Questions families often ask

Our responsibility to you is to ensure that you are receiving the right level of care and we will work with you to make sure the carer works in your environment. It’s important to ensure that all parties understand what level of care is expected, how to operate within the daily rhythm of the house and what level of interaction is expected. This will vary on a case-by-case basis. Of course if it looks as if it’s not working we will work with you to find a suitable replacement.

The first step is clearly to give us a call and we can walk you through all relevant steps and answer any questions you may have. Live-in care is by definition a bespoke service so what matters is your relevant situation and how best to make that work for you.

This is such a common problem and there are strategies we can talk you through to make it work. Typically this is just an initial problem and you’ll soon find that once in situ your carer will be easily adopted into your family routine.

A live-in carer will help take the pressure off much of the on-going chores of the house. Responsibilities will vary, and to be agreed, but can include some light housework, cooking, walking the dog etc in addition to their responsibilities of providing personal care and companionship. Your carer will also run a few errands or do the shopping if you wish or take their charge to any appointments (including the GP). Importantly though they should also understand where the personal boundaries are with those in the household and when to be more discreet at which point they may retreat to their rooms.

Carers should be provided with their own personal space (bedroom) and ideally bathroom as well. These days its almost essential to ensure that the bedroom is well connected to a good Wifi network. This is important not only so that the carer can rest or sleep but also to excuse themselves when its not appropriate for them to be around. In addition we will work with you to understand what if any improvements might be necessary to ensure that the home is a fit environment to provide the level of care that is expected.

Carers will be on site 24/7 but plan for a 2hr break at some point during the day to be agreed with you and of course a full nights sleep. During their break they may retreat to their rooms or head out for a walk or do some shopping but its important that your carer is able to have time to recharge appropriately. Always remember that the role of a carer can be very demanding and it’s important that you manage the relationship sensitively to get the best out of them so that they become embedded in your daily routine and work with you not for you.

If you need a carer who is expected to drive then we will ensure that an appropriate person is available. Having a car can provide real benefits not just to run errands or do the shopping but an opportunity for little day trips or to visit friends, if appropriate. Some carers will have their own cars which they can use to run errands or do the shopping which they would charge at 55p per mile. For day trips or any other situation where the client is being driven we would suggest that you provide a car which the carer can be insured on.

It’s a good question and one which often comes up. From personal experience you should consider your carer as professional and assume a high degree of trust. Whatever you feel most comfortable with clearly. Doing the shopping is expensive these days and providing a debit card of sorts is clearly the easiest, just be clear on what you are expecting. Don’t expect the carer to pay with the promise to reimburse them (although they will in some situations). Your carer will always provide receipts.