Live - in Carers

G_M

This seemed the best forum; if not - sorry.

We are looking for a live-in carer to help frail elderly parents as an alternative (at least for now) to Care Home.

More and more considerations keep coming to us, so rather than re-invent the wheel, I thought I'd ask here:

* how to choose one of the many agencies? What to look for? What questions to ask?
* what hidden financial traps are there (I've spotted £12 per night-call eg 3 trips to the loo = £36 extra per night!)
* what to look for in a carer? What Qs to ask?
* what to provide for the carer?
* What security issues are there (someone moving in has a powerful position in the house...)
* any legal issues (house insurance?)

Tips and advice from anyone who's had experience, whether successful or disasterous, welcome.

jewelly

Maybe Age UK, or another agency, have a published guide to help with all your questions?

Good luck.

Karena_3

Hi.
I found a book in the library yesterday.It is called How to get good care services and is written by Clare Kirkman.I have been looking into the issues you are interested in and found it useful.

Dunroamin

Do you need to use an agency?

G_M

Dunroamin wrote: »

Do you need to use an agency?

No (and I'm sure it is cheaper not to) but

a) it's quicker (I think) and
b) I wouldn't know where else to look and
c) the checking of applicants would have to be even more careful (I assume agencies check [and train?] their staff)?

princessdon

Are they 100% needing 24/7 care?

If not this may be an alternative. My Gran needs help and I need peace of mind due to age and disabilities. She owns her own home, but staying there had problems as alone. She applied for sheltered accommodation via social services (rented her home initially to cover rent on the sheltered). Via housing 21 Extra scheme (google if applicable) she has a lovely 2 bedroom flat. Carers 24/7 and independence.

They have community facilities she enjoys, greater independence than if in her own home, she does knitting, tai chi, abba nights, is learning the ukulele and piano, has new friends etc.

Her flat is spacious (dining room, living room, wet room and kitchen), 2 beds so her craft, card making and computer room. Adorable community gardens, rooms to rent at £15 a night for relatives, laundry, cafe, hairdressers on site etc.

Best of all care is PAYG. So you book care you need, eg on days I work early they assist with morning care and evening care if I can't do that. All wheelchair friendly too. Plus ad hoc care, gran pushes buttons/ pulls cords overnight. Far less call outs as has a bed that lowers, tips etc, its a wet room ensuite with all assistance needs. But if she has an accident she buzzes, never waited more than 5 mins. They have chiropodist etc with monthly visits and a team of carers she knows well. They do ironing and ring hospital appts, arrange patient transport Etc.

It has given her so much independence, yet I know I have 24/7 care if needed (bill comes in post later). But those without ability to pay don't.

As I said depends on their level of independence, but aids, a more suitable home with a cafe etc have led her to have a life I didn't dream of a year ago. If able this may be worth considering. I know gran will need a care home or move in with me in the future, but for now it suits.

Good luck, it's not easy balancing their needs

SandraScarlett

Princess, what a wonderful solution you've found for your Gran. This must have taken a great deal of research and planning, but what a fantastic result.

You certainly learn a heluva lot of things on MSE!

xx

mysterywoman10

A live-in carer could be very costly but there are some companies that specialise in it and it was an option we were looking at for my father when his dementia got very bad.

The tend to live-in for 6 weeks then another one for 2 weeks while they have a break.

If you are thinking of employing your own carers it isn't as difficult as it sounds, it means you can perhaps also employ someone who is already known to your relatives. You local Direct Payments Support Service should be able to offer advice on this.

Have your relatives had an assessment of care needs?

I've heard very good things about Housing 21 extra and there are other simler schemes around the country we are looking at this for M-in-law. Although she wants to stay in her house, she is becoming very isolated through not being able to get out and about and is starting to feel that perhaps she might be better off going into a sheltered living situation.

Errata

Agencies that supply live-in carers advertise in The Lady.

mysterywoman10

Do they?! LOL

Francesanne

princessdon wrote: »

Are they 100% needing 24/7 care?

If not this may be an alternative. My Gran needs help and I need peace of mind due to age and disabilities. She owns her own home, but staying there had problems as alone. She applied for sheltered accommodation via social services (rented her home initially to cover rent on the sheltered). Via housing 21 Extra scheme (google if applicable) she has a lovely 2 bedroom flat. Carers 24/7 and independence.

They have community facilities she enjoys, greater independence than if in her own home, she does knitting, tai chi, abba nights, is learning the ukulele and piano, has new friends etc.

Her flat is spacious (dining room, living room, wet room and kitchen), 2 beds so her craft, card making and computer room. Adorable community gardens, rooms to rent at £15 a night for relatives, laundry, cafe, hairdressers on site etc.

Best of all care is PAYG. So you book care you need, eg on days I work early they assist with morning care and evening care if I can't do that. All wheelchair friendly too. Plus ad hoc care, gran pushes buttons/ pulls cords overnight. Far less call outs as has a bed that lowers, tips etc, its a wet room ensuite with all assistance needs. But if she has an accident she buzzes, never waited more than 5 mins. They have chiropodist etc with monthly visits and a team of carers she knows well. They do ironing and ring hospital appts, arrange patient transport Etc.

It has given her so much independence, yet I know I have 24/7 care if needed (bill comes in post later). But those without ability to pay don't.

As I said depends on their level of independence, but aids, a more suitable home with a cafe etc have led her to have a life I didn't dream of a year ago. If able this may be worth considering. I know gran will need a care home or move in with me in the future, but for now it suits.

Good luck, it's not easy balancing their needs

Your Gran is so very fortunate to have such a lovely & caring Grandaughter. She must be so proud of you. Well done. Wish her & you all the best.