A day in the life of live in care
How a live in carer can support you
A live-in carer will live in your home, offering companionship and practical help.
It’s important to understand that there is no typical day of live-in care. Just as each of our daily routines and lifestyles are different, live-in care is different for each person too.
Once you’ve met with your local Helping Hands care manager, they will create a package of support that is built completely around your day-to-day life and what is most important to you. Quality 24 hour care is all about enabling independence, and we place a special focus on matching you with the ideal someone who can do just this.
Your morning routines
A live-in carer can brighten your mornings with a cup of coffee and a helping hand.
Whatever your morning routine, your live-in carer will be there to support as you need – helping you to start every day the right way.
Whether it’s an early morning wake-up call with a cup of your favourite coffee, or a slow, relaxing start to the day, live-in care allows you to always do things your way.
Your carer can then help with any tasks you may find difficult – from making the bed to doing the laundry or tidying the home.
Help you get out of bed
If you need assistance with getting out of bed and moving safely around the home, your live-in carer can help with this. They are well-trained in using hoists, and proficient with safe transfers too.
Support you with your routines
A carer can provide support with personal care, which could involve assistance with toileting, bathing or getting dressed, as well as helping you administer medication
Prepare your favourite breakfast
You can ask your live-in carer to prepare a healthy, nutritious breakfast or a delicious treat at the time that suits you; they’ll even wash and tidy up after you’ve finished
Lunchtime and other meals
Your live-in carer can prepare your favourite meals and snacks just the way you like them.
Your live-in carer can prepare your meals for you, if you’d like them to, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and any snacks you need.
No matter how big or small these requirements are, they help to build a picture of the type of daily support you require and, maybe more importantly, the type of person who would suit you best.
Meals and drinks to your taste
Your dietary requirements and preferences will always take priority – whether you prefer sandwiches cut into triangles, like specific salad dressings, or have allergies and intolerances.
A person-centred care plan
At your care assessment, we’ll ask about your preferences and routines which will form the basis of your care plan – outlining what you like to do each day, and how you like things to be done.
Supporting your independence
Quality care should always be about enabling your independence, and our carers do just that. Rather than taking over on tasks, they will enable you to complete them yourself – if that’s what you want.
Respecting boundaries and personal time
Although they’ll be living with you, your carer will always be fully respectful of your wishes.
You may choose to share mealtimes with your carer, discussing the day ahead. You may enjoy the gentle encouragement during your daily tasks, and like conversing over a cup of tea in the garden while watching the birds and other wildlife.
All of our carers are handpicked for their kind, compassionate personalities, which means they provide wonderful companionship and are always respectful of personal space.
We’ll always listen to your wishes
With live-in care, your boundaries and privacy wishes are always respected, and your personal preferences will be outlined in your support plan so that your care is spot-on from the first day
Respect personal space and time
Some customers like time alone, maybe watching their favourite TV show or eating meals. Carers also support couples at home, allowing them space to have breakfast or other time together.
A valuable companion and friend
What is most important to remember is that your live-in carer will be matched to your personality, interests and even outlook on life, so they’ll be someone you feel comfortable being around
Daily support your way
Whatever you enjoy doing, your live-in carer can be there to help you live the life you want.
Think of what you love to do each day – this could be as simple as watching your favourite TV programme, enjoying a game of cards, gardening, getting out shopping or visiting the local park. There may be activities that you haven’t done in a while, like heading out to see friends, visiting the seaside, attending an art class or going to a football match.
However you love spending your time, a live-in carer empowers you to maintain your hobbies, activities and routines.
Support at work or university
Live-in carers are sometimes referred to as personal assistants, and can support you at work, during your studies at university or even accompanying you away on holiday. – allowing you to live life on your own terms
Set your timetable and schedule
With you at the centre of your live-in care support plan, each day is run your way. Unlike within a residential care home, you’ll be able to set the timetable and schedule for every part of your day.
Continue to see family and friends
What’s more, your friends and family can continue to come and go as they please. Your carer will always respect your privacy if you’d like some time and space, or will stay if you feel comfortable with that.
Night-time schedules
A live-in carer allows you to make the most of your evenings, whatever that looks like for you.
If you’re a night owl, you might have regular evening engagements – whether it be meeting friends at the pub, going to the cinema or watching your favourite band. Having a live-in carer doesn’t mean that any of this should change. If anything, you’ll have the support to do these things more often.
Maybe you like a cup of hot chocolate before retiring, reading a good novel until you feel sleepy, or relaxing with a soak in the bath. Whatever your nightly routine, your carer can be there to support you if you wish.
Peace of mind for everyone
Another extra benefit of live-in care is that someone is staying in a spare room in your home throughout the night, maybe for an emergency or if you need help getting to the toilet
Maintain your independence
You’ll be able to continue enjoying your favourite evening activities, routines and hobbies, as well as maintaining a healthy social life that can be fully supported by your live-in carer
Help with personal hygiene
A live-in carer can assist with matters of personal hygiene, such as bathing, shaving, brushing your teeth and continence. They can help out as little or as much as you wish, and will always be discreet.
We take care of your carer
It takes a special combination of patience, empathy and compassion to be a Helping Hands carer.
That’s why we’re extremely proud of our exceptional people and why we’re trusted by so many families to provide care and companionship to those who need support, across the country.
We make sure we continue to support our people after the join us, so they can deliver at their best for you, the customer. In 2024, we were recognised by the Financial Times as a Top 500 employer.
We directly employ all our carers
Every Helping Hands carer is directly employed by us, meaning everyone receives holiday pay, annual leave and pension contributions.
A supportive culture
We ensure our carers have access to dedicated managers and the help and support they need to carry out their role.
Comprehensive training and ongoing development
Our comprehensive training ensures our carers are fully ready to provide a wide range of support to customers from day one while our professional development programme ensure our carers can continue to develop their skills and access opportunities.
Reward and recognition
Our carer Reward and Recognition Programme – Moments of Kindness – celebrates the impact of small gestures and the actions of carers who go the extra mile to create joy, raise a smile, or offer reassurance or a sense of calm. Winners receive shopping vouchers and are featured in our magazine, Voices.
A fully regulated home care provider
Here at Helping Hands, our service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
This means we need to consistently meet high standards and are monitored by our regulators.
Why is being a regulated care provider important?
Independent inspections of our service, giving you peace of mind
Fully vetted, high-quality carers
Guaranteed training and development for our staff
Page reviewed by Kathryn Mahon, Regional Clinical Lead, on July 25, 2024.
How we wrote this page
This page has been produced referencing key insights and data from external experts, trusted medical sources and our team of in-house specialists. We have worked hard to ensure that all information is as accurate as possible and reflects current consensus at the time of writing and reviewing.