There are many reasons why someone might need additional care. As such, there are a range of different caregiving options, and it’s important to consider what kind of care is best for either yourself or your loved one.
For many people, remaining in the comfort of their own homes is vital to maintaining a sense of independence. It can also help them stay in touch with important memories and nearby community. However, for those with additional support needs, the practicalities of remaining at home can become complex. That’s where live-in care comes in.
The following article will outline the roles and responsibilities of a live-in companion, helping you to decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
What is a live-in companion?
A live-in companion is a fully trained professional who lives in the home of their client. Also known as a live-in carer, they provide 24/7 support, offer care and companionship, and help to safeguard the independence of the person being cared for.
Beyond that, a live-in companion will also attend to their client’s physical and emotional needs. This is particularly important with a live-in companion for the elderly or people living with disabilities, who may have unique support needs.
What can a live-in companion do?
A live-in companion can have many caregiving responsibilities, which we’ve covered in detail in this blog post: What Does a Live-in Caregiver Do? These include the following:
Practical assistance and housekeeping
24/7 live-in companions can provide support for everyday tasks like cleaning the house, cooking and meal preparation, and helping with the laundry.
They’re also able to support a client’s needs outside of the house too, taking them to the shops, to meet with friends, or even accompanying them on holidays.
The practical support offered by a live-in companion ensures that the patient retains a sense of independence and the best quality of life possible, without compromising on safety.
Mobility assistance and personal care
If either you or your loved one has additional support needs – such as assistance with mobility or medication – a live-in companion can help. These caregivers are professionally trained to monitor health needs like blood pressure or blood sugar levels, so they can can monitor the overall wellbeing of the individual in their care.
What’s more, if a client has personal care needs – from assistance with bathing to dressing – a live-in companion can provide the necessary support.
Pet care
Having a live-in companion means that the patient can keep their four-legged friends at home with them.
Pets offer innumerable therapeutic benefits. From reducing stress to provoking the release of mood-boosting endorphins, having a furry companion is another way of staving off the risks of loneliness and isolation. As such, the experience of having to surrender a pet when entering a care home can often be intensely distressing for a pet parent.
A live-in companion can help with walking, feeding and vet visits, ensuring that either yourself or your loved one can continue to benefit from contact with a pet.
What are the benefits of a live-in companion?
24/7 live-in companions are there to provide additional support and caregiving to those who need it. They’re there to offer companionship and connection around the clock – minimising disruption to the lives of both the patient and their family.
Connection and companionship
According to Age UK, 3.6 million older people in the UK live alone, with 2 million of that number over the age of 75. The damage of loneliness on a person’s physical health is significant. In fact, it can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s not to mention the mental strain of loneliness.
Having a live-in companion for the elderly can help reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness. Regular social interactions with a caregiver can also provide emotional support and friendship for the individual in care. Low social contact is a recognised risk factor for dementia, so the conversation afforded by a live-in companion may also help to reduce the risk of this condition.
24/7 safety
A live-in companion offers their client around-the-clock care. Their job is to ensure the safety and security of that person, and they’re on hand 24/7 in case something goes wrong.
Whether you’re a person in need of care yourself, or that person’s family, the knowledge that there’s a reliable companion available at all times can offer real peace of mind.
Flexibility for family
24/7 live-in companions will provide maximum care and assistance, no matter the time of day (or night). This helps to reduce the stress of loved ones, who can benefit from the peace of mind afforded by 24/7 caregiving support.
A patient’s family members can therefore recharge and relax whilst knowing that their loved one is still receiving full support.
What’s more, with a live-in companion, there’s no need to stick to the visiting times and routines of a care home. Family members can visit their loved one as they please, making life more flexible for everyone.
If you’re trying to decide if your loved one needs extra support, these nine signs are helpful to watch out for and consider.
Find a live-in companion across the South East of England
Contact Ranger Home Care today to discuss your live-in care needs. We’re a family-run care provider who can provide compassionate and professional guidance. Above all else, we put care at the centre of our work ethos – tailoring our caregiving services to each client’s unique needs with 24/7 support. We offer award-winning live-in care services across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, West Sussex, and Dorset. Call us on 01252 850040 or book a no-obligation face-to-face meeting to discover how we can help with your live-in care and companionship needs.
