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The Privacy of Live-in Care

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Posted on 21st July 2020.

There are many benefits of live-in care, retaining your privacy perhaps being one of the most vital – particularly for those that have been fiercely independent for most of their lives. Privacy and safety at home is important to all of us, but particularly those who require extra support with 24-hour care.

Living in your own home whilst being supported by a live-in carer saves you the stress and upheaval of moving into a care home, but also allows you to stay in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of your own home. And with that comes the ability to retain your privacy with the consistency of having care from the same carer that you can build a rapport with and may even consider as a friend or extended member of the family.

How live-in care reinforces privacy for older people

Accepting someone new into your home to help with daily activities including tasks such as personal care, can be quite a daunting prospect. You may have lived alone or with your partner for many years and are used to doing things for yourself, not really wanting or needing help from others. So, when the time comes when you need extra help with home care, it can be quite difficult to adjust. But with a live-in carer, you can rest assured that you will be matched with someone that is similar to you in both personality, interests and experience in your specific healthcare needs.

Once your live-in carer has moved in, there’s no need to worry about having to get used to a pool of different carers like you might have to in a nursing home. Your dedicated carer will get to know you, your routines and preferences so that everything is done exactly the way you like it and your privacy and dignity is maintained to your liking.

Personal hygiene consistency

It’s a highly personal thing to have someone help you wash, go to the toilet and get dressed, which is why it’s important that you are comfortable with the person that is helping you do this. Live-in care means that you’ll get this highly sensitive type of care from the same person, which helps to maintain consistency and enables you to develop trust in your carer. So, if you need help with taking a bath but still like to wash your own face with a damp flannel, we’ll take your lead and assist you as much or as little as you need.

It also means that you know exactly what your personal care routine is without having to get used to a new person each time, which is an uncomfortable prospect for anyone.

Unlimited access to your home and possessions

Receiving care at home from a private carer means that you don’t have to leave your beloved possessions behind like you would if you were moving into residential care; you can be surrounded by your home comforts that you know and love, including living with a partner, spouse or even a pet.

cute dog

Research shows that things such as using your own toilet, having a well-stocked fridge and having access to your garden are some of the most important home comforts that adults can’t live without, with sleeping in your own bed at the top of the list. For someone that has additional needs, is elderly and has lived in their home for decades, having these home comforts is invaluable for your mental wellbeing and happiness.

Receiving visitors

Seeing family and friends can be something you look forward to and is often the highlight of your week, particularly when grandchildren are involved. Living at home with care means that you can have visitors whenever you wish, and your carer can even accompany you to visit them too – whether that’s meeting them for a gentle stroll in the park or catching up for a coffee and slice of cake.

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it has been extremely difficult to not have contact with loved ones for several months. Now that lockdown restrictions are easing, those who have home care are able to begin to have visitors again, as long as they abide by social distancing guidelines, which has been a huge reprieve for many elderly people.

Support against scammers

Sadly, we live in a world where scammers exist and usually choose to target those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with additional needs. And with so many different ways that scammers can get in touch with you and find out personal details, it can be incredibly confusing and frightening if you fall victim to a scam.

The most common scams that take place are financial and can occur either over the telephone, via email or the internet, by post or with someone turning up at your front door. The Financial Conduct Authority have advice on how to avoid scams, including not giving out financial information to someone over the phone and treating any unexpected contact from someone trying to sell you something or find out information from you with caution.

A live-in carer can provide you with added protection against scammers, particularly if you easily become confused or aren’t very tech-savvy and live alone. They’ll be there to support you and talk through any scenarios you’re unsure of, as well as being present if anyone decides to knock your door that you’re unsure of.

privacy of a live-in carer

Device monitoring

If you’re unsteady on your feet or are prone to falls, you may have a personal alarm or fall detector device so that you can have support to safely get back on your feet again or receive medical attention if necessary. However, if you find yourself falling fairly often, you may be anxious about who will be providing your care, as it will most likely be from a different person each time who doesn’t know about you or your care needs. But with live-in care, your carer who you know and knows you, can be on hand immediately to provide support and reassurance at a time that is probably quite distressing.

Your live-in carer will also be aware of warning signs that you might be about to have a fall or certain times in the day when you’re more likely to fall, such as at night. Getting to know you, your routines and your medical history means that they will be able to get proper care in place for you immediately, giving you and your loved one’s peace of mind that you’re in very capable hands at home.

If you’re considering arranging live-in care for yourself or a loved one, you can call our friendly customer care specialists seven days a week, who will be able to arrange a meeting with your local live-in care manager to visit you at home.

Laura Belford-Thomas
About Laura Laura has a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education. She has a wealth of experience in marketing, having previously worked as PR Officer for both Halfords and West Midland Safari Park. Throughout her career, she has supported others as a teacher, support worker and assistant psychologist.