Promotional feature: When frailty and old age make living alone at home a challenge, could live-in care be a solution? Managing Director of Corinium Care, Clare Janik, answers your questions

What is live in care?

Live-in care is a good option when you or your relative are no longer able to manage alone, but are reluctant to relinquish your independence and wish to stay in your own home. It is also well worth considering if you need respite care, or some extra support after a hospital stay.

Companies such as Corinium Care provide a carer who lives with you, offering constant companionship, round-the-clock care and support. It enables you to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.

What are the benefits of live-in care?

The greatest benefit of live-in care is the opportunity to stay in your own home, surrounded by a lifetime of memories and the things that you hold dear. Your friends and family can still come and visit and relax, knowing that you are in safe hands. You can also keep your much-loved pets. Live-in care enables you to keep your independence, offering dignity and peace of mind at a very vulnerable time.

What kind of work do live-in carers do?

Care can be in the form of practical, physical or emotional support, depending on a client’s requirements. Every person has different needs and so every carer’s role varies. But carers can do anything from light housework and cooking to helping with personal care, dressing and bathing. Being a good companion is central to their role. They will also walk the dog and feed the cat.

Are live-in carers qualified?

Carers with Corinium Care attend our award-winning training course before they are placed with a client and are very carefully vetted. They come from all walks of life and some have a background in the health professions. What they all have in common is a compassionate and caring nature and lots of common sense. They undergo a rigorous interview and selection process before being placed with a client and all are DBS-checked.

How long do carers stay?

This can vary, depending on individual preferences. A three-month stay is quite usual, offering continuity of care and an opportunity for carer and client to build a relationship of trust and mutual understanding. At Corinium Care we aim to place carers for the duration requested by the client. Successful care packages generally work with a rota of a few carers whom the client is happy to see on a regular basis.

I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – is that a problem?

Carers are trained to look after a range of health issues, including conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Live-in care is a particularly good option for people showing signs of dementia – the benefits of being in familiar surroundings have been well documented.

How do I go about finding a carer?

If you think live-in care is right for you, a good care provider would always begin with a home visit. At Corinium Care we ask you what you are looking for from a carer. We listen to your likes, dislikes and interests and match you with a carer as closely as possible, taking on board individual preferences. Clients are informed about their chosen carer before their arrival so they know who to expect and a little bit about them.

What kind of accommodation must I provide for a carer?

Carers need their own furnished bedroom, as well as food and drink. A television in their room and access to wi-fi is much appreciated.

Is live-in care very expensive?

The costs of live-in care compare favourably with other options, such as residential homes, especially for a couple. Costs start at about £850 per week. Individual quotes can be provided on request and all care packages are tailored to meet the client’s needs.

----------------------------------

If you’d like to know more about live-in care, please call one of our team at Corinium Care Ltd in Gloucestershire on 01453 839290, or download our brochure at www.coriniumcare.com