At Access Care, we have over 30 years of experience providing the best home care services here in the UK.
We understand that not everyone knows what live-in care entails, so we thought we'd cover it in our next blog post today.
Our goal is to shed some light on the many advantages of personalised live-in care and how it can be tailored to meet the unique and specific needs of each of our clients.
The History of Access Care
Access Care was established in 1994 with a mission to provide the very best live-in care services across the UK.
Over the years, we've built a reputation for excellence and have become a leading live-in care agency that connects families with professional, qualified home carers. Our commitment to personalised live-in care has been the driving force behind our success.
From the very beginning, we have been focused on understanding the unique needs of our live-in care clients. This approach allowed us to offer bespoke care solutions that cater to personal preferences, ensuring that each live-in care client receives the help and support they need in the comfort of their own home. Our live-in care clients range from young adults with health conditions to elderly people who require additional support.
Our Core Values
Our core values have always been centred around compassion, respect, and professionalism. We believe in treating each live-in care client with dignity, offering home care that not only looks after their physical needs but also their emotional well-being. Our live-in carers are carefully vetted and trained to provide the highest level of home care, ensuring peace of mind for our clients and their families.
Access Care Explains: What is Live-in Care?
Live-in care is a comprehensive service provided in a client’s home by a professionally qualified live-in carer who lives with them. It falls under the umbrella of domiciliary care and offers a one-to-one, personalised care experience that is tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Key Features of Live-in Care
Personalised Care Solutions: We know that each live-in care client is unique, and our care solutions are tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that clients receive support that suits their lifestyle and requirements.
24/7 Support: With a live-in carer, clients have access to help and assistance around the clock, providing peace of mind for both them and their families, knowing help is always available.
Companion Care: In addition to physical support, live-in carers also offer companion care, helping to lessen any feelings of loneliness and enhancing overall emotional well-being.
Medication Management: Our trained live-in carers help and assist with medication prompts and management, ensuring that live-in care clients stick to their prescribed treatment plans comfortably and safely at home.
Daily Living Activities: Live-in carers support a range of daily activities, from meal preparation and personal hygiene to managing household tasks, allowing clients to maintain their independence in a familiar environment.
Flexible Arrangement: Live-in care can be adjusted to accommodate a live-in care client’s changing needs and circumstances, providing families with a very flexible solution that evolves as conditions change.
Skilled Care for Health Conditions: Our live-in carers are experienced in providing care for specific health conditions, including dementia, stroke recovery, and other chronic illnesses, ensuring that live-in care clients receive expert support.
Family Involvement: We encourage our live-in care client’s families to be actively involved in the care process, promoting collaboration and communication to ensure each live-in care client feels secure and understood.
Cultural Competence: Our live-in carers are trained to respect and understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of our live-in care clients, ensuring that care practices are sensitive to their beliefs and preferences.
Quality Assurance: Access Care maintains high standards through regular assessments and seeking client feedback. We continuously monitor our services, ensuring that we meet and exceed the expectations of those we serve.
By choosing live-in care, you can help to make sure that your loved ones receive not only the support they need but also the companion care and respect they deserve in their own home.
What Sets Home Care Apart?
Home care stands out from other forms of care due to its personalised approach and the ability to tailor services to meet the individual needs of each and every live-in care client.
Here is how live-in care compares to other types of care options:
Home Care vs Care Homes
While care homes offer more structured environments for their residents who need assistance, home care provides a unique advantage by allowing clients to keep their independence in the comfort of their own familiar surroundings.
Unlike the communal living of traditional residential care home set-ups, live-in care focuses on one-on-one relationships that are formed between live-in care clients and their home carers, naturally creating a more intimate and personalised approach to care.
This fundamental difference empowers live-in care clients to stick to their familiar routines, surrounded by their own treasured possessions and loved ones, promoting a sense of security and peace for them.
Furthermore, live-in care services can be adapted to suit the ever changing needs of live-in care clients, ensuring a flexible and responsive approach. In contrast to this , care homes often have set routines and protocols that may not fully meet with individual preferences.
By prioritising the live-in care client’s wishes and unique circumstances, home care enables a more dignified and respectful experience for the client, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.
Home Care vs Nursing Homes
Nursing homes, while providing essential medical care and support for people living with significant health needs, they often lack the personal touch that can be achieved through live-in care services.
Unlike nursing homes, where the care is typically delivered in a shared environment, live-in care means clients are able to receive tailored support in their own familiar home surroundings. This one-on-one approach naturally helps to build a strong bond between clients and their live-in carers, enabling more effective communication and a deeper understanding of their individual preferences and needs.
