Many people choose to change their loved one’s care arrangements for various reasons. If you want to switch from a residential care home to live-in care, take a look at our introductory guide below.

Why choose live-in home care over a care home?

A residential care home may be the right choice for some individuals. Many feel live-in home care offers a better solution. Live-in care allows your loved one to be in the familiar environment of their own home and follow their usual routines. This reduces the confusion and stress that living in residential care can cause for some older people, especially those living with dementia. The care is tailored to your loved one’s specific needs whilst being adapted as far as possible to their individual preferences.

When you choose live-in care, you receive a one-to-one care ratio. Your loved one is cared for by a highly trained carer, specialising in specific medical conditions if required. With live-in homecare, your carer is on hand day and night to handle any eventuality.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is twenty-four-hour care that is provided in a person’s own home. At Mumby’s, we work hard to find a great fit between the carer and the cared for, ensuring they share values and interests so that a good relationship develops. This means your loved one will always have a companion by their side.

Fully trained carers can provide for a wide range of needs from personal support to nursing care. Specialist carers are also available for those living with complex needs such as Parkinson’s or dementia. Live-in care is very adaptable. If your loved one has a condition that will worsen over time, the level of care can be increased as needed.

Cost and funding for live-in care

Live-in care costs are usually similar or slightly less than a care home. If a couple needs support, then live-in home care can be particularly cost-effective.

Live-in care can be paid for with the support of the local authority. However, this will depend on a care needs assessment and means-testing. Alternatively, live-in home care can be paid for privately. You do not usually need to sell your loved one’s home to pay live-in home care fees.

Preparing to move from a care home to return home

If you are moving someone from residential care back to their own home, you may need to make some adaptations to the property. You should discuss arrangements with an occupational therapist or your care provider to make sure everything is safe for your loved one. It may be necessary to install extra mobility aids such as handrails. You should also remove trip hazards including rugs, footstools and trailing wires. Your loved one will need a chair with arms and anti-slip bathroom mats, too. Your occupational therapist can advise you on any other mobility aids that you require.

Preparing your home for a live-in carer

In addition to preparing the home for your loved one, you will also need to think about the needs of your live-in carer. They will, of course, need their own bedroom. They do not need their own bathroom but will require access to a clean, functional bathroom with a locking door.

It is preferable that your carer has reliable internet access. It is also a good idea to provide then with a secure place to lock away their valuables.

How Mumby’s can help

Mumby’s can help you with planning live-in home care for your loved one. We are just a phone call away if you have any questions about how live-in care works and if it is suitable for your loved one.

Our fully trained carers can support your loved one with all their physical, medical and emotional needs. Our specialist careers are also trained in providing support to those with complex needs such as dementia or end of life care.

If you would like to know more about our care, please contact us, speak to a member of our team on freephone 0800 505 3511 or email info@mumbys.com.