Live-in care, where a professional carer lives with their client, is an increasingly popular alternative to care homes. To better understand why, Bluebird Care presents some stories from the people behind this growing trend.
In the UK alone, more than 540,000 people currently receive home care support every week, benefiting from companionship, personalised care, staying active in their local community and support in managing the risks of living at home.
Jane’s* mother Marianne* is currently supported by a live-in carer from Bluebird Care (Hambleton and Richmondshire), based in Northallerton.
Marianne, lives with dementia but is physically fit and healthy, first stayed in a care home but found it very confusing and overwhelming. Jane says that her mother did not like the noise and busyness of the care home setting and preferred her own home which is much quieter and more familiar.
Jane said: “In the care home my mother was not really stimulated or active enough. She needed more personal attention which a live-in carer can give.
“My mother needs 24-hour supervision as she gets anxious if she is left alone, so it was clear she needed a carer 24 hours a day. My mother also has communication issues but responds really well to one-to-one attention. Having only one carer who is familiar with her makes communication much easier.”
With the support of her carer, Marianne has been able to keep a daily routine so she doesn’t get as confused. The personalised care she receives also means that she isn’t rushed and can take her time when she is having a slower day.
Since receiving live-in care, Marianne has become much calmer and happier. Prior to COVID-19, her carer was able to take her on trips to garden centres, stately homes, museums, concerts and the cinema, each tailored to her interests to make sure its enjoyable for her. Both are looking forward to being able to resume these activities when it is safe to do so.
Jane said that her mother is much more physically fit now. “Her carer takes her out for a walk every day and helps her do stretching exercises while also making sure she drinks plenty of water and has a healthy diet.
“It is so lovely to see my mother laughing and smiling again. Dementia is a horrible disease but I can honestly say she has an excellent quality of life at the moment and is definitely enjoying herself.
Anita is a live-in carer with over eleven years of experience supporting clients at their homes.
She described some of her responsibilities include as a live-in carer. “In the mornings, I greet the client with a smile and explain why I am there and what we will be doing today. After preparing breakfast and doing personal care, I often organise activities to keep the client active, such as playing board games, painting and completing jigsaws. Following lunch and weather permitting, I’ll take the client outside for some fresh air before returning home for a relaxing evening.”
Jules Tatham, the dedicated Live-in Care Manager at Bluebird Care (Hambleton and Richmondshire), said: “Our live-in care service means that our customers are matched with a suitable carer, to provide one-to-one support so they can stay safely in their own homes with everything they treasure – family, pets, personal possessions and memories.
“Our live-in customers vary in their needs – some are quite independent but enjoy the practical and emotional benefits of having a companion to help with daily tasks. Others have more complex needs such as dementia, an illness which means that familiarity of surroundings and continuity of care is particularly important.
“Live-in care is not as expensive as some might think, and I have seen the relief on families faces when they see that their parents can stay at home with all their comforts but still be safe and well cared for. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
*Names have been changed for the purposes of this article.
