Live-in carers move into their clients’ home to provide round-the-clock support. They typically work in cycles, spending 4-6 weeks with their client followed by a 1-2 week break.
At AM2PM Quality Care, live-in carers work in teams of 3. Each primary care worker has a colleague who covers their 1-2 week break, and a third carer to cover holiday leave and sickness. This gives our clients a familiar care team while ensuring care workers always have the right support.
So, what does being a live-in care worker actually look like? Read on to learn more.
One-to-one care
Live-in care provides the perfect blend of independence, companionship, and round-the-clock support. Clients have a familiar, one-to-one care worker they can rely on to keep them safe, whatever their needs are.
A live-in care worker’s duties combine household tasks with giving care. For example:
- light housework
- cooking
- help getting up, washing and dressing
- medication reminders or administration.
They also provide companionship:
- sharing hobbies
- someone to talk to
- help looking after pets
- company on trips and errands.
While there’s a lot of crossover with a shift worker or residential care staff, the pace is slower. You’ll be responsible for one person, not many. Some clients require specialist care and will be matched with a care worker with the right qualifications.
Live-in care workers need to be available around the clock – which can mean interrupted sleep – but there’s plenty of downtime. And you’ll be entitled to breaks, days off, sick leave and holidays to recharge.
A close bond
While all care workers form a bond with their clients, a live-in carer often becomes part of their client’s social circle. They build lasting connections with the client, their friends, and family. At AM2PM Quality Care, we always try to match clients with care workers they’ll get on well with.
However, if you’re interested in becoming a live-in care worker, you need to be prepared for when the working relationship comes to an end or changes. It can be difficult and upsetting to see someone you’ve bonded with decline or pass away.
While you’re there to provide companionship, you need to maintain professional boundaries and always treat the client with dignity and respect.
Varied and fulfilling work
Our live-in care workers often say that no 2 days are the same. Their role is varied and satisfying. They love knowing they’re making a meaningful difference in someone’s life with much less disruption than if they needed to move into residential care.
They get to enjoy trips and activities with their client, hear their stories, share life experiences and meet new people.
The qualities we look for
Live-in care workers need to be kind, compassionate, outgoing and multi-skilled. We look for people who are calm, patient, and able to respond quickly to unexpected challenges or emergencies. While your colleagues and managers will be available to support you, you need to be confident making decisions in the moment to keep the client safe and to meet their needs.
Importantly, live-in carers need to be able to balance their own life and responsibilities with long periods of time living with and caring for their client. It’s normal to feel isolated at times and miss your friends and family when you’re working. The happiest live-in care workers make the most of their weeks off – whether that’s travelling, catching up with loved ones, or diving into hobbies.
Our clients come from all walks of life, so we actively look to recruit a diverse range of care workers. When we place a live-in care worker in someone’s home, we want them to form a meaningful relationship. Shared hobbies, interests, backgrounds, and cultures can be a great place to start building a strong relationship.
Start your journey as a live-in carer
If you’re interested in becoming a live-in carer, get in touch today. We would love to hear from you.