Private carers and live in carers provide one-to-one support for the individual or family requiring their care. It isn’t always isolated to the elderly, but this is where the majority of live in caregiver duties will typically fall. Some families might need carers for disabled children or adults, whilst others who require extra support after undergoing surgery might need temporary live in carers.
What can you require from a live in carer and the duties they might perform? It ultimately depends on the needs of the family or person they are caring for, but here is a handy guide to the basic live in caregiver duties you can expect.
- Medical assistance – This might be helping with timetables for when medication should be taken, picking up new prescriptions and ensuring that medical supplies are fully stocked as to the needs of the individual.
- Assisting with dressing, bathing, grooming or going to the toilet – The level of care needed will depend on how much assistance is required. Sometimes the carer just being present in the house is enough to assist if required. Others may need to be directly involved.
- Cooking – This could be shopping, menu planning and preparing meals, be they regulated to dietary requirements or just general home cooking.
- Housekeeping – Part of health and care requires a clean and hospitable environment. Depending on the size of the property and the needs of the individual, there may be additional housekeepers. But if not, the carer might be requested to provide housekeeping services as part of their live in caregiver duties.
- Appointments and transport – A live in carer might be needed to drive the individual to hospital appointments or simply take them out and about to enjoy some social visits or fresh air.
- Rehabilitation – Some carers are trained in additional skills such as massage or physiotherapy.
- Record keeping – A live in carer should keep detailed records so that they are able to track and notice changes of health or stability within the person they are caring for. They might also have a direct line to the medical team in charge and be able to communicate on behalf of the individual.
- Companionship – A live in carer gives more than just physical support, they can give emotional support and company to the individual. They are able to grow and develop the relationship on a personal level, which is why picking the right live in carer is very important.
Next Steps
It’s important you identify your specific needs so the live in caregiver duties meet your requirements, and we are always happy to help with that process. Once you’ve identified what you need, we can then advise on ways to find the best live in carer for yourself or your loved one. We look forward to hearing from you.