Live-in Care

Supporting you in your own home

It can be incredibly stressful to think you can no longer cope in your own home. A residential care home is an option but it’s not your own home and is often a step too far. Which is why we offer 24-hour live-in care.

Live-in care is a real benefit to many of our clients. Keeping you safe and secure in your own home. It’s always reassuring to know you are in familiar surroundings and able to maintain your daily routines. This removes the stress of moving to a new environment with other people.

If you are able to continue living in your own home there are many advantages. Not least because you remain part of your local community with friends and family close by. If you have pets such as a cat or dog that is not a problem for us. We consider their needs as part of your care package, an important part of your comfort and enjoyment.

“We are very happy with all the carers who are all dedicated and they are very polite. ”

—  D. Ruggiero

What you can expect with live-in care

Our live-in carers are specifically selected and trained to ensure your care is consistent and tailored to your needs. The most important aspect is to find the right person for you. We understand that asking someone to share your home is a big step which is why compatibility is crucial. 

It will depend on your needs and how involved you want to be with daily tasks. Mobility might be an issue for you or remembering to carry out basic household tasks. All of this is part of the assessment and will ultimately determine your Care Plan.

Overall responsibility for medication including dispensing and managing repeat prescriptions.

Help with personal hygiene in is completely flexible and can be carried out when the client wishes throughout the day including support for baths or showers.

Care givers have full moving and handling qualifications as this often occurs within live-in care.

General housekeeping to ensure everything is kept clean and tidy, this will include regular laundry, ironing and cleaning.

Meal selection, shopping and preparation depending on your tastes and dietary needs.

General care for your pets including access to your garden and walks.

Companionship is a given by all our carers. When you have someone living in your home there needs to be a connection. The enjoyment of sharing meals or simply just chatting and watching TV, perhaps going out on day trips.

Because you have a caregiver with you all the time it’s easier to identify when your needs change. We carry out regular assessments to ensure you are getting the care you want and need. Which means your Care Plan can be adjusted at any stage to maintain your welfare and safety at home.

Accommodation for a live-in carer

Providing space for a caregiver in your home is important. They need to feel comfortable and settle in as quickly as possible to focus on delivering your Care Plan. Think of it as preparing for a family member or a friend coming to stay. Your caregiver will need their own room.

A bed is essential with a set of draws or wardrobe to store belongings. This is their own space where they can relax and sleep in comfort. Access to a bathroom will be needed. This doesn’t have to be an ensuite facility it just needs to be easily accessible and functional.

There will be time allocated for your caregiver to take a break. Over a working week, they are entitled to 14 hours of time away from caring. When and how they take this time can be discussed as part of your Care Plan. If you cannot be without support, we can arrange for visiting care during these breaks.

Arranging live-in care

The first step is to get in touch, either send us an email or speak to us on the telephone. We will have an initial conversation and then put you in touch with your local manager. They will arrange a home visit to talk to you in detail about what you want, your needs and how we can help.

As with any of our caregivers, it’s important to match up the personalities. This is even more important for live-in care as we are looking for a companion as much as someone providing the necessary skills to deliver your Care Plan.

Once a caregiver has been found, we will arrange for a settling in period. To ensure you are happy with the individual and that all your needs are being met. After this, your local manager will work with you and agree on a series of regular visits as well as carer supervisions.

An affordable option

You may already benefit from a visiting care option. As your needs change the number of visits you require throughout the day can increase. It’s a fine balance but at some stage, it may be more cost-effective to have a live-in carer.

If you are a couple and find you need more help, a live-in carer is certainly a good option. The cost of a care home for two can be prohibitive but if you bring the care into your home it becomes more manageable. It also means you can stay together in a familiar setting and continue to manage on a daily basis.

Frequently asked questions

Will I have the same live in carer?

There will be a minimum of 2 live in carers rostered to ensure sickness, annual leave and carer breaks can occur. However, carers will be kept as minimal as possible, depending on their working patterns and client wishes.

Do I need to cover the cost of the carer’s food?

This is agreed with the client before care commences as some clients wish to and others are not able to do so. We do ask the client to allow the carer to use their water, storage and cooking facilities.

When will my carer have a break?

This is agreed with the client and carer at the start of care. We often provide a couple of longer breaks throughout the week, however some carers may prefer to have an hour each day. Carer breaks can be flexible to work with the client and carer.

Can my family be involved with my care still?

Of course. On the initial assessment, all aspects of care will be discussed, including family involvement. If you wish for your family’s involvement this is something Mega Care will promote.

Can my live-in carer take me into the community?

Yes, the live-in carer can assist with accessing the community. If the carer has their own car they will need to ensure they have business insurance. Otherwise the carer can assist with accessing public transport or going for walks, etc.

Will my live-in carer be appropriately trained for my needs?

Our carers will have all the mandatory training carried out, i.e. moving and handling, infection control, etc. Following the assessment, if we have recognised any additional training needs, we will ensure the training is carried out or sourced before care has commenced.