At Access Care, we understand how caring for an elderly loved one can be a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Sometimes, we need a little extra help to make sure that they are able to live a happy, independent life in their own home. Here at Access Care, we specialise in providing the very best live-in care services tailored to the unique and individual needs of our elderly live-in care clients.
For over 30 years, we have been helping families like yours find peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well-cared for.
In this next blog post, we are going to explore how live-in care can make a difference and why it's such a fantastic option for your elderly family member.
What Do We Mean by 'Elderly'?
When we use the term elderly, we are typically talking about those aged 65 and older. Those people within this age group can often face various health conditions and mobility issues that can make going about their daily lives more challenging. However, it is important to remember that being elderly doesn't mean giving up on living an independent and fulfilling life. With the proper help and support, they can continue to enjoy their routines and hobbies in the comfort of their own home.
Health Conditions That May Require Extra Support
As people age, they may experience a range of health conditions that mean they need extra care and support. Here are a few common conditions:
1. Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
These conditions tend to affect a person’s memory, thinking, and behaviour, this can make it difficult for them to carry out daily tasks independently. In-home dementia care helps to make sure that they receive the help and support that they need while staying in a familiar environment.
2. Mobility Issues
Arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions like this can lead to problems with mobility and an increased risk of falls. A live-in carer can help with moving around the house, preventing accidents and ensuring safety.
3. Chronic Illnesses
Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues require ongoing management and monitoring. A live-in care can provide the necessary support to keep these conditions under control.
What is Live-in Care?
Live-in care involves a professionally qualified live-in care living in their live-in care client’s home, providing 24 hour live in care and companion care. This personalised care approach helps to make sure that your loved one gets the support that they need while remaining in their familiar and comfortable home environment. Live-in care offers a large range of services designed to cater to various needs.
Services Included in Live-in Care
Live-in care encompasses a wide array of services tailored to the unique needs of each client. Here are some key services that can really benefit a client:
1. Personal Care
Help and support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting helps to make sure that your loved one maintains their dignity and hygiene.
2. Medication Management
Live-in carers can make sure that their live-in care clients take their medications on time and the correct dosage, which is so important for managing health conditions and to avoid overdoses.
3. Meal Preparation
Nutritious meals are really essential for overall well-being. A live-in carer can prepare tasty, balanced meals that cater to the dietary preferences and requirements of their live-in care client.
4. Housekeeping
Keeping the home clean and tidy is very important for a safe and comfortable living environment. A live-in carer can take on light housekeeping tasks such as laundry, vacuuming, and dusting.
5. Companion Care
Loneliness can have a massive impact on mental health. Having a live-in carer provides companion care and social interaction for the client, helping to lessen feelings of isolation.
6. Transportation
Whether it is a GP appointment or a social outing, a live-in carer can drive them, making sure that your loved one stays connected to their community.
Who Else Can Benefit from a Live-in Carer?
Live-in care isn't just for the elderly; it can benefit a massive range of people facing various different challenges. Here are some detailed examples of who else might benefit from having a live-in carer:
1. People living with Disabilities
Physical Disabilities: Those with physical issues that means they aren’t as mobile, such as spinal cord injuries or cerebral palsy, can have help with personal care, mobility, and daily tasks.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: People with conditions like Down syndrome or autism may need help with day-to-day activities, like meal preparation, medication management, and social interaction.
2. Patients Recovering from Surgery or Hospitalisation
Post-operative Care: Live-in carers can help with wound care, pain management, and following their client’s doctor's orders for a smooth and speedy recovery process.
Rehabilitation Support: Support with physical therapy exercises and driving their client to any follow-up appointments.
3. Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic Pain Management: Help with activities that may be difficult due to conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Long-term Illnesses: Ongoing support for conditions like cancer, kidney disease, or multiple sclerosis, ensuring proper care and treatment adherence.
4. Mental Health Support
Anxiety and Depression: Companion care and support with daily routines can provide a big emotional uplift and structure for those facing mental health challenges.
Severe Mental Illness: Comprehensive care and supervision for conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia to help to make sure that they are taking their medication correctly and and help with crisis prevention.
5. Short Term Respite Care for Family Carers
Short-term Respite Care Relief: Temporary help to provide family carers with a well-deserved break, giving them a chance to rest and recharge.
Emergency Situations: Quickly available support in cases where family carers are not available due to their own health issues or other emergencies.
6. End-of-Life or Palliative Care
Comfort and Dignity: Providing compassionate care to manage pain and symptoms while promoting the best possible quality of life.
