In the UK, there are 14.9 million people aged 60 and over. According to Age UK, this number is expected to rise to 20 million by 2030. The 2014 edition of the Care of the Elderly Market Survey state that 426,000 of these people are in a residential care home. However, studies have shown that 97% of older people would prefer to live in their own home, with the support of live-in carers.
What is Live-in Care?
Live-in care is when someone has a 24-hour carer living with them in their home in order to support them. This option is available for those who wish to live independently in their own home but need a higher level of support. Live-In care is often a cheaper alternative to having multiple care visits during the day and at night, and gives the patient a better level of care.
Many people require live-in care. Whether you’ve just been discharged from hospital, you are living with a disability or illness or you are making the switch from visiting care to live-in, there are many reasons someone need’s a live-in carer. A live-in carer will give you and your family peace of mind that someone is there to keep you company and help you with basic tasks and chores.
Live-in care also gives couples the opportunity to stay together, no matter what level of care they require. In some instances, live-in care is also cheaper than paying for two beds in a residential care home. If a couple are unable to support each other, maintaining basic household chores, medication administration and much more can be a struggle. This is where a live-in carer will come and support you.
What does a Live-in Carer Do?
The main aim of a live in carer is to provide the individual patient the support they need in order to live independently in their own home. From doing basic chores to helping the you get changed and staying on top of medication, your fully trained live-in carer will give you support when it comes to day-to-day tasks. A live-in carer allows you to do as much as you are able to, and will help you along the way. It is also very reassuring to have someone else in your home with you.
How can a Live-in Carer Help with Independence?
A live-in carer enables you to remain independent, helping you feel empowered and giving you a sense of self-determination. Live-in carers also enable you to stay in a familiar environment – you are able to avoid stressful changes often detrimental to health. You have control of your own home – you don’t need to sell it. You also have control of your possessions – many people lose this when they move into residential homes.
Alongside this, there will only be minor adjustments made to your routine – the majority of it will stay the same, or will be adjusted to enhance your quality of life.
Live-in care provides 1:1 companionship
Whilst there are many benefits of residential care, it isn’t for everyone. Live-in care provides you with the time needed to get to know you and create a care plan unique to you. Live-in care provides a different level of companionship, especially in comparison to residential care homes. Another great aspect of choosing live-in care is that you can partake in your own hobbies and interests.
Live in palliative and end of life care also allows people who are approaching the end of their own life to pass away in their own home. 63% of the UK’s population want to pass away in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by memories and a recognisable surrounding. However, only 20.8% of people die in their home. For some patients, the hospital or residential care home is the best place to be, but it does come with restrictions. High-quality palliative live-in care means you can have visitors when you like, and elements of control. The priority for every end-of-life live-in carer is to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.