The Benefits of Live-In Care for Elderly & Disabled People

Chris Williams
February 9, 2023

Live-in care is a specialised form of caregiving that involves a caregiver residing in the home of their elderly or disabled client. This type of care is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a variety of advantages that can improve the quality of life of elderly and disabled individuals. Tiggo Care offers live-in care services to adults living in London and this blog post will highlight some of the benefits you can expect from using a live-in care services like ours.

What is Live-In Care?

Live-in care is a specialised form of caregiving that entails a caregiver living in the home of the elderly or disabled individual. The caregiver provides a wide range of services, including providing companionship, helping with personal care such as bathing and toileting, preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and providing transportation. The caregiver typically works 24/7, taking periodic breaks throughout the day.

Live-in care is a great option for those who need more intensive care than what can be provided by visiting home care services. It also allows the elderly or disabled individual to remain in their own home, surrounded by familiar people and things, which can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Additionally, live-in care can be more cost-effective than other forms of care, as the caregiver is able to provide round-the-clock care without the need for multiple shifts or multiple caregivers.

Advantages of Live-In Care

There are numerous advantages to hiring a live-in caregiver for elderly or disabled individuals. The primary advantage is the convenience and comfort that comes with having a caregiver present at all times. This allows elderly and disabled individuals to maintain their independence longer, as they do not need to move into an assisted living facility. Additionally, having someone there 24/7 also ensures that help is available in the event of an emergency.

Live-in care also provides companionship and emotional support for elderly and disabled individuals. Having a caregiver present can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and can provide a sense of security and comfort. Furthermore, having a live-in caregiver can help reduce stress for family members, as they can rest assured that their loved one is being taken care of and is safe.

Financial Benefits of Live-In Care

Live-in care is often a more cost-effective option than other forms of caregiving, such as assisted living or nursing homes. This is because live-in caregivers typically charge significantly lower rates than other caregiving services. Many people people believe it's not possible to get funding for live-in care but this is incorrect. You can learn more about funding opportunities by reading our Guide to Care Funding Options blog post.

In addition to the cost savings, live-in care also offers the benefit of providing a more personalised level of care. The caregiver is able to provide one-on-one attention and support to the client, which can be invaluable in helping them to maintain their independence and quality of life. Furthermore, the caregiver is able to provide companionship and emotional support, which can be beneficial for both the client and their family.

Quality of Life Improvements with Live-In Care

In addition to the financial benefits, live-in care can also improve the quality of life for elderly and disabled individuals. Live-in caregivers can provide companionship and emotional support, which is especially beneficial for those who may be socially isolated or lonely. Additionally, having someone present at all times can provide peace of mind, knowing that help is available should an emergency arise.

Live-in care can also provide assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation. This can help to reduce stress and improve the overall quality of life for the individual receiving care. Furthermore, live-in care can provide a sense of security and stability, as the caregiver is available to provide support and assistance on a consistent basis.

Increased Safety and Security

Having a live-in caregiver can also provide increased safety and security for elderly or disabled individuals. The caregiver can help ensure that the individual takes the necessary precautions to stay safe, such as using assistive devices when necessary and taking medication as prescribed. Additionally, having someone in the home at all times can also help to deter intruders and reduce the risk of falls or other accidents.

The presence of a live-in caregiver can also provide peace of mind for family members who may be worried about the safety and wellbeing of their loved one. Knowing that there is someone in the home to provide assistance and support can help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with caring for an elderly or disabled individual.

Comfort and Companionship for Elderly and Disabled Individuals

Live-in care can provide comfort and companionship to elderly and disabled individuals who may be living alone. Having someone in the home allows the individual to engage in meaningful conversations and activities, which can positively impact their mental and emotional health. Additionally, the caregiver can also help create a more comfortable home environment by providing assistance with daily tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and meal preparation.

Live-in care can also provide a sense of security and safety for elderly and disabled individuals. The caregiver can be available to help in the event of an emergency, and can provide assistance with medical needs such as administering medication and monitoring health. Furthermore, the caregiver can also provide transportation to medical appointments and other activities, allowing the individual to remain independent and active.

The Process of Hiring a Live-In Caregiver

When hiring a live-in caregiver, it is important to thoroughly research potential services before making a decision. Make sure to ask about the company's recruitment procedure and check the providers' CQC rating. If you're not sure what a CQC rating is then you should read the announcement we made when Tiggo Care received a CQC Standard Rating of Good where we go into more detail about what a CQC rating means. Additionally, it is important that the care provider conducts an in-home evaluation to ensure that the carer provided is a good fit for your particular needs.

Finding the Right Live-In Caregiver for Your Needs

Once you have identified potential provider, it is important to have an honest conversation about yours needs so the care agency can provide a carer with the right qualifications and experience. Additionally, make sure to discuss expectations in terms of duties, schedule, and other factors that are important to you and your loved one. Establishing clear expectations upfront can help ensure that you are getting the right live-in caregiver for your needs.

The Cost of Live-In Care

The cost of live-in care can vary widely depending on factors such as location, services provided, and experience level of the caregiver. Generally speaking, live-in caregivers are typically more affordable than other forms of caregiving services such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Live-in care offers numerous advantages for elderly and disabled individuals by providing increased safety, comfort and companionship. With careful research and an in-home evaluation, you can find the right live-in caregiver for your needs. While live-in care is typically more affordable than other forms of caregiving services, it is important to understand all associated costs before making a commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is live-in care?

Live-in care is a type of care service where a professional carer lives with the elderly or disabled person in their own home, providing them with round-the-clock support, companionship, and assistance with daily tasks.

What are the benefits of live-in care compared to residential care homes?

Live-in care allows elderly or disabled individuals to remain in the comfort of their own home while receiving personalised, one-on-one care. This can help them maintain their independence, dignity, and social connections. Live-in care also provides a higher level of flexibility, as the care plan can be tailored to the individual's specific needs and preferences.

What kind of services can a live-in carer provide?

A live-in carer can provide a wide range of services, including assistance with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and companionship. They can also help with more complex medical needs, such as managing chronic conditions or providing specialized dementia care.

Is live-in care expensive?

Live-in care can be more affordable than residential care homes, especially for those with more complex care needs. Additionally, live-in care can help prevent expensive hospital visits or the need for additional medical care.

How do I find a reputable live-in care provider?

It's important to do your research and choose a reputable live-in care provider. Look for providers that are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in the UK, and check their online reviews and ratings. Ask for references and speak with other families who have used their services to get an idea of their experience. You can also work with an agency that specializes in live-in care, as they will have already vetted and trained their caregivers.

Let us be your helping hand

Get in touch with Tiggo Care today to see how we can help you or your loved one.

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