Inviting a carer into your home for the first time can be daunting – especially when they are going to be living with you for the foreseeable future. Working and living together 24/7 can be tricky, but as long as you have taken your time to consider what you would like from your live in carer, then it should work out fine.
From understanding their job role and duties (and what isn’t involved in the care plan) to understanding the payment procedure, there are many questions which need answering before the live in care commences. Here is a guide to help you with your expectations, and remember to get in touch with the friendly team at Mayfair if you have any questions.
Is Live in Care 24/7 Care?
Live in care if often described as round-the-clock care, as the carer is on-site at the client’s home 24/7. However, to perform their duties properly, all carers need adequate rest time. As a guideline, carers need a minimum of two hours off each day. Although they are available 24 hours a day if you need urgent help, you should arrange a suitable time for their break where they are allowed to leave the home. If you need somebody with you, a family member or alternative care support will need to cover the short break. If you require care throughout the night as a one off, we would suggest you give the carer extra time off to rest the following day.
Holidays and sick leave are also an important consideration. Everybody needs a holiday! These are planned in advance so you have time to speak to Mayfair Live In Care so they can assist with arranging a replacement carer to cover the holiday, or you could ask a relative to step in. If your carer is suddenly ill and has to take time off, Mayfair Live In Care should be able to find you a replacement carer.
Contracts and Procedures
Live in carers are self-employed, so it’s up to you as the client to draw up a contract and make sure they understand what is expected of them. You can discuss a daily care plan, so the tasks are clearly defined and to help them understand your health care and social requirements.
Payments
You are also responsible for paying the carer directly. Arrangements can be made between you and the carer, however you both prefer the payments to be made, but it is best practice to have the weekly or monthly amount transferred directly into their bank account. As the carers are self-employed you do not need to pay holiday pay or sick pay so you only pay them for the time they are at work.
The service is provided to look after you seven days a week in your own home. Every carer is different, so it is important to discuss your expectations with them before a hire is agreed.
If you’d like to discuss live in care arrangements any further, please contact us.