowledge of care can be acquired from both professional experiences developed through a work environment or from personal experience from caring for a loved one or friend. Be sure to highlight any specialist training and qualifications you may have had with complex conditions such as dementia, as these skills demonstrate that you are proficient with dealing with clients with more complex needs and can be given greater responsibility. 2. Availability & Flexibility A Live-In Carers reliability and dependability is a major factor. On the whole, care professionals typically work unusual hours, as a person's needs do not stop when business hours end - this is especially true for Live-In Carers. A predetermined rota pattern will be worked out before your placement begins, a typical pattern will often have you working consistently for say 2 weeks on before taking a 2-week break, sometimes the rotation can be longer, such as 4 weeks on 2 weeks off. They vary and there are many options to suit your lifestyle. When you are on duty you will work an average number of hours each day, with a 2 hour break during your shift. During your off periods, you will also be asked to vacate the property. In order to provide consistent and familiar care a great deal of availability and flexibility is required, including arranging accommodation during your days off. Before entering a Live-In Care job it is important to consider whether your lifestyle is suitable and if you are able to commit to the rota patterns. 3. Listening & Communication A unique aspect of Live-In Care is the ability to provide companionship alongside needs related support, the combination of these two factors can have amazing effects on a person's well-being and happiness. Listening to and acknowledging your client's opinions and wishes as well as respecting their choices is key for building a trusting and enjoyable relationship. A good Live-In Carer will understand how to engage and respond to the person receiving care, show interest and understanding whilst also maintaining a productive care routine throughout the day. Carers may also be asked to accompany a client to doctors and hospital appointments, having the ability to listen carefully and clearly communicate instructions from appointments will be a large part of your role as a carer, therefore you often required to have excellent English speaking and writing skills. 4. Organisation & Planning A Live-In Carer will become responsible for certain aspects of their clients home, this can include anything from the preparation and cooking of nutritional meals to completing household chores. Ensuring the home environment is clean, safe and comfortable is as equally part of a Live-In Carers role as delivering the care plan. Live-In Care gives people the ability to remain independent in their homes, therefore you may be asked for assistance with simple administration tasks such as paying bills, posting letters, or helping your client attend classes and activities in the community. In order to keep the household running smoothly, tasks will need to be overseen with prior preparation, scheduling, and planning. 5. A Caring Nature There's no denying that care in any form is difficult, as it requires you to put another's needs and considerations before your own. There are particular personality traits believed to indicate whether a person will adapt well to the responsibility and challenges of Live-In Care-taking it in their stride. These characteristics include:
Author: The Good Care Group - Friday 13th, Oct 2017 |
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