What Are The Responsibilities of a Live-In Carer?
The responsibilities of a live-in carer are far-reaching. They include assisting with daily hygiene routines (such as bathing, toileting, dressing and grooming), ensuring patients are eating nutritious meals and drinking regularly, taking control of obtaining, organising and administering medication and helping patients maintain an independent, sociable lifestyle.
Being able to find the balance between taking care of a patient and being their friend is essential to the positive impact of live-in care.
Who needs live-in care?
Live-in care isn’t just for the elderly. Anyone who requires round-the-clock care is entitled to a quality care service in the comfort of their own home. This includes but is not necessarily limited to:
- Individuals with complex care needs
- Someone who has experienced a brain injury
- An individual with a spinal cord injury
- A person who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy
- Someone with a Huntington’s disease diagnosis
- Individuals diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy
- Elderly people who require regular assistance
An in-depth look at a live-in carers responsibilities
Each live-in care package should be tailored to a patient’s individual requirements. However, here is an overview of the types of responsibilities your carer may take on:
Assisting with medication
Whether it is organising, administering or discussing medication with other medical professionals (such as pharmacists or doctors), a live-in carer can take control of your medication. This service is particularly useful for individuals experiencing memory loss.
Household chores and errands
Whilst this isn’t a main service, a live-in carer will be available to assist with light chores and errands that the patient is no longer able to do on their own. This includes ironing, laundry and ensuring there is enough food in the house. The level of household help required can be discussed during the initial care assessment.
Meal preparation
It is essential that we all eat nutritious meals, but when managing a condition that restricts what you can and can’t eat; things can become stressful. Your live-in carer will be experienced and equipped to ensure that you are gaining the nutrients you require whilst staying away from harmful foods.
It may be that certain textures are not viable, or that food has to be pureed to a specific consistency; your live-in carer can manage this whilst also taking your personal tastes into consideration.
Bathroom support
Bathroom support includes helping with toileting, showering and / or bathing. It also includes ensuring that you are happy with your appearance such as your hair or what you are wearing. This may be a little daunting at first, however, our care staff are experienced in ensuring that you are as comfortable as possible and that your dignity is maintained at all times.
Help navigating through the property
For some, moving through the property and up or down stairs is a struggle. Your carer will be on hand to ensure you can still get around your home as and when you like to help maintain your independence.
Assistance in keeping a productive social life
One of the many benefits of choosing live-in care over other care options include the ability to maintain an active social life. Whether you enjoy going to the cinema or visiting friends and family, a live-in carer can help you continue living life to the absolute fullest.
Pet care
Pets can be the most important beings in our lives, particularly for those with little-to-no family. They often bring joy, comfort and entertainment to their owners. Whether you own a dog that requires regular walking or a cat that needs their litter changing, this is a responsibility a live-in carer can take on.
Friendship
Finally, and perhaps most important, a live-in carer very often becomes a friend and confidant to their patient. When living with someone 24 hours a day, you are sure to find common ground. Whether through a shared interest in music, games, books or a particular TV genre, a live-in carer isn’t just there to perform a service.
Book a consultation
If you feel that live-in care is the right option for you or your loved one, please get in touch to book a free consultation by completing the form towards the bottom of our live-in care page. Alternatively you can learn more about the support we offer across the country using the links below.
Or view all our locations here.
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