Support for Families: Help with emotional, spiritual, and practical support for families during this challenging time.
7. Young Adults Living Independently for the First Time
Transitional Support: Providing their Live-in carer client with valuable guidance and practical help with establishing routines, managing finances, and maintaining a household for young adults who are newly independent. This could also include those ageing out of foster care or with limited life skills.
By catering to these varied needs, Live-in care provides a flexible and valuable solution for a variety of different personal circumstances beyond elderly care, helping to promote independence, comfort, and quality of life for all clients in need of support.
Studies Looking into the Benefits of Live-in Care
There has been lots of research and studies into the benefits of live-in care. Many have highlighted the benefits of live-in care for people with various needs.
Research indicates that live-in care can really significantly improve the quality of life for those clients receiving it, the main benefit seems to be through the enhanced personal attention and tailored support that is not usually available if a person goes into a residential care home.
A study published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing found that elderly people receiving live-in care reported higher levels of personal satisfaction and emotional well-being compared to those who were living in nursing homes. The personalised care approach not only contributes to better physical health outcomes due to consistent medication management and nutritious meal preparation but also offers lots of mental benefits for the live-in care clients through the companion care and social interaction that they get to benefit from.
As well as that, research mentioned in the International Journal of Disability, Development and Education shows that people with disabilities who have live-in care tend to experience more independence and improved daily functioning. The support that they receive in personal care, mobility, and social interaction helps them to build a sense of autonomy and enhances their quality of life overall.
In terms of the effect of live-in care on mental health, a report from the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing explains that people with severe mental illnesses benefit massively from live-in care. The continuous supervision and support that comes with having a live-in carer in the house, tends to result in them taking their medication regularly and on time, crisis prevention, and a reduced hospital readmission rate.
It’s not only the live-in care clients that tend to benefit from live-in care. Family carers can also benefit from the respite provided by live-in care. A study in the Journal of Family Nursing showed that having a live-in care lessens the chance of family carer burnout, stress, and anxiety. This means that family members are able to maintain their own health and well-being, which ultimately improves the care that they then provide to their loved ones.
Overall, as you can see, the research that we have explained about really highlights the various and wide range of advantages that comes from having a live-in carer. This demonstrates it’s role as a great and beneficial care solution for a wide range of people.
Why Live-in Care is a Better Option Than Residential Care
Choosing the right care option for your loved one is a massive decision and can often be a stressful time for families. Here are some reasons why we here at Access Care believe that live-in care is often a better choice than a residential care home:
1. Personalised Care
Live-in care is tailored to the unique and individual needs and preferences of the live-in care client. This ensures they receive one-on-one attention and support.
2. Familiar Environment
Staying in their own home helps live-in care clients maintain a sense of normalcy and comfort, surrounded by familiar belongings and memories.
3. Cost-Effective
Live-in care can often be a more affordable option than residential care, especially when both partners need help and assistance, as it eliminates the need for two separate care home fees.
Testimonials from Access Care Clients & Families
Don't just take our word for it—here's what some of our lovely live-in care clients and their families have to say about our home care services:
"Tina has been a cheerful and helpful carer for my mother over the last five months. Although my mother's rural village environment was quite a contrast to what Tina was used to, she settled in well and adjusted to a different way of day to day living and a new community. She keeps the home amazingly clean and tidy and always makes sure there are fresh flower arrangements from the garden around the house. Tina has shown a willingness to learn how mum likes things and is flexible and patient in her approach.”
Catherine, Daughter of live-in care Client
"Alice is very doting on my Mother, very attentive and very patient with her outbursts and accusations. All the family love her and we’re very grateful to have her caring for our Mother."
Neil, Son of live-in care Client
"I would like to thank you all for the help you gave us in recent months with looking after Elizabeth. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have had you working on our behalf from the first time James made contact with you. Like many families, we were not finding it at all easy to find carers who could meet Elizabeth’s requirements and stay with us but it became so much easier from November when Diana joined us as the first of the ‘Access ladies’. Thank you for your patience and helpfulness, and understanding of Elizabeth’s needs, in making all the arrangements for us. Every one of the carers showed such kindness and understanding of Elizabeth’s illness backed by their huge knowledge and experience. They took the rough with the smooth, nothing was too much trouble and they were always so considerate of us, her family, as well.. We don’t know how they do it and can’t thank them enough.
