Live-in care is an option that holds plenty of benefits but is sometimes overlooked.
By Gillian Louggar
Often dependent on the care of family, young people living with a disability can find themselves reaching adulthood without a safety net. A reduction in parental care, accompanied by a desire for independence common to young adults presents many with an important decision about how they wish to be cared for. All too often there are not the necessary resources and information to support that decision.
Whether this is someone who has grown up with a condition like cerebral palsy, or has a disability with a later onset, such as motor neurone disease, enabling individuals to find the model of care which lets them live the life they want, should be our top priority and there are several options available to them.
Residential care homes
Residential care in a care home has several advantages and can be a good fit for many people. The shared living can help avoid loneliness and means that individuals can form bonds and enjoy social interactions with a wide range of people. It often comes with set, familiar routines, as well as a large team who are on hand 24/7 to facilitate the care needs of their residents. A balanced and varied diet should be guaranteed and, if living at home is no longer suitable for an individual’s unique needs, a care home can provide a specialised and safe environment.
However, residential care also means moving into a new environment, which could involve leaving family members, partners, and pets behind. Life disruption like this can be stressful. Faced with a new and unfamiliar environment, the impact of these changes can be particularly acute, with people living with a disability more likely to report higher anxiety and loneliness ratings than the overall population – a trend even more pronounced in individuals who have a severe disability.
The ‘transfer trauma’ of relocations like these are a key consideration to bear in mind when evaluating your care choices. Nevertheless, residential care is a popular choice and a good fit for many.
Live-in care as an option
While not talked about as often as residential care, alternatives like domestic and live-in care are available and should be considered when assessing an adult’s care needs. If independence is highly valued, the options for staying in your own home should be considered. Similarly, for individuals who balk at the thought of living away from family, a partner, friends, or even a beloved pet, finding a solution which keeps them in their community could be a better course of action. It’s also inherently bespoke, meaning it can be adaptable for a wide range of needs.
For younger people in particular, searching for their own independence, or seeking to develop their career and relationships in the community in which they live, live-in care could be a natural middle ground to help them find the right balance in their life. Conversely, