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Who would benefit from live in care?

Live in care is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people find they have a need for care. Just 3% of people in the UK are happy to move out of their family home in order to access care.

Because of this most people are familiar with its main benefit – the option of staying at home without having to move into residential care. But this isn’t the only advantage of live in care.  There are a number of benefits related to quality of life, physical and mental wellbeing and overall health.

One of the most beneficial qualities of live in care it its versatility. There are many advantages and benefits – which apply to a host of different people in need of care.

At UK Care Guide we’re dedicated to sharing informative, useful articles specifically focused on live in care. Here you’ll find a host of articles dedicated to live in care and helping those considering it to get a clearer picture of what it is, and how it works.

In this article we share just a few of the key types of people who can benefit from live in elderly care.  In addition one of the most popular questions we get asked is live in care better than going in to a care home.  You can read about that here.  

If you want to learn more about what Live in Care is, you can watch this short video.

Who benefits from Live in Care

1 – People in need of companionship

An estimated 9 million older people in the UK suffer from loneliness. Loneliness may appear to be relatively innocent – but it can have a significant impact on mental health, physical wellbeing and quality of life.

Live in care can greatly alleviate loneliness, as you’ll have someone at home with you round the clock. They can also take you out for the day and provide transport to social groups and meetings with friends.

If your sole need is companionship you may like to consider home care. This is a much cheaper option, as it involves live in carers coming and visiting every day rather than living with you 24/7.

2 – Frail, elderly people

Frail, elderly people living together or alone often need extra support at home. The reassurance having a carer around brings can provide significant peace of mind for them and their families.

A live in carer can help with everyday tasks and provide physical and personal support, aiding mobility issues. They can run errands, make meals and accompany the person during shopping trips. Having someone living in can also prevent falls, which can have grave consequences for an older person.

3 – Vulnerable people

Vulnerable people of all ages can benefit from having somebody around to support them at all times. A live in carer can provide a sense of security and safety, making it more feasible for vulnerable people to remain in their own home for longer. This provides peace of mind both for those needing care and their families.

4 – People with dementia and Alzheimer’s

Many people living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s struggle to stay at home indefinitely, as it is often unsafe for them to do so. This is especially the case if they are confused and tend to leave the stove on, forget about running water or are prone to wandering alone.

Live in care has helped thousands of people with these conditions to remain in familiar surroundings for longer – something which greatly enhances their quality of life. Moving into a residential home can be disturbing and upsetting for people with Dementia – and can even worsen the condition by causing greater confusion and disorientation.

5 – People with pets

When you first realise that you may need to move into a care home it can be upsetting and worrying to think that you may need to leave loved ones behind.

For many older people this includes beloved pets, who are very much a part of their family. Live in care allows a person in need of care to remain united with their furry friend – something which greatly enhances quality of life. The carer can also help you to look after your pet – taking on responsibilities such as dog walking and feeding.

Bear in mind that this should be discussed and pre-agreed during the recruitment stage, as not every carer will be prepared to do this.

6 – Couples

Live in care can be highly beneficial for couples, when one person or both partners are in need of care. It allows them to stay together and save money, since they won’t need to pay for two spaces in a residential care home.

Where one person has been shouldering the responsibility of care a live in carer can provide respite and relief, helping a couple to be together properly again as partners.

7 – People in need of long-term specialist care

When a person is diagnosed with a long-term or life-long condition, staying in hospital is not a positive course of action. Residential or nursing homes are also not ideal, especially if the person is young and wants to remain living with their family.

Live in care allows an individual to remain in their own home for longer – or indefinitely. They may also work with nurses and medical staff to help keep the person safe and comfortable. Specialist nursing care is available from certain care companies – this includes managing catheters and colostomy bags, tracheotomy care, and.

This maintains quality of life and offers an opportunity to continue to engage in the activities the person enjoys.

8 – People in need of palliative care

End of life care is an important and emotive topic. The prospect of accessing palliative care in a hospital or residential care setting is unpleasant and uncomfortable for many people.

Hospice places are not always forthcoming, and for most spending time at home with loved ones is the most attractive options. Certain live in care companies offer this specialist service, with fully trained nursing and care staff available to help make your time comfortable and as personalised as possible.    

9 – People with mental and physical disabilities

Often we associate live in care with the elderly – but in fact it is a great option for people of all ages. Children and younger people may find it even more beneficial, as they are able to stay at home with family rather than entering a hospital or medical facility.

Live in care companies typically cater to a wide variety of physical and mental disabilities, including special needs, mobility issues and blindness.

When is live in care not appropriate?

At the start of this article we asked the question ‘which type of people would benefit from live in care?’ – but as you can see, the answer is board and varied. This is good news, but it’s actually more pertinent to ask who live in care may not be suitable for.

A small number of people may find that live in care isn’t right for them. This may be because their needs are too specialist or severe to be dealt with in a home environment.

It can also depend on availability in your area – live in care may not be readily available in some rural locations might. Sometimes cost prohibits the possibility of care – you’ll find more on this below.

If you are concerned or confused it is best to consult with your GP, specialist or social worker. They will be able to offer tailored advice depending on your personal situation.

What you should know before making a decision

It can be difficult and daunting to consider whether live in care is an option for you, especially with so much information to process. It is important to consult with trusted family members and friends, as well as medical professionals who can offer advice based on your personal circumstances.

The fantastic thing about live in care is that it’s incredibly versatile. There are options for many different people with a variety of conditions, including dementia, MS, Parkinson’s, mental disability and physical disability. Many agencies tailor to you, but you may find you need a specialist company to cater to your specific needs.

One thing you will also need to consider is finances. Live in care can be incredibly costly – especially in the long term. Funding options and support from local authority are also limited. You’ll need to think about how you can afford the cost, and how much you may need to pay over time. You can find more information on paying for live in care here.

Where can I find more information on live in care?

If you’d like to find out more about live in care or need further information, you’ll find plenty of articles and guidance here on UK Care Guide. We specialise in straightforward, simple advice on live in care, featuring dedicated articles to help you to feel confident and comfortable when making a decision.

You can also find more tailored advice and support at your local branch of Age UK, as well as various charities catering to specific conditions such as Alzheimer’s UK or Parkinson’s UK.

If you are unsure whether live in care is an option for you speak with your GP, medical professional or social worker to discuss your options.

 


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