After decades of experience supporting clients in their own homes, I have recognised one consistent worry – a fear that has held many back and made them even more nervous to ask for help. That worry is that by letting a carer into their lives and into their homes to look after them, they will somehow be giving up an element of their independence or freedom. But this could not be further from the truth.
The role of live-in carer is not to restrict those in their care, but to assist and enable them in partaking of the lifestyle, friendships and activities that they have always loved.
Choosing care at home means that independent living is actually made easier. With a live-in carer on hand at any time of the day or night, many people find that their quality of life improves immensely. With a little assistance, tasks that might have seemed increasingly difficult before now become possible. Staying in your own home for longer when age or condition would otherwise have necessitated a move to a retirement or care home, becomes more manageable with a live-in carer.
Live-in care can be hugely beneficial for the elderly or vulnerable in society, although fewer people are being approved for state-funded support due to recent cuts in funding. A travesty in our eyes, but affordable privately funded solutions are available. Latest statistics reported by the BBC showed that in 2014, 1.3 million older and disabled people received state-funded support, but that this figure is expected to fall by 500,000 over the next four years. A further 1.5 million elderly people are believed to be cared for by their family and friends.
Many are worried about their future capacity to cope in their own home and the options available, given that government funding is dwindling. It is, therefore, reassuring to know that there are private care services available to offer live-in care to help those recovering from surgery, or more permanent physical, mental or age-related conditions.
Those who choose live-in care have often gone through a period where family or friends are relied upon for food deliveries, shopping and general home care. But there will often come a point when their ad hoc assistance is just not enough, or when they are unable to cope themselves. You may start with domiciliary care, having a carer in for a few hours or days a week to help out, but for many this part-time care must turn into a more full-time service at some point.
Whatever it is that you require an extra hand with – whether it’s the chores, getting in and out of bed, bathing, going out, getting the house ready for visiting friends or simply reassurance and companionship – a live-in carer is on hand to help whenever they are needed.
Far from surrendering your freedom, live-in carers let you reclaim your independence by helping you to get out of the house – accompanying you to the shops or to family, or to cope better at home – helping you to prepare lunch or tea for friends, or giving you the freedom to go to bed or rise when you like. These are just some of the ways in which your carer can reinvigorate your life. Live-in carers are dedicated, friendly and fully trained individuals, used to finding a level of involvement and interaction that is comfortable for those they care for. They are helpers, supporters and companions, but they also know when to give you space.
If you do decide that live-in care is the right option for you, it is important to ensure that you find a suitable service and individual. Everyone has different requirements, and it is important to know that the carer selected for you has the skills and personality to suit you. Your time together at home will be all the more enjoyable if you get that right.
ANA Nursing has been providing dedicated live-in care services to clients across London for 20 years – supplying professional Care Support Workers selected for their kind natures and experience who will live with you in your own home.
If you have health issues, are elderly or disabled, or are in need of some companionship, our carers can be there to support you, allowing you to retain control over your own routine. In order to ensure that the ideal live-in caregiver is selected, a Care Manager will meet with you at home to discuss your needs and find out what you require, before choosing the right care package and caring individual for you.
To find out more about live-in care and how it can help you or someone you care for, contact us today on 07392 170990 or at info@ana-nursing.co.uk