When it comes to care solutions, it can often seem that everything focuses on residential and nursing homes. While those options may suit some, and indeed in some situations there may not be any choice, there are alternatives which don’t involve the upheaval of leaving behind familiar surroundings.
If you opt for live-in care instead, it offers a number of benefits. Most importantly, you remain independent and keep your freedom, while continuing to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of your own home and garden, not to mention your community, friends and neighbours – and pets if you have them. And, of course, if you live with a spouse or partner, crucially, you’ll be able to stay together.
Equally, you’ll avoid the potential financial stress of having to sell your home, while protecting your children and grandchildren’s inheritance. Plus you won’t be tied to the meal-time regimes of residential settings, but can choose what to eat and when, with all cooking and other domestic chores taken care of. What’s more, you’ll enjoy quality, attentive care on a one-to-one basis that most residential environments simply can’t offer.
If you’re looking for live-in care, either for yourself or a loved one, it’s vital that the provider you choose is the perfect fit for you. And it’s not just about being qualified. Certainly you’ll need to check this, but anyone offering live-in care should have the right qualifications. You also need strong compatibility so that the care seamlessly becomes part of your life.
It’s undoubtedly a big decision. But here are some pointers to help you make a confident, informed choice.
- Research and compare providers
As with any other service, you’ll be looking for skills and training which are relevant to what you need, plus a good track record and excellent client reviews and testimonials. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Understand exactly what is included from each service provider, including round-the-clock availability and how they would respond in an emergency.
- Ask about the financial side of things
Have a budget in mind and research different packages, payment options and plans. Get a quote and understand your potential provider’s fee structure. Ask whether there any extra expenses involved.
- What do you need from your live-in care?
Assess exactly what you or your loved one need help with. Do they have a particular medical condition, require personal care, assistance with day-to-day tasks or anything else? It’s also worth thinking about what the most compatible personality type would be, and whether it’s important for you or your relative to share hobbies and interests with your live-in carer.
- Asking the right questions
Choosing who will provide live-in care is a big decision that will have a significant impact on your own or your loved one’s life. So don’t be afraid to ask probing questions – a reputable organisation will never mind answering them. You should understand, for example, how they guarantee consistency and quality of care. What do they do to support their staff and encourage them to develop their skills? If a client is not happy, what grievance or feedback procedures do they have in place?
Look for an open, honest conversation about expectations, routines and preferences. Two other things are worth considering. One is to agree a trial period, during which you can address any initial issues and start to build a collaborative, productive relationship based on trust, mutual respect and clear communication.
Finally, any decent provider will ask to visit the home where the care will be given to talk through everything and to begin to get to know their client. This is a good idea for you, too, so schedule a home visit and prepare all your questions in advance.
Why choose Seven Star Care for your live-in care?
Seven Star Care is a specialist agency covering all of Hampshire – we supply nurses, care assistants, support workers and others. We’re highly professional, consistently reliable and focus on quality and efficiency, with a strongly person-centred service plus meticulous attention to detail. If you’re looking into live-in care Hampshire, contact us today to learn more about how we could help.
