If you have just hired a live in carer, you might be wondering how to prepare for their arrival. A carer can live in a person’s home to provide round-the-clock assistance to ensure dignity, comfort and a feeling of independence. So, how do you ensure that the carer themselves is comfortable, happy and able to work to the best of their ability?
Their own space
Even though a live in carer lives in someone else’s property, they will require a space of their own in which to sleep privately and have some free time to themselves. The work of a live in carer can be tiring and intense, especially as they are with the person they care for 24 hours a day. Therefore, a space to call their own is very important.
It doesn’t have to be a spare bedroom, any room can be adapted such as a dining room or living room. This could be the ideal opportunity for a rethink of the layout of the house. If the person being cared for has mobility issues, adapting the downstairs might be a good course of action, leaving the upstairs space for the carer to use.
A live in carer does not need a private en-suite but the bathroom facilities must be adequate, clean and accessible.
The décor of the carer’s space is not important, as long as it is clean, warm and well-ventilated. Consider having a thorough clean of the space, with fresh bedding for their arrival. It’s also important that they have adequate storage space for their personal items, such as chests of drawers and a wardrobe. For more information on Live in Carers near me, visit a site like https://www.liveincare.com/live-in-care-near-me
In this modern, digital world, staying connected is also a high priority for most people. Reliable internet access is essential and the wifi code should be available to them in their room. It is normally expected that some form of entertainment is supplied, such as a TV in the room too.
You may wish to provide them with a safe for keeping valuables secure. The person being cared for may also wish to keep their valuables safely out of the way too. Live in carers are vetted and it is not a matter of trust, but if something is misplaced or a person with dementia gets confused, a carer could be unfairly blamed. It’s a good way to protect both parties.
The insurance company will need to be informed that a carer is now living in the property. It is also a good idea to check with the car insurance company if the carer will be using a client’s vehicle to transport them around.
Remember that this is a two-way relationship and the better the carer’s experience, the better they are likely to perform their work as they feel happy and comfortable in their position and in the home.