Each one of them brought something of their own to Elizabeth; Diana taking her on excursions, sending photos of her happy and enjoying herself; Stef patient and kind even turning her hand to plumbing; Gail
whose dogs and budgie brought joy to Elizabeth; Jurate who mucked in and got on with the job efficiently and kindly; Rosie who gave us some of the best weeks Elizabeth had recently getting her conversing and socialising with her friends after a long gap; Maria so caring and cheerful giving Elizabeth some fun and laughter. Finally, Eva who is a very special lady. We were so blessed she joined us for the last few increasingly difficult weeks. It was obvious how mutually fond of each other they were and it is sad they did not have longer together. She recognised time was short and did everything she could to keep Elizabeth comfortable and calm. She went the extra mile sorting things out in the house to ease the burden on us after Elizabeth had gone. Thank you again for everything Access Care did for Elizabeth and us, we would not hesitate to recommend you."
Carol, Niece of live-in care Client
Who We Are at Access Care
At Access Care we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all of our live-in care clients by providing top-notch home care services. Our mission is to provide reliable, compassionate, and professional live-in care that enables our live-in care clients to lead dignified and fulfilled lives in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
Our Core Values
Compassion: At the heart of everything we do at Access Care is a real sense of care and understanding for our live-in care clients. We believe that compassion is the cornerstone of effective caring, and we really try to treat every live-in care client with kindness and empathy.
Professionalism: We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Our carers are highly trained, fully vetted, and bound by a strict code of ethics. They are equipped to handle a variety of care needs with skill and competence.
Personalisation: We understand that no two clients are the same Therefore, our care solutions are meticulously tailored to meet the unique and specific needs and preferences of each live-in care client. This personalised approach to live-in care helps us to make sure of the very best possible outcomes and a higher quality of life.
Respect: Respecting the dignity, privacy, and individuality of all of our live-in care clients is paramount to us. We work closely with families and live-in care clients to create an environment of mutual respect and trust.
Reliability: Dependability is so crucial in care. Our live-in care clients and their families can count on our live-in carers to be punctual, responsible, and consistent in delivering the live-in care services they need.
Our Live-in Care Services
1. Personal Care
Personal care services mean that everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and toileting are conducted with dignity and respect. Our live-in carers are trained to provide sensitive and considerate help and support that ensures safety and comfort.
2. Companion Care
Companion care is a key part of our care philosophy. Whether it’s enjoying a favourite hobby, enjoying a stimulating conversation, or simply taking a walk, our live-in carers provide meaningful companion care that helps to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
3. Medication Management
Proper medication management is important for the health and well-being of our live-in care clients. Our live-in carers are skilled in giving their clients their medications, following prescriptions accurately, and keeping detailed records to ensure that their live-in care clients remain on track with their treatment plans.
4. Household Support
Keeping the home clean can have a big impact on the well-being of our live-in care clients. Our live-in carers help with light housekeeping duties such as laundry, meal preparation, and cleaning, meaning their live-in care clients can live in a comfortable and hygienic setting.
5. Specialised Care
We understand that some live-in care clients need more specialised support and care due to things like chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other health conditions. Our live-in carers are trained to provide care for conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other forms of dementia, meaning that all live-in care clients receive the appropriate level of care and support.
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated and experienced professionals who are passionate about making a real difference in the lives of their clients that they care for. Each live-in carer undergoes a rigorous selection process, including qualification/training checks, background checks and reference checks, They are continually supported to ensure they remain well-equipped to provide the highest level of live-in care.
Our Commitment
At Access Care, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our live-in care clients through personalised, compassionate, and professional live-in care. By focusing on each of our client’s unique needs and maintaining open communication with families, we create a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes health and happiness.
Introducing the Concept of a Live-in Carer to Your Loved One
We understand that introducing the idea of a live-in carer to your elderly loved one can be a delicate conversation. Here are some of our tips to make the transition smoother:
1. Start the Conversation Early
Begin discussing the idea of live-in care before it becomes a necessity. This gives your loved one time to process the information and become more comfortable with the concept.
2. Highlight the Benefits
Focus on the positive aspects of live-in care, such as increased independence, personalised support, and being able to stay in their own home.
3. Involve Your Loved One in the Decision-Making Process
Make sure your loved one feels involved and in control of the decision by discussing their preferences and talking through any concerns they may have.
Final Thoughts
Live-in care is a wonderful option for elderly people who wish to maintain their independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own home. At Access Care, we are committed to providing exceptional live-in care services tailored to the specific needs of each live-in care client. By offering a range of personalised services, we help our live-in care clients lead fulfilling lives while ensuring they are safe.
If you are considering live-in care for your loved one, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us and we will talk you through our services and how we can support your family. Together, we can create a care solution that provides peace of mind and enhances the quality of life for your elderly loved one.
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