What Is the Daily Routine for a Live-in Carer?

A live-in carer’s daily routine typically starts by assisting the individual with getting up, personal hygiene, and breakfast. Daily duties include medication management, preparing meals, laundry, shopping, and cleaning. Carers also offer much-needed mobility assistance and manage critical medical appointments. Evenings primarily involve preparing the individual for bed and managing evening hygiene activities.

With their roles and responsibilities deeply woven into daily life, carers are the cornerstone of nurturing homes that empower individuals to live independently in familiar and comfortable settings.

Morning Routines

Live-in care starts bright and early. Carers help individuals start their day on a positive note. This usually includes assisting with personal hygiene, such as trips to the bathroom, showering, and teeth brushing. More delicate aspects, like helping those in their care get dressed, are given the utmost care and respect.

Breakfast preparation and service follow, considering any dietary requirements or preferences. Some individuals may require assistance with eating, a sensitive task that live-in carers handle with empathy and patience.

Once breakfast is finished, carers often assist with medication management, ensuring any prescribed medicines are taken on time and in the correct dosage. The morning may also include light housekeeping duties, such as tidying the kitchen after breakfast.

Afternoon Responsibilities

The afternoon routine of a live-in carer can vary widely depending on the needs of the individual in their care. This could involve more intensive tasks like mobility assistance, medical supervision, or lighter duties like companionship and engagement in stimulating activities.

If the individual is mobile, carers may take them out for afternoon walks or to attend social activities, ensuring their social and emotional well-being. Conversely, if the individual is bedridden or has mobility issues, the carer might facilitate physiotherapy sessions or other prescribed exercise regimens at home.

Mealtimes and medication times continue to be a high priority throughout the day. Lunch preparation, for example, doesn’t merely involve cooking. It also includes serving the meal, assisting with eating, if required, and cleaning up afterwards.

Carers also help manage medical appointments, ensuring the individual is prepared and transported safely to and from the appointment. Other practical tasks, such as grocery shopping or laundry, might also be done during this time.

Evening Duties

As the day draws to a close, a live-in carer’s evening routine starts with preparing and serving the dinner, again keeping dietary restrictions in mind. Time may be spent in conversation, watching television together or undertaking any other activity the individual enjoys.

Following dinner, the carer

might help with managing evening hygiene activities; this could be assisting with anything from teeth brushing to an all-encompassing bedtime preparation routine.

As they do in the morning, carers will ensure all required medication is taken. Before retiring for the night, they’ll often check that the individual is comfortable and safe.

Even after the individual has gone to bed, carers are always on hand should they be needed overnight. This 24-hour help availability is a unique aspect of live-in care, providing peace of mind to their clients and their families.

Flexibility in Routines

It’s critical to note that while this is a typical daily routine, it can change based on the individual’s needs and wants. Every person is unique and may have different requirements. Some may have pets that require care, while others may like to spend more time outdoors. Others might need more rigorous medical support.

According to a recent article, for instance, live-in care is generally seven days a week because live-in carers recognise that their role is not a traditional 9-5 job. However, depending on the client’s needs, breaks and time off can be arranged alternatively, such as having a relief or part-time carer step in.

Misconceptions About Live-In Care

Knowing where a live-in carer resides during off-hours can be baffling. Some may wonder whether live-in carers have to pay rent. The answer is no, they do not. They are provided with meals and a place to sleep in their client’s homes.

Similarly, many believe that a live-in carer’s responsibilities extend to all housework tasks, which is a misunderstanding. Live-in carers assist with housework related to the individual’s care. Yet, it is not their responsibility to manage all household chores – a common confusion explored in a recent article on our blog.

Final Thoughts

The daily routine of a live-in carer deeply intertwines with the needs and routines of the individual they cater to. A critical element of their role is flexibility and the ability to adapt to someone else’s life rhythms.

Even from this glimpse into a live-in carer’s daily routine, they are more than just caregivers. For the elderly or those with health issues who wish to stay in their homes, live-in carers are the foundation of their independence.

They facilitate a comfortable, secure environment that promotes dignity and respect. This makes live-in care an excellent alternative for many families to other care options, such as care homes.

If you’re considering live-in care and want to learn more, PrimeCarers can guide you through your options and help determine the best choice for you and your loved ones.