Home Care vs Hourly Care Visits
Hourly care visits provide essential support for people who need help and assistance but may not need full-time, home care. This type of approach can be especially helpful for those needing help with specific daily tasks, such as personal hygiene, nutritious meal preparation, or managing their medication, while still keeping up a level of independence while they go about their daily lives.
Home Care vs Sheltered Housing
Sheltered housing offers a level of support and community for individuals, but it often falls short in delivering the personalised care that live-in care is able to provide. While sheltered housing includes features such as independent living with some help and assistance, residents may still come up against limitations regarding tailored support and individual attention. In contrast to this, live-in care services focus on creating a nurturing home environment where live-in care clients receive dedicated one-on-one care, making sure that their unique and specific needs and preferences are met with compassion and respect.
Home care enables clients to maintain their independence in their familiar home surroundings, which allows them to be themselves in the comforts of home, keeping to their own preferred routines, rather than adapting to a community setting.
This approach helps to naturally build deeper connections between live-in care clients and their carers, promoting emotional well-being through consistent companionship and open communication.
As well as that, unlike sheltered housing, where support may be shared among multiple residents, live-in care guarantees that each live-in care client receives the full attention and expertise of their live-in carer. By choosing home care, clients can enjoy a higher quality of life, characterised by dignity, respect, and the freedom to live on their own terms.
Home Care vs Family Caring
Family caring is often rooted in love and devotion, but it can also present big challenges for relatives who strive to provide the adequate amount of support that their loved one needs, while also managing their own lives.
While friends and family members may offer invaluable insights into their loved one’s personal preferences and needs, the demands of caring for a family member can lead to physical and emotional strain.
Live-in care services can be a lifeline to someone who has been tirelessly caring for a family member, by ensuring that their loved one receives professional attention and personalised care from their live-in carer when needed and while they are unable to be around.
This partnership allows family carers to maintain their relationships with their loved ones without becoming overwhelmed by the responsibilities associated with providing care for them.
Live-in care professionals bring extensive training and expertise, relieving family members of the burdens of personal care tasks and thus giving them the opportunity to have a main focus on nurturing emotional connections. By maintaining open lines of communication and collaboration between family carers and live-in care providers, we can be sure that the live-in care client’s life is enriched with both the comfort of familial love and the benefits of professional live-in care support, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling care experience all round.
Conditions Home Carers Can Help With
Home carers can help and support their live-in care clients who are living with a wide range of conditions, providing support tailored to each live-in care client’s specific needs and preferences.
Some of the conditions that live-in carers can help with include:
Dementia & Alzheimer's
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease present some unique challenges for both the person living with the diagnosis and their families, often requiring specialised care and understanding.
Live-in carers are particularly well-suited to provide the compassionate support needed for those living with these conditions, as they can create a familiar and comforting environment that helps to promote a sense of safety and security. Live-in care that are trained in providing dementia care at home are equipped to engage their clients in meaningful activities that stimulate cognitive function while patiently addressing the fluctuations in memory and behaviour that often comes hand in hand with these diseases.
Through personalised care solutions, live-in carers can help maintain routine and structure for their live-in care client, which is so crucial for those living with dementia, as it aids in reducing confusion and anxiety.
Keeping open communication with family members helps to make sure that everyone is aligned on the live-in care client’s preferences and needs, which enhances the overall care experience for them. By prioritising respect and dignity in every interaction, live-in care not only enhances the quality of life for those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s but also reduces some of the emotional burdens faced by families during this challenging journey.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, often leading to tremors, stiffness, and balance difficulties. Those living with Parkinson’s require a unique approach to care that respects their dignity and helps to promote their independence.
Live-in carers can play a pivotal role in supporting those with Parkinson’s, as they can offer tailored help and assistance with daily activities while building a nurturing environment that encourages them to get involved.
Live-in carers are able to help their live-in care client navigate the challenges associated with Parkinson's disease, providing them with support with their mobility and coordination, medication management, and physical therapies. By establishing a consistent routine and incorporating enjoyable activities, live-in carers can help stimulate brain function and maintain a sense of normalcy.
As well as that, the open communication that the live-in carer can have with family members helps to make sure that the care provided aligns with their loved one’s comfort and preferences.
Ultimately, a compassionate and informed approach to live-in care not only enhances the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease but also provides essential support to their families, creating a more harmonious and balanced care experience.
Disabilities
People living with disabilities often face unique challenges that can impact their daily lives and overall well-being.
Live-in carers are equipped to provide the specialised support required to help these people to thrive in their home environments.
