A Day in the Life of a Live-in Carer
When families consider live-in care for the first time, they often wonder what daily life actually looks like. While every care arrangement is unique, the role of a live-in carer is centred around providing practical support, companionship and reassurance. Their presence helps ensure that individuals can continue living safely and comfortably in their own home.
Morning Routine
The day often begins by supporting the individual with their morning routine.
This may include assistance with:
- The time someone wakes up to start the day varies from person to person and day to day. Our carers will adapt to the person’s routine. If they wish to wake and need assistance to use a commode or toilet, then return to bed for a lie in, that is up to them. Our carers will even bring them a cup of tea in bed!
- The carers will gently encourage a person to have a wash each day (ideally). The level of support will vary depending on their capability but a carer will give a flannel wash or assist with a shower or bath. They can run the bath and then be nearby or be present throughout. They are trained in safe manual handling techniques and will risk assessing a transfer when physically supporting someone.
- The carer can prepare a freshly cooked meal of the person’s choice and ensure it is presented in a way that enables them to eat independently when possible. Examples could be a plate with high sites, utensils with rubber handles which are easier to grip. Or a colour contracts between tableware to help people with dementia or visual impairments. They will sit with someone to encourage them to eat but also to monitor if someone is at risk of choking, it’s not just about companionship.
- prompting the medication, physically handing the medication to someone, or administering it.
Supporting Daily Activities
Throughout the day a carer will ensure the house is clean and tidy. This means tidying spaces after use such as the bathroom and kitchen. They will hoover and wipe down surfaces, and then schedule more time to have a deeper clean.
Some people enjoy gentle exercise, gardening or spending time outdoors. Others may prefer reading, puzzles or watching favourite television programmes.
A live-in carer encourages independence while providing help whenever it is needed.
Preparing Meals
Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining health and wellbeing.
Depending on the client’s capacity and wishes, they can meal plan meals with the client and check the cupboards before making a shopping list for the weekly shop. They can then go to the shops together or complete an online shop together. Families also like to manage this for relatives and often help by doing a weekly online shop for their loved ones, coordinating with the live-in carer.
Carers often prepare home cooked meals tailored to personal tastes and dietary needs. Sharing meals together can also provide an opportunity for conversation and companionship.
Companionship and Social Interaction
One of the most valuable aspects of live-in care is companionship.
Carers provide friendly conversation and emotional support throughout the day, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.
They may also accompany individuals to appointments, social visits or community activities.
Evening Routine
As the day comes to a close, carers help individuals prepare for a restful night.
This may include:
- Preparing dinner
- Supporting evening routines, watching their favourite TV show together. making them comfortable and offering specialised dementia care support for someone who experiences Sun Downing syndrome.
- Ensuring medication is taken
- Helping the individual settle comfortably for sleep and be there through the night should they wish to call for help to the toilet or feel disorientated in the night.