Why do you need live-in care?
As a long-term option to a care home, live-in care is becoming more popular. You might be wondering if living-in care is right for you. There are two main options for 24/7 care if your loved one is in need of care. We have written about the decline of care homes before and this trend is not slowing down. Live-in care is a great option for seniors who want to age in their own homes 92% of the time. The stability and familiarity of a long-term, live-in caregiver can prove invaluable when you are dealing with the many changes that come with old age. How do you find the right person? Although it can seem difficult, there are simple tips that can help. Do you require 24-hour live-in care? Carefour can manage and coordinate live in care specific to your requirements and needs. It’s simple to schedule live-in home care assistance now.
Experience, qualifications, references, CRB/DBS checks
You must first make sure that the caregiver you are considering hiring has the appropriate skills and experience. It is likely that you will want to hire a caregiver who has worked in similar situations as yours. This is especially important if your loved ones have a specific condition such as dementia. There is no industry standard. However, there are common qualifications that you can look for, such as NVQ qualifications, up-to-date in-house training, or nursing backgrounds. No matter what your ideal caregiver background might look like, it is important to verify references and run CRB/DBS checks. This is a decision that will affect the safety and security your loved one. You need to make sure they are legitimate.
From the beginning, be honest
Although it may seem obvious, this is important to remember. It’s important to be transparent about how much and how long you will need the care. While it is normal for your care needs to change over time, don’t minimize the current situation. Otherwise you could end up with a disgruntled caregiver who doesn’t understand what they are doing. It is not a good idea to be in a position where your long-term live-in caregiver becomes less qualified as the care needs of your loved ones increase. Most good carers can help you determine your care needs if you aren’t sure.
Try a trial shift
You should not hire a live-in caregiver without running a trial period. It is important to get to know the caregiver and their interactions with loved ones. You could have the best caregiver in the world but it won’t work if there’s not a mutual understanding. It’s normal for things to feel awkward at first. You might find your loved one resistant to sharing their home or unsure of how you will get along with strangers. You should listen to your gut to determine if the relationship will succeed over time.
Take the time to be clear about holidays and time off
Living in care can be very intense by its nature. Before you hire a carer, it is important to discuss with them when they will be off, when they can go on holiday and how much notice they need. Both sides should agree on a schedule. There are many options. You can have a carer work seven days a week for a period of time (often four weeks), and then take a week off. It is important that the caregiver has enough rest and relaxation to provide quality care. This will prevent any misunderstandings later on and allow you to plan for the appropriate cover.