With more people living longer, many families may one day need to find an appropriate care option for an elderly relative.
In the past, most families have chosen between moving their loved one into a care home or caring for a relative in their own home. However, it is now possible for families to select a live-in carer.
With the national media reporting on the falling standards of care homes and traditional homecare agencies, many people are now turning to companies who can provide live-in carers 24-hours a day, so a loved one never needs to be alone.
As dedicated carers will live in a relative’s home, providing around the clock care, this service is becoming a popular mainstream choice. So much so that some home care providers are discussing plans with NHS and social care bodies, with the aim of expanding the live-in care option across the country.
What’s more, the home care providers are also hoping to welcome new carers, who are passionate about providing the highest standard of elderly care, which will be ideal for those looking for a career or lifestyle change.
Many people in Liverpool may be unaware they can embark on a rewarding career as a Live-in carer, as they will make a difference to the lives of an elderly person each day, as well as providing the client’s loved ones with the peace of mind that their relative is receiving exceptional care.
Elder, a leading home care provider, thoughtfully takes steps to ensure their carers are matched with an elderly resident, so they will both share similar interests that will allow them to form a companionship.
One of the biggest benefits of live-in care is that it allows a relative to remain in the comfort of their own home. The live-in carer will move into the elderly client’s spare bedroom, and they will work on rotation with other carers, with each ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of their client 24 hours per day.
Approximately 10,000 families are currently utilising live-in care, while the last census found there are currently 290,000 elderly people living in care homes throughout England and Wales. However, with more people becoming aware of home care services, it is expected that many more families will turn to live-in carers to ensure their elderly relatives can remain in their familiar surroundings, so they can also continue to enjoy the company of their pets, which is unlikely if they moved into a traditional care home.
Pete Dowds and Tom Brooks set up Elder last year, using matching technology similar to both consumer reviews and online dating websites, to help families quickly find carers for their elderly relatives. The entrepreneurs’ original aim was to provide the care option as an additional niche service; however, due to demand, they chose to move the company in the direction of live-in care, realising many families required home care to improve their relative’s quality of life.
Thanks to the technology, families can now hire the services of a live-in carer, who will share common interests with an elderly resident, in addition to being matched based on skills and requirements. This mutual interest will therefore allow the carer and client to enjoy a conversation, so the elderly care recipient receives companisionship and can continue to remain comfortable in their home.