A Day in the life of a Live-In Carer

Date: October 19, 2022

Author: Zoe Armbrust

We’re often asked by potential new recruits exactly what our jobs entail. We receive numerous questions about tasks and breaks and expectations across the course of a day.

That’s why we decided to put together this blog detailing a day in the life of a Promedica24 live-in care worker and exactly what you can expect from the role.

Not every care recipient has the same requirements

Before we get started, it’s worth pointing out that every placement will be different, each of the people we work with has different needs, and it will take time when you step into a new home to get to know exactly what’s expected of you.

But in the interests of offering some idea of the role, let’s talk about a typical day for Mary who is caring for dementia sufferer Glynnis on a companion care package. As well as Mark, who is working in tandem with another care worker to support Pete who has Motor Neurone Disease.

The daily life of a live-in care provider

The morning routine

The day begins when our care recipients wake up; our carers will assist them to get out of bed, using a hoist or wheelchair where necessary. They will support with personal care and assist with toileting where needed. The carer will check whether the bed needs changing and do so if required.

The carer will usually be in charge of making breakfast and, while Mark needs to offer Pete support to eat his food, Mary can simply remind Glynnis to eat up and make sure she takes her tablets at the same time.

If there are visits, medical appointments or activities arranged for the morning, our carers will see to it that their charges are there on time and able to participate as fully as possible.

When lunchtime comes, Mary and Mark provide lunch or arrange to eat out depending on what’s going on.

The afternoon Routine

Live-in care is about improving the quality of life for the people we are supporting which makes it vital to listen to their wishes, and those of their loved ones.

While Glynnis spends some time relaxing in front of the afternoon quiz shows, Mary is able to get on with a few light household chores, perhaps running the vacuum around or cleaning out the budgie’s cage. Meanwhile, she’s careful to listen out for Glynnis as she knows that sometimes she gets confused and fearful if she’s left alone for too long.

Later in the afternoon, Glynnis’ daughter comes in to sit with her for a couple of hours while Mary takes her break. Today she is popping into town to meet a friend for coffee.

Mark on the other hand waits for his relief carer, Bethany, to take over. Pete has a medical appointment to attend and Mark has agreed to help load his wheelchair into the patient transport before Bethany accompanies him to the clinic. She will be there to advocate for Pete and to replay the conversation to his sister who lives abroad, via telephone, later that evening. Mark takes his break while they’re gone.

Out of hours care

When dinner time comes, both carers prepare a healthy, nutritious meal depending on their care recipient’s preferences. They then share the meal and chat for a while before clearing up.

Glynnis likes to phone friends or family members in the evening while Mary busies herself with a quiet activity and completes her daily chart. Mark and Pete watch car shows together until it’s time to go to bed.

Bedtime involves support with personal care as well as transfer to the bed using a hoist where necessary.

Where nighttime assistance is not required, once the care recipient is in bed, each carer will have the evening to themselves. Overnight, our carers are entitled to an agreed number of hours off.

What else is there to know?

The life of a private live-in carer is wonderfully varied, with a wide range of tasks and activities. The different types of people and personalities you may be asked to attend to make it extremely fulfilling. This is not domiciliary care where you pop in and out of up to 10 houses per day, the time you spend with a care recipient means you really can make a difference, not just to the person you are living with but to their family as well. You are potentially allowing someone to stay in familiar surroundings rather than remain in a hospital bed or care home setting. And you are offering them companionship and comfort as well as the practical support they need.

At Promedica24, we offer various care packages to those who need our live-in care services. This means the tasks you could be asked to undertake will vary and, whether you specialise in elderly care, dementia care, respite care or working with younger people with additional needs, you will have a team behind you to offer support and advice.

We are regulated and professional carers. You will have access to the care plan of your charge but will not be expected to offer complex care or medical care beyond reminding people to take medication and supporting them to attend medical appointments. You may be required, however, to advocate for them and arrange for specialists to attend the house to see them if necessary.

Could I work as a live-in carer?

The role of a live-in carer is particularly suited to older people who live alone, perhaps retired nurses who miss caring for someone and feel they still have a lot to offer, as well as students in healthcare or related fields. Alternatively, if you are living abroad but wish to return to the UK for a period of time, taking up a live-in carer role could also work for you.

At Promedica24, we are extremely flexible, placements usually last between four and six weeks and then you’re free to move on to another assignment or leave and return at another convenient time. Rest assured, you will always be given the option to accept or decline the offer of a placement, you will never be forced to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with.

If you’d like to find out more about working with us as a live-in carer, why not get in touch today.

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