By understanding the specific needs associated with various disabilities, live-in carers can develop tailored care solutions that encourage independence and promote dignity.
Support may include help with mobility, personal care, and daily activities, as well as implementing adaptive strategies to overcome physical limitations. Live-in carers can also play a key role in organising social activities for their client, which are great for enhancing emotional health and a sense of belonging.
Through consistent companionship and open communication, live-in care services can empower those who are living with disabilities to live fulfilling lives while alleviating some of the burdens that their families may face.
By prioritising respect and empathy, live-in carers not only enhance the quality of life for those with disabilities but also nurture positive relationships within the family unit.
Chronic Illness
Chronic illnesses encompass a large range of long-term health conditions that can have a big impact on a person’s daily life and overall well-being.
Live-in carers play an essential role in providing comprehensive support for those living with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
By working closely with healthcare professionals, live-in carers can help implement specific care solutions that cater to the unique and specific needs of each client, helping to make sure that they receive the medical attention and lifestyle adjustments necessary to manage their conditions effectively.
These dedicated live-in carers help with medication management, dietary guidance, and regular monitoring of vital signs, allowing clients to maintain a better quality of life.
Additionally, live-in carers create a nurturing home environment that promotes emotional support and mental well-being, as chronic illnesses can often bring about feelings of isolation and frustration.
Post-Surgery Recovery
The journey of recovery after surgery is a critical period that requires careful attention and nurturing support.
Live-in carers can play an integral role in ensuring that their client transitions smoothly from hospital care to home recovery. They provide help and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, allowing their live-in care client to focus on healing without the added stress of managing their homes.
A well-structured recovery plan tailored to the live-in care client’s needs is essential for the best outcomes. Live-in carers can help in managing pain and administering medications as prescribed, while also monitoring any signs of infection or complications that may arise post-surgery.
Moreover, encouraging gentle movement and rehabilitation exercises is so key in promoting circulation and preventing stiffness, all while respecting their live-in care client’s pace and comfort level.
Open communication with healthcare providers and family members is key during this time to ensure that everyone is aware of the client’s recovery goals and any potential challenges.
Providing emotional support is equally important, as patients often experience feelings of anxiety and uncertainty following surgery. By creating a compassionate and understanding environment, live-in carers not only aid in the physical recovery process but also help to rebuild confidence and improve mental well-being, paving the way for a successful return to daily life.
Live-in carers can provide compassionate support for live-in care clients who are receiving palliative care, ensuring their comfort and dignity during this challenging time. This includes pain management, emotional support, and help and assistance with daily activities.
Are There Any Drawbacks of Live-in Care?
While live-in care offers so many benefits, there are, like with anything, some potential drawbacks to consider.
It’s important to weigh these factors when deciding if live-in care is the right option for your loved one.
Live-in care can be sometimes more expensive than other forms of care, such as hourly visits or family caring. However, it is often more cost-effective than traditional residential care homes, or nursing homes, especially for couples who are both in need of care and support.
Privacy
Having a live-in carer means sharing your home with someone else, which may impact your privacy. It’s important to consider whether you or your loved one is comfortable with this type of arrangement.
Finding the Right Fit
Finding a live-in carer who matches the client’s personality and preferences can take time. This is made easier if you work with a reputable live-in care agency, like us here at Access Care, as we can help to ensure a good match between client and carer and ultimately a smoother transition.
What to Do If You Think Your Loved One Needs Care
If you believe your loved one could possibly benefit from live-in care, it’s important to take the following steps:
Assess Their Needs
A good place to start is by assessing your loved one’s needs and thinking about the level of support they would need. Consider their daily activities, medical conditions, and any specific preferences they may have.
Research Care Options
Research different types of care options, including live-in care, and compare their benefits and drawbacks. It’s a good idea to try and speak with professionals and read testimonials to gain a better understanding of each option.
Consult with Professionals
If possible, have a chat with healthcare professionals, social workers, and care agencies to get expert advice on the best course of action. They can provide you with invaluable insights into the most suitable care options based on your loved one’s needs.
Involve Your Loved One
Where at all possible, try and involve your loved one in the decision-making process, this helps you to make sure that their unique and specific preferences and concerns are taken into account. This will also help them to feel more comfortable and confident in the chosen care arrangement.
Contact Access Care
At Access Care, we are here to help you find the perfect home carer for your loved one. Our team of live-in care experts will work with you to understand your needs and match you with a qualified live-in carer who can provide the support and companion care your loved one needs.
Feel free to contact us today on 01264 319 399 or email us at hello@access-care.co.uk to discuss how we can support you in arranging personalised live-in care.
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