Working as a Live-In Carer: Good for you, Good for your Client

Find out how to become a live-in carer, and why it could be the kind of career you have always wanted, one that makes a real different to the clients you work with.

According to statistics, there are over 65 million people in the UK and 18% of those people are aged over 65. This age group is the fastest growing age group in the UK and is projected to growby 20.4% over the next 10 years and 60% in the next 25 years.

As it stands there is a real need for more carers in the care industry, and that need will only continue to grow as the population of elderly people grows.

So, if you are looking at a career in care, there are lots of opportunities for you now, and in the future

These jobs are across the care industry in residential homes, nursing homes, sheltered accommodation, live-in care and in lots of positions surrounding these types of care.

Loneliness is affecting over 1 million older people in the UK, and a Live-in Care Hub report reveals over 90% of people want to avoid residential care if they become too unfit or unwell to care for themselves, so live-in care jobs are a fast growing area of care that you should seriously consider. If you are looking for a career in care that truly makes a difference get in touch with one of the many live in care agencies who can help you develop your career in this field.

The Job Role Of A Live-In Carer

A live-in carer does not just have one set of job responsibilities. In fact, the job of a carer in live-in care is different every single day, and differs from client to client. There could be lots of different types of tasks you will perform as part of your live in care job including (but not limited to):

  • Providing companionship to your client/ clients
  • Pet care
  • Providing personal care
  • Enabling clients to get around their property with ease
  • Encouraging exercise and movement within the abilities of the client
  • Providing nutritional support
  • Helping clients to socialise
  • Helping clients with hobbies
  • Providing cooked meals
  • Cleaning the property
  • Picking up prescriptions and grocery shopping
  • Accompanying the client on holiday
  • Providing appropriate medical support
  • Providing specialist care (following training)

A home care job can involve some or even all of these tasks, plus many more types of task. Every single job is different, and that is why live-in carers are so special because they adapt to a clients life and effectively become part of their life during their employment.

The Benefits Of Being A Live-in Carer

A client benefits in many ways from having a carer live with them, but you wouldn’t be selfish for thinking what is in it for you, afterall, it is a job. Some of the benefits of being a live-in carer are:

  • The ability to put your passion for care into real practise
  • Having more time to provide the kind of care you’ve been trained to provide
  • Getting to know your client property
  • Enabling your client to stay in their property
  • Having accommodation so you can save money on bills at home
  • Working lots of hours so earning more money than you might in a normal 9-5
  • Being able to enjoy conversation with your client, something that is often a luxury in residential care home jobs

There are many more benefits to having a home care job, and often carers discover many new benefits when they start the job, because it is so rewarding day to day.

Your Requirements As A Live-in Carer

A live-in carer isn’t a job that requires official qualifications, but some experience is definitely beneficial. Working through an at-home care agency will ensure you get all the training you need to perform the job. There are however, certain skills and qualities you have to possess to get a job as a live-in carer and those are:

  • True compassion
  • A true desire to help people and care for them
  • Good organisation skills
  • Good physical health
  • An eye for detail
  • A good standard of spoken and written English

You will also need to pass a CRB check and have a right to work in the UK.

If you want a career that is good for you and good for your client, consider live-in care and make some enquiries today, it could be the start of a beautiful career in care.