Ivy Palmer - Care Advice & News

What Does a Live-in Carer Do?

If you’re considering care options for yourself or a loved one, you may have come across the term ‘live-in care’ – but what is live-in care? And what does a live-in carer do? At the centre of the live-in carer job description is enabling individuals who require care to continue enjoying a comfortable, safe and independent life, within the familiarity of their own homes.

Working as a live-in carer will vary based on the day-to-day needs of individuals, but our approach to care at IP Homecare is founded upon the key pillars of privacy, dignity and respect. To find out more about what live-in care is, and what is expected of a live-in carer, read below.

What is a live-in care assistant?

A live-in care assistant is a professional carer who lives with you in your own home. Live-in carers are on hand to support with a range of everyday tasks to ensure you are able to continue living independently – from preparing meals, to laundry and administering medication.

The idea of welcoming a stranger into your home may seem a little daunting at first, which is why we work hard to match you with someone you feel comfortable with. Our carers are experienced at understanding individual routines, likes and interests – in fact, many of our customers consider their live-in carer to be a friend, as well as a support professional.

There are several benefits of live-in care that simply can’t be offered in care homes, with many elderly people feeling like they have little control over the events that happen around them. From not having to share care staff with other residents to keeping elderly people and their pets together at home, live-in care prevents those requiring care from becoming institutionalised, unstimulated and losing all independence.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a carer?

It takes a unique kind of person to become a carer, and for most people, caring is a vocation. Here at IP Homecare, not only do we employ staff based on their compassion and ability to work in a professional and discreet manner, we also make sure that our carers are trained to the highest professional standards. This includes offering regular personal development programmes throughout their careers with us.

As such, our carers are trained to assist those they care for with:

  • Personal care needs (such as bathing, dressing and toileting)
  • Hoisting
  • Managing PEG feeds
  • Oxygen Administration
  • Stoma Care
  • Catheter Management
  • Blood Sugar Monitoring
  • Medication Administration
  • Washing, dressing and maintenance of appearance
  • Shopping
  • Meal preparation
  • Housekeeping duties (such as laundry and ironing)
  • Companionship and support
  • Maintaining a social life
  • Attending doctors and hospital appointments
  • Mobility support around the home
  • Feeding, walking and caring for a pet

Live-in Care for Dementia

Caring for a loved one who is living with dementia can be challenging, frustrating and tiring. Our live-in carers are trained to provide specialist care for those with dementia, ensuring the companionship and routine that is required for this kind of condition.

Receiving dementia care at home means your loved one will feel a sense of safety in their own environment, reducing feelings of confusion that a noisy care home environment may cause. A change of routine and environment can be very daunting for someone who is living with dementia, which is why more families than ever are now turning to live-in care rather than residential care, meaning their loved one can stay in the place they know and love.

Live-in care from IP Homecare

Do you think live-in care may be the best option for you or your loved one? Do you want to find out more about what is expected of a live-in carer? Contact us today to speak to one of our friendly care professionals. We’re happy to talk through your care options, whether you’re looking for support on a long-term or short-term respite basis. Alternatively, you can call us on 0808 278 2389.