Caring for an elderly loved one is a deeply personal and often challenging responsibility.
If you're started to notice that your loved one is struggling with daily tasks or feeling lonely or isolated at home, you might be asking yourself if it’s time to seek the help of additional care services.
Thankfully, live-in care offers a practical, compassionate solution that allows your loved one to age gracefully without leaving the comfort of their own home.
In our next Access Care guide we are going to explore the advantages of live-in care, how it compares to the more traditional residential care home model of care, and why it might be the choice your family is looking for.
By the time you’ve read this, you’ll hopefully feel informed enough to take your next steps confidently.
What is Live-In Care?
Live-in care allows your loved one to stay living in their own home while receiving 24 hour live-in care support from a professionally trained live-in carer who lives with them.
Instead of moving to a residential care home, your loved one gets personalised care tailored to their specific and unique needs in a familiar and comfortable environment that they are used to. From personal care and household chores to companion care and emotional support, live-in care covers it all.
With over 30 years of experience in arranging live-in carers across the UK, at Access Care we know that nothing compares to the comfort of staying in your own home.
It’s about keeping your independence, routine, and a sense of safety -all while having someone there when it matters most.
Why Consider Care Options?
Signs That a Loved One Needs Care
Difficulty with Daily Activities: If your loved one struggles with the essential daily activities such as bathing themselves, dressing, or cooking, it may be a sign that they need additional care, help and support.
Memory Loss and Confusion: Frequent memory lapses, difficulty remembering familiar faces or names, and confusion about time or place can be signs that they may need extra care, especially in cases of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Decline in Personal Hygiene: Neglecting personal grooming, not maintaining oral hygiene, or wearing unwashed clothes can suggest that your loved one is having difficulty with self-care and requires assistance.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain: Significant changes in weight, without any apparent reason, may indicate underlying health issues or that they are finding meal planning and keeping up their nutrition a little tricky to manage.
Lack of Mobility or Unsteady Walking: Difficulty in walking or a decline in mobility can increase the risk of falls and accidents. If your loved one is struggling with mobility, it may be time to consider care options.
Social Withdrawal or Isolation: If your loved one begins to withdraw from social activities, shows a loss of interest in hobbies or once-enjoyed activities, or exhibits signs of loneliness, it could be a sign that they could benefit from companion care and support.
Medication Mismanagement: Forgetting to take their medication, taking incorrect doses, or struggling with medication management can have serious health consequences. Live-in carers can provide help and assistance in making sure that their client takes their medication and the correct amount.
Safety Concerns: Frequent accidents, close calls, or a lack of awareness of potential hazards in the home environment can indicate the need for additional care and supervision from a live-in carer, for example.
Poor Home Maintenance: If your loved one's home is consistently cluttered, dirty, or showing signs of neglect, it may be that it is challenging for them to maintain the necessary household tasks and could be an indication that they require the help of a live-in carer.
Increased Forgetfulness and Disorientation: Persistent forgetfulness, disorientation, or getting lost in familiar places can be signs of cognitive decline and may necessitate additional support and care.
Recognising these signs and seeking appropriate care options can help ensure the safety, well-being, and quality of life for your loved one.
When comparing live-in care to traditional residential care homes, live-in care often stands out as the preferred choice for many families.
Below we will detail why:
1. One-to-One Personalised Care
Unlike residential care homes where support is often shared among multiple residents at any one time, live-in care provides undivided attention for the live-in care client. Your loved one receives live-in care on their own schedule, without waiting or compromising their usual routine.
For example, if your relative prefers breakfast at 9 AM instead of 7 AM or enjoys leisurely afternoon walks, their live-in carer will happily accommodate those preferences (this would be hard to accommodate in a residential care home setting).
2. Remaining at Home
Uprooting and moving out of home can be emotionally taxing, especially for elderly people who have spent decades creating a life filled with memories in one place. Live-in care gets rid of this upheaval, allowing your loved one to stay in their cherished surroundings while still receiving the necessary help and live-in care support that they need.
3. Better Mental Wellbeing
Familiar surroundings, close companionship, and the ability to keep up with their hobbies all contribute to improved mental health. Live-in carers also help to reduce any feelings of loneliness or isolation by being a warm and trusted presence that is always there, someone to chat with over tea or share memories with.
4. Keeping Beloved Pets
For many elderly people, pets provide comfort, love, and purpose. Live-in care allows your loved one to keep their furry companion at home with them, this is a really significant benefit that most other care options, like residential care homes, can't provide.
