Deciding to bring in a live-in caregiver for your loved one is a tough decision to make and navigate. You have to come to the realisation that it needs to happen, consult with your loved one and the wider family, help your loved one realise that they need a live-in carer (which can be especially stressful and difficult), research and identify an appropriate care provider and hash out a care plan with them. And after all of that, you have to get your head around and prepare for having someone join you in your home on a full-time basis or help get your loved one’s home ready for a caregiver.
It’s the final hurdle before help arrives, and it is difficult to know where to start. You can, of course, contact your care provider for advice, but it’s also good to be able to get outside confirmation.
In any case, whether you’re investigating getting a live-in carer, or whether you will be getting one soon, here ‘s what you need to prepare your home for a live-in carer in the UK.
1. Check the Care Agreement and Discuss Expectations and Boundaries
You obviously want to make sure that your live-in care setup includes all that you agreed to with your loved one’s care provider in the care plan. The requirements stipulated in this agreement will differ on a case-by-case and organisational basis, so we cannot say exactly what will be in it, but the rest of our checklist will probably cover everything you need. Nevertheless, it’s essential to double check what you agreed to.
Part of the care planning phase should have included discussion about expectations and boundaries from both sides. If this was not done, having the conversation ahead of the move-in date is essential because it is very difficult to have the discussion later on.
2. Prepare the Caregiver’s Room
The accommodation for carers is particularly important. They simply must have their own private space where they can keep their things and withdraw when it is time for them to rest. In the same way that everyone else needs privacy and their own space, caregivers need a space where they can unwind (especially considering the taxing nature of their work).
Ideally, a caregiver should get a bedroom but converting another room into a private and personal space for them is acceptable.
Within this room, however, several things need to be included:
- - A comfortable bed
- - Linen
- - Storage space
- - A light and desk
- - A door that closes
- - A mirror
A TV is also a nice inclusion, though because more people than ever use streaming services on laptops, tablets and phones, you can confirm whether they want access to a TV in their room. In addition to this, the room needs to be well-ventilated and conducive to supporting the caregiver’s well-being. After all, the caregiver’s wellbeing has a direct impact on the level of care they are able to provide.
3. Prepare a Bathroom
Again, a private en suite bathroom would be preferable, but if you don’t have the space, it is perfectly acceptable for the caregiver to share a bathroom with other members of the household. However, what is essential is that the bathroom is in an acceptable state for the caregiver to use.
It needs to be clutter free, clean, lockable and have adequate storage space.
4. Make Sure There’s Wi-Fi
If you don’t have internet access and Wi-Fi, it is essential to get this installed. Wi-Fi is ubiquitous in modern life, and your loved one’s caregiver will need internet access to stay connected with others, be able to keep their records and do work, as well as use for their own recreational time.
5. Remove Clutter and Tripping Hazards
Since your loved one is needing live-in care, you’ve probably already done this, since they need a safe space that is free from obstacles and tripping hazards. Nevertheless, the last thing you want is the potential for a fall , and you don’t want to put the caregiver in a difficult position by neglecting to make your home as fall-proof as possible. Thus, it’s a good idea to go through your home again. In fact, as a part of introducing the caregiver, you can get them to advise you on this.
6. Prepare the Kitchen
When preparing the kitchen, you want to make sure that all the appliances are in good working order and that there is space for the caregiver to store any of their own food.
You should also have a document in the kitchen that details any dietary requirements and preferences of your loved one (including both like and dislikes) to help the caregiver integrate faster and cater to your loved one’s needs.
If you live with your loved one, indicate which food shared and what food may be used, as well as have a discussion about boundaries and expectations in the kitchen. This is also something that will need to be revisited as you and the caregiver come together in the home. It’s important to document these agreements and have them readily available.
7. Prepare Access to the Home
The caregiver will need to be able to come and go, and, as such, they will need copies of keys and any codes that are required to enter or lock the home. It’s also a good idea to include information on the security that you have in the information document you have.
8. Prepare Medication and Equipment
Ensure that all medication is clearly labelled, organised and accessible for the caregiver to access. Make sure that instructions for the medication are stored with the medication.
In addition, if your loved one has specialist medical interventions or equipment for their condition, like diabetes equipment or equipment related to a tracheostomy or stoma , ensure that the caregiver is informed, and that all documentation for the equipment is readily available.
9. Prepare an Information Document
This is essential for helping the caregiver settle in and ensure that expectations, boundaries and Relevant information about the workings of the home. The document should be easily accessible and include:
- - Daily routines and preferences
- - Emergency contacts
- - GP and pharmacy details
- - Information about any technical appliances or systems (e.g. heating, alarms, etc.)
- - Important personal details about your loved one
- - House rules and expectations
- - The caregiver’s expectations and boundaries
There may be more that is included here, like care for pets if your loved one has any, information about how rubbish and recycling is handled, or anything that is particular to the way that you or your loved one does things.
10. Lock Away Valuables
We are absolutely certain of the integrity of our caregivers, but locking away valuable jewellery and documents provides peace of mind for everyone.
Final Thoughts
It’s a good idea to communicate openly and regularly concerning the running of the home and the caregiver’s experiences (as well as your own) since unexpected friction points or challenges sometimes emerge, and there needs to be a place to address them.
Finally, we know that it is awkward bringing someone into your household, both for them and you. Prepare yourself for that feeling but be friendly and accommodating. As much as they’re there to care for you loved one and be a good and unobtrusive guest, your role is to co-operate with them and be a good host. If both you and they come in with a positive attitude, the arrangement will work far better.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if the caregiver gets sick?
We cannot speak for other care providers, and you definitely need a backup plan. Fortunately, we provide rapid response respite care that is perfect for covering a situation like that. When you discuss live-in care with us, we can explain exactly how this works.
2. Can I have security cameras in my home?
Yes, but not in private spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms. You also need to disclose that there are cameras ahead of time.
3. Is the caregiver available 24/7?
No. The caregiver has to have time off and cannot be expected to be on duty round the clock. As part of the care plan and agreement, specific times for the caregiver to have “off” should be detailed. This will, of course, fit in with your loved one’s routines. Having said that, the caregiver will be sensitive to the needs of your loved one and the family and withdraw while being on standby should anything happen.
4. Where do you provide live-in care?
We provide care in certain areas in the UK, namely Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. Outside of those regions, we cannot provide support but contact us if you want to check our coverage in your area.
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