If you are considering becoming a live in carer, there may be some aspects of the role that you are curious about. Below are a range of questions to help you decide whether you are the person for the role or decide that providing live in care is not for you.
What you will do on a day-to-day basis?
As a live in carer there is a range of tasks you will need to perform on a daily basis. This depends on what type of live in care you provide because if it is specialist live in care, dementia live in care or end of life live in care there will be other aspects to the role.
As a standard live in carer you will have to help around your client’s home and carry out a range of domestic tasks to make sure that the home is comfortable and clean.
The everyday services that you may be required to provide include:
- Tidying and cleaning the house (changing beds, doing the laundry, cleaning dishes etc)
- Gardening
- Shopping
- Preparing meals
- Arranging trips and social meetings
- Help with admin and bills
- Caring for pets
- Medication management/doctors appointments
- Mobility support
You may not need to perform all of these tasks for your client but also be open to providing other services for your client that are specific to them.
What qualities should you possess to be a good live in carer?
As a live in carer, you should possess a range of skills and qualities to make you the best for the role. These skills and qualities should include:
- A natural passion for helping others
- Good communication skills
- Organised
- Very Observant
- Trained in First-Aid
- High level of empathy
These qualities and skills are just standard for a live in carer and there is still more you can do to be the best person for the role. As you progress over time in live in care, you will gain more experience and more skills in the field.
As a live in carer, what are you entitled to?
- As a carer, you are entitled to your own private room to sleep and have time on your own (It must be comfortable and warm).
- You will have access to bathroom facilities at all times where you will be able to store your toiletries.
- Reliable internet access is something you are intitled to as a live in carer.
- You should have access to a safe to keep some items locked if you feel it is necessary.
- You will be able to eat the food in the house if you wish.
What are the hardest parts of being a live in carer?
It can be hard at times to provide live in care for those who have complicated needs. It can also be difficult some days as you may feel alone and miss your family and friends, so be sure to take leave when you feel like it is necessary to prevent a burnout.
What are the rewarding parts of being a live in carer?
When you work as a live in carer you are able to make a real difference to your clients life and their families life. Being a live in carer allows clients to be independent whilst living happily and safely. Over time you will hear amazing stories and be able to talk to people who will positively impact your views on life.
