What is a live-in carer?

August 10, 2023

What is a live-in carer?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What does it mean to be a live-in carer?

A live-in carer is a professional who provides continuous care and assistance to individuals who require support with daily activities, typically within the individual’s own home. Unlike caregivers who work on a shift basis, live-in carers reside with the person they are caring for. The specific duties of a live-in carer can vary widely based on the individual’s requirements and health condition, but they generally include:

  • Residing with the individual
  • Comprehensive care
  • Adaptability
  • Independence
  • Emotional support
  • Safety and well-being
  • Communication
  • Flexibility
  • Respect for privacy
  • Live-in homecare

Being a live-in carer requires patience, compassion, adaptability, and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need of care. It can be a rewarding and meaningful career for those who are passionate about providing support to individuals in their home.

What does a live-in carer do?

A live-in carer provides comprehensive support and assistance to individuals who require care and supervision within their own home. The responsibilities of a live-in carer can vary, but generally include:

  • Personal care
  • Medication management
  • Meal preparation
  • Mobility support
  • Companionship
  • Housekeeping
  • Medical appointments
  • Safety and supervision
  • Social engagement
  • Documentation
  • Respite for family
  • Emergency response

Overall, a live-in carer’s role is to create a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. This enables the individual they’re caring for maintain their independence and quality of life while receiving the assistance they need.

When is it time for live-in care?

Full-time in-home caregiving can frequently emerge as the optimal choice for individuals seeking bespoke care. It could be the situation that a cherished family member has been benefiting from home-based care, however, the intermittent daily visits are no longer adequate to cater to their requirements, demanding a higher level of care. On occasion, an individual might have attempted institutional care, yet they struggle to acclimate and find greater contentment in the familiarity of their own abode.

For couples with differing care necessities, the most suitable and economically viable approach to remain together often involves selecting in-home care. If your loved one is in a medical facility, the establishment of care at home might need to be organized. In such instances, the sole viable alternative to a care facility is to coordinate private caregiving provided by a resident carer in the individual’s personal residence.

Finding a live-in carer

In the process of finding a live-in carer, one must exercise diligence, engage in careful research, and maintain open communication. Prioritising the well-being and comfort of the individual in need of care is paramount. It’s essential to verify that the selected caregiver possesses the necessary qualifications and is wholeheartedly committed to delivering top-notch support.

How long do live-in care placements last?

Live-in care placements have no time frame, they are flexible and built around the needs of each patient. Many of these placements may be full time and others may not depend on if patients have other care in place. Placements can also depend on the relationship built between the carers, patients, and their families.

Patients who are living with specific illnesses such as dementia, cancer, or multiple sclerosis, may have a live-in care assistant who specialises in that field. At Cavendish Homecare we can provide specially trained nurses or carers who can meet all your requirements.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing private live-in care for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and well-being, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.

If you would like to enquire about our homecare services, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.

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About the Author…

Grace Laudy

Recruitment and Compliance Assistant

Grace Laudy, a dynamic individual driven by a strong passion for making a positive impact on society and excelling in her professional life. Grace is actively involved in her local leisure centre, championing inclusivity in sports for individuals with disabilities. Grace’s compassion extends beyond community involvement to her personal life, where she provides support to a family member living with Parkinson’s disease.

Having transitioned into a pivotal role as a recruitment and compliance assistant at Cavendish Homecare, Grace excels at guiding nurses and carers through the onboarding process and expertly handling the meticulous management of compliance. Grace’s multifaceted contributions showcase her as an exceptional professional with a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on all clients, nurses, and carers.

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