5. Safer Environment
With the help and assistance of a live-in carer, you can be sure your loved one is safe at all times. Whether it’s medication reminders, mobility help and support, or simply making sure that the floors are free of hazards, live-in carers are trained to minimise risks within the home and out of the home, for their live-in care client.
6. Cost Efficiency
Despite what you might initially think about the cost of live-in care, it can actually be a really cost-effective option compared to other care choices such as residential homes and this is particularly so for couples. Residential care costs in the UK range between £800–£1,200 per week, while live-in care starts at £1,015 per week -a comparable rate with so many more additional benefits for the live-in care client to take advantage of.
How to Arrange Live-In Care
Arranging live-in care with Access Care is a really straightforward and stress-free process that is designed to give you peace of mind.
Step 1. Speak to a Live-In Care Expert
Start with a free consultation by phone, where one of our friendly live-in care experts will answer any questions that you may have and understand the specific and unique needs of your loved one.
Step 2. Assessment
A professional assessment will make sure that the care solutions for your loved one will meet all of their needs and requirements. This outlines everything from specific health requirements to personal preferences, ensuring the support is tailored exactly to your relative's needs.
Step 3. Matching with the Right Live-in Carer
Access Care works closely with your family to select a live-in carer who fits your loved one’s personality, routines, and specific care needs. Whether your loved one values someone bubbly and chatty or calm and professional, there is the perfect match to be found.
Step 4. Starting Care
Once matched, live-in care can start within 24–48 hours. A local care manager will oversee every step of the process and remain your point of contact moving forward.
What Makes a Live-In Carer Special?
Live-in carers do so much more than help and support with tasks; they become a trusted companion for your loved one. They share meaningful conversations, provide gentle encouragement to stay active, and even help them continue with their favourite hobbies like gardening or baking.
Live-in carers also build a rapport with family members, helping to make sure that everyone feels involved and informed about the live-in care process.
Planning for Cost and Funding
At Access Care we understand that care costs can feel overwhelming, but planning can make it more manageable. Government funding might be available depending on your loved one’s financial circumstances, so it’s always worth discussing with your local authority.
At Access Care, we can also help you explore the financial options that are available to ensure nothing stands in the way of high-quality live-in care for your loved one.
When Is the Right Time for Live-In Care?
Making the decision to bring in live-in care often comes on the back of difficult conversations or noticeable changes in your love one’s abilities.
Take it step by step:
Assess their daily challenges and any safety risks that concern you.
Be sure to discuss options with other family members and your loved one that needs the care directly.
Consult with live-in care specialists like Access Care to understand what is possible.
Remember, live-in care isn’t just about providing support for live-in care clients it’s about enabling your loved one to continue living a dignified, independent, and fulfilling life.
Other Options for Care
While live-in care can be a great solution for lots of families, it is important to explore other care options to make sure that you make the right choice for your loved one's specific and individual needs.
Here are a few care alternatives that are worth considering:
Assisted Living Facilities: Assisted living facilities provide a community-based approach to care, they usually offer a range of care services and amenities for elderly people who need some assistance with daily activities but still would like a degree of independence.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes are ideal for people who are in need of more extensive medical care and supervision. They provide round-the-clock nursing care and support for elderly people who are living with more complex health conditions.
Respite Care: Short term respite care offers short-term relief for family carers, providing temporary care for their loved ones. It can be arranged at home or in a specialised facility, allowing family carers to take a well earned break while ensuring the well-being of their relative.
Day Care Programmes: Day care programmes provide social engagement, supervision, and lots of different activities for older adults during the day. This option allows carers to continue working or pursue personal interests while their loved one receives care and companion care.
Home Health Care Services: Home health care services offer professional care provided by trained home carers who help and assist with daily tasks, medication management, and medical support. This option allows people to receive home care in the comfort of their own homes.
When thinking about the right care options that are available, it's so important to evaluate your loved one's specific and personal needs, preferences, and available resources. Getting in touch with healthcare professionals and care specialists can provide you with some really valuable guidance in determining the most suitable care arrangement for your loved one and wider family.
Charities for Vulnerable Elderly People
In the UK there are several charities that are dedicated to supporting vulnerable elderly people, providing essential services and resources to enhance their well-being and quality of life.
These charities offer a range of assistance, including:
Age UK: Age UK is a prominent organisation that provides support, advice, and companion care to older people. They offer a variety of different services like befriending programs, assistance with benefits and pensions, and information on health and social care options.
Alzheimer's Society: The Alzheimer's Society is committed to improving the lives of people who are affected by dementia. They offer some great support services, including dementia helplines, support groups, and educational resources for both individuals living with dementia and their carers.
