Live-in carers in North London conduct a range of tasks around the clock, allowing their clients to remain independent for as long as possible, and to stay living in their own homes for as long as they are able to. Many people derive huge comfort from the continuity of being looked after in familiar surroundings while receiving tailored, one-to-one care in a way that’s not always possible in a care home setting. What’s more, the 24/7 security provided gives close family members great peace of mind.
Live-in carers in North London and elsewhere also promote independence, confidence and dignity by providing the precise level of support needed while at the same time empowering those they look after to make their own decisions on a daily basis and encouraging them to do what they can for themselves.
If you’re wondering what these professionals actually do, their tasks fall into a broad range of core areas, including:
- Personal care and hygiene
Carers who live in their client’s home help with bathing, showering, hair washing and things like brushing teeth, as well as getting dressed and undressed each day. Equally, they provide support with continence management and going to the toilet. And the fact that these intimate tasks can be done at home, and carried out by someone with whom the person has built up a working relationship, is often extremely reassuring for them and their close relatives.
- Managing medicine and medical care
Clearly, live-in carers are not trained nurses or doctors. Nonetheless, they play a key role in someone’s overall health care. For example, they can remind the patient to take the correct dosage of whatever prescribed medication they need, at the time they have to take it. Plus they can administer these meds if the person is not able to do so themselves.
In cases where the client has complex medical needs, and where the carer has appropriate specialist training, they can also assist with things like catheter or stoma management or tube feeding. At the same time, they can liaise with GPs, district nurses and any other healthcare professionals involved in their patient’s overall care. In London in particular, where these services often face particular pressures, such assistance can prove invaluable.
- Nutrition and hydration
North London live-in carers help with overall diet and will monitor nutrition. They plan and cook meals according to their client’s dietary and medical needs, as well as their personal tastes. This ensures the person being looked after eats a healthy balanced diet and, crucially, stays properly hydrated, particularly during the summer months.
- Domestic chores and errands
Live-in carers in North London are obviously not employed as cleaners or housekeepers. However, they do help with light housework including dusting and vacuuming, and carry out chores such as laundry or changing the bed. Additionally, they’re there to help with errands including picking up prescriptions and groceries. If required, and this has been agreed as part of the care plan, they may also feed and exercise household pets.
- Mobility and wellbeing
Movement is vital in helping older adults to stay independent, avoid falls and reduce the risks of chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Carers help clients to move safely around their home, with mobility aids if necessary.
At the same time, the meaningful companionship they offer provides essential emotional support. Thanks to the support of a live-in carer, the client may also engage in and enjoy the hobbies they love for longer.
Finally, carers who live in can help people to access their familiar local community in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. That could include, for example, arranging transport, accompanying them on walks or going with them to social, religious or cultural events. This could be especially important somewhere like London, which is obviously that much busier than elsewhere, making using public transport potentially more challenging. And established friendships, for example, can continue to be cultivated.
Live-in North London carers with Visiting Angels
At Visiting Angels, we work hard to match our clients with the right carer, so that you forge a genuine relationship with them, one based on complete trust. We adopt a flexible approach which adapts to individual requirements, providing live-in care in North London.
Read more about our home-care services – we also help with complex care needs. Thousands of families have already chosen Visiting Angels – and we could help you, too. Get in touch today to discuss what you require and we’ll take it from there.
