When facing the challenges of end-of-life or palliative care, most individuals prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar surroundings and the support of their loved ones. In such situations, the assistance of a dedicated live-in carer can make a significant difference. With 24-hour care tailored to meet individual needs, live-in carers provide holistic support, ensuring physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. From managing symptoms to offering companionship and assisting with daily tasks, live-in carers play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for those requiring end-of-life or palliative care or end of life care at home.
Comprehensive Symptom Management
End-of-life and palliative conditions often come with various symptoms, including cognitive difficulties, fatigue, pain, and bladder and bowel problems. Home Carers are skilled in managing these symptoms effectively within the home environment. They work closely with a team of medical professionals to provide guidance and support, ensuring that symptoms are monitored and addressed appropriately. With the expertise and knowledge of live-in carers, individuals can receive specialised care while remaining in the comfort of their own home.
Safe and Comfortable Environment
To create a safe and supportive environment, an occupational therapist can assess the individual's needs and recommend suitable equipment for personalised care. Live-in carers are experienced in working with various mobility aids and equipment, helping individuals adapt to any new requirements. By ensuring a safe home environment, live in carers provide peace of mind to both individuals and their families, knowing that their specific needs are met with compassion and expertise.
Support in Daily Activities
Livein carers offer invaluable assistance with personal care, providing support with bathing, dressing, grooming, and maintaining personal hygiene. As individuals reach later stages of life, live-in carers adjust their approach to ensure comfort and well-being, including proper skin care and mouth care. Respectful of individual preferences, living in carers listen attentively and adapt their care accordingly.
Additionally, live-in carers offer support with continence management, ensuring individuals have assistance with using the bathroom, utilising incontinence products, and addressing more complex needs such as catheter and stoma care. With their experience and training, live in carers can monitor any changes and assist individuals in reporting them to medical professionals for appropriate intervention.
Mobility and Safety
Illnesses can affect mobility and make it challenging for individuals to move around easily. Our 24 hour carers provide compassionate support, assisting with transfers, hoisting, and offering the necessary confidence and reassurance. As conditions progress, live-in carers ensure individuals are comfortable by providing assistance with repositioning in bed. With home carers present, individuals and their families can have peace of mind, knowing that there is someone to provide immediate help in case of accidents or falls.
Medication Management
Live-in carers receive comprehensive training in the safe administration of medication. They can assist with medication ordering, collection, and timely reminders. Domiciliary carers also work in collaboration with general practitioners and palliative nurses, facilitating open communication and coordinating any necessary medication adjustments. By taking care of medication management, live-in carers ensure individuals receive their prescribed medications on time, promoting comfort and pain management.
Emotional Support and Companionship Care
Companionship is a vital aspect of maintaining emotional stability, especially during end-of-life and palliative care. Live-in carers offer a supportive presence, engaging in conversations, watching TV, listening to music, or simply being there for quiet moments. With long-term relationships often forming between live-in carers and individuals, companionship care becomes an integral part of their care journey.
Additional Support
Live-in carers extend their support beyond daily tasks, assisting with domestic duties, including housekeeping, laundry, and shopping. They also prepare and cook meals tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements, ensuring a nutritious and enjoyable dining experience. Live-in carers consider changes in appetite or difficulties related to taste and smell, adapting meals sensitively to accommodate these challenges.
For individuals with pets, live-in carers can provide assistance in taking care of beloved companions. They can support with walking, feeding, and arranging or accompanying pets to vet visits. Recognising the benefits of pets in reducing stress and anxiety, live in carers ensure that pets receive proper care and attention during end-of-life or palliative care.
Supporting Personal Choices
Home carers facilitate visits to friends and family, helping individuals maintain connections and attend places of interest when feasible. When individuals are no longer able to leave their homes, live-in carers coordinate visits from loved ones, ensuring that their needs and expectations are sensitively managed.
In terms of physical and mental health, living in carers become an essential part of the professional care team. They provide support and accompany individuals to medical appointments, offering reassurance and understanding during this stage of life. Domiciliary carers also assist with cognitive difficulties, helping individuals remember things, communicate effectively, and process important information.
Finding the Perfect Home Carer
At Access Care, we are a live-in care recruitment agency dedicated to finding the ideal match between carers and clients. With over 25 years of experience in introducing professionally trained live-in carers, we understand the importance of personalised care during end-of-life and palliative stages. Our home carers possess advanced experience in this field, offering both practical skills and empathy to ensure individuals' last weeks, days, and hours are filled with comfort and support. We listen carefully to your needs, striving to find a domiciliary carer who shares your interests and beliefs, in addition to having the necessary qualifications and experience.
Live-in carers play a vital role in supporting individuals requiring end-of-life or palliative care. With their holistic approach, expertise in symptom management, and dedication to providing compassionate support, live-in carers make a meaningful difference in enhancing the quality of life for individuals during this challenging stage.
At Access Care, we are committed to delivering exceptional care, ensuring that every client receives the support they need while remaining in the comfort of their own home.
Additional Resource
Marie Curie: The UK's leading end-of-life charity, Marie Curie, provides frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line, and a range of information and support on dying, death, and bereavement. Visit their website at www.mariecurie.org.uk for further resources and assistance.
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