British Red Cross: The British Red Cross offers various services to vulnerable elderly people, such as home visits, mobility aids, and support during emergencies or crisis situations. They provide assistance to help people maintain their independence and well-being.
Independent Age: Independent Age is a charity that offers support and advice to elderly people, particularly those facing loneliness and isolation. They provide practical help and assistance, including befriending services, social activities, and advice on health and social care issues.
These charities, among others, are dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable elderly people and ensuring they receive the help and support that they need.
By collaborating with these organisations, families can access some valuable resources and assistance to enhance the well-being of their loved ones.
Having a Conversation About Care with Your Loved One
Approaching the topic of care with a loved one can be challenging, but it is an essential step towards ensuring their well-being.
Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation with sensitivity and empathy:
Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet and comfortable environment where both of you can talk openly without any distractions. Make sure that you have enough time for a good discussion.
Be Empathetic and Understanding: Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Make sure to acknowledge any concerns or fears that your loved one may have about accepting care and reassure them that their feelings are valid and that you have heard them.
Listen and Validate Their Feelings: Give your loved one the space to express their personal thoughts and emotions. Listen attentively and validate their feelings without dismissing or minimising any concerns that they may have.
Highlight the Benefits of Care: Discuss the potential benefits of receiving care, live-in care or otherwise, such as enhanced safety, improved quality of life, and the opportunity to engage in activities they enjoy. Emphasise that care can provide them with additional support and companion care to make their life easier.
Involve Them in the Decision-Making Process: Make your loved one an active participant in the care decision-making process. Ask them for their input and preferences regarding the type of care they would prefer, whether it's hourly home care, live-in care, short term respite care, assisted living, a residential care home or other alternatives.
Share Information and Resources: Provide your loved one with information about the available care options that are available, including professional care services, community programmes, and support groups. Offer to research and explore the different options and choices together.
Reassure Them of Your Ongoing Involvement: Be sure to reassure your loved one that your involvement and support will continue even if they receive professional care. Let them know that your goal is to ensure their well-being and that you will remain an active part of their life.
Remember, open and honest communication is so important when discussing care with your loved one. Approach the conversation about care with patience, respect, and a genuine desire to find the best possible solution for their unique and specific needs.
What to Do If Your Loved One Is Resistant to Care
It is not uncommon for loved ones to be resistant to the idea of receiving professional care, be that live-in care or otherwise.
Here are some suggestions on how to navigate this situation:
Listen and Validate Their Concerns: Take the time to understand their worries and fears about receiving care. Show empathy and validate their feelings, letting them know that their concerns are heard and respected.
Educate Them on the Benefits: Share information about the benefits of professional care, emphasising how it can improve their quality of life, provide companion care, and ensure their safety and well-being. Highlight specific aspects of care that align with their personal needs and preferences.
Involve Them in the Decision-Making: Make your loved one an active participant in the care decision-making process. Discuss with them the different options, consider their input, and involve them in selecting the live-in carer or the type of care that best suits their needs.
Introduce Care Gradually: If possible, start by introducing care gradually. You could start with a few hours a day (if home care or live-in care is chosen) or a couple of days a week, allowing your loved one to adjust to the presence of a home carer and experience the benefits firsthand.
Address Any Misconceptions or Fears: If there are specific misconceptions or fears that are fueling their resistance, talk about them openly and honestly.
Remember, approaching the topic with empathy, patience, and understanding is key. It may take time for your loved one to come around to the idea of receiving care, and it's important to respect their autonomy while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Who We Are at Access Care
At Access Care, we are dedicated to providing exceptional live-in care solutions for families across the UK. With over 30 years of experience, we have been arranging professional and qualified live-in carers who are passionate about delivering compassionate and personalised live-in care.
Our aim is simple - to help families like yours navigate the complexities of live-in care and ensure the well-being and comfort of your loved ones.
We understand the importance of finding the right live-in care solution that meets the unique and specific needs and preferences of your family, while reducing the burden on family members.
With Access Care, you can trust that your your loved one will receive the highest standard of live-in care from our dedicated and reliable team of live-in carers.
Make the Right Choice for Your Family
Deciding how to help and support an elderly loved one is one of the biggest decisions families face.
Live-in care offers a compassionate and practical solution that emphasises your loved one’s needs and preferences while easing the responsibility on family members.
If you’re ready to explore the world of live-in care or have any questions, no matter how big or small, we’re here to help.
Please contact Access Care today on 01264 319 399 or drop us an email at hello@Access-care.co.uk to talk through your live-in care needs.
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