What Duties Does a Live-In Carer Have?
Published: 31/05/2024
When considering live-in care for yourself or a loved one, it's important to understand the range of duties a live-in carer typically performs. Live-in carers provide continuous, personalised care within the comfort of the client's own home, offering peace of mind and promoting independence. Below, we outline the key responsibilities and tasks that a live-in carer undertakes in the UK.
Personal Care
One of the primary responsibilities of a live-in carer is to assist with personal care, which includes helping clients with daily hygiene routines such as bathing, showering, oral care, hair care, and dressing. Additionally, they provide mobility support by assisting with moving around the home, getting in and out of bed, and using mobility aids. They also help with toileting needs, including the use of commodes and bedpans, and ensuring continence care.
Medication Management
Live-In CareGivers are a central part of medication management practices ensuring that medications are properly dispensed and clients receive them on an accurate schedule. Live-In CareGivers are responsible for ensuring the client has taken their medication through observation when it is a medication taken as prescribed, whether it be orally, topically or other. It goes without saying that a Live-In CareGiver is able to review the medication schedule and ensure the client is provided with the appropriate medication. They are responsible for noticing side effects or watching for any physical changes of a reaction or side effect. As such the Live-In CareGiver responsibly informs health professionals or superiors. This provides a form of health oversight that isn't directly a health agency but is another set of qualified eyes which is incredibly important for overall health management of the client at hand.
Household Tasks
A live-in carer also helps with various household tasks to maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment. These tasks often include regular cleaning and tidying, such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors, and ensuring the kitchen and bathroom are sanitary. They also handle laundry duties, including washing, drying, and ironing clothes and bedding, which ensures that the client has fresh and clean garments and linens. Additionally, live-in carers run errands, such as grocery shopping, collecting prescriptions, and performing other necessary tasks, which helps the client maintain their daily routine without the stress of managing these chores. This comprehensive support ensures the home remains organised and hygienic, contributing to the overall well-being of the client.
Meal Preparation and Nutrition
Ensuring proper nutrition is another vital duty of a live-in carer. Their responsibilities in this area include meal planning and cooking, which involves preparing nutritious meals that cater to the client's dietary needs and preferences. Additionally, live-in carers provide feeding assistance, helping clients who have difficulty feeding themselves to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. This careful attention to diet and feeding supports the client's overall health and well-being.
Companionship and Emotional Support
Live-in carers provide much-needed companionship and emotional support, which is essential for the well-being of their clients. This includes engaging in activities and hobbies that the client enjoys, encouraging participation to keep them mentally and physically active. Additionally, live-in carers offer social interaction through conversation and companionship, which helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. This emotional support is crucial for maintaining the client's mental health and overall quality of life.
Monitoring and Reporting
A live-in carer is responsible for monitoring the client's condition and reporting any changes or concerns to healthcare professionals or family members. This includes:
- Health Monitoring: Keeping track of vital signs, noting any changes in health, and being aware of potential health issues.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of the client's health status, medication schedules, and any incidents that occur.
Respite for Family Members
Providing live-in care also gives family members a much-needed break from caregiving duties, allowing them to rest and recharge. This can be a critical aspect of a live-in carer's role, helping to prevent caregiver burnout.
Each client's needs are unique, and a live-in carer will tailor their care plans accordingly. This personalised approach ensures that the client receives the best possible care that suits their specific requirements and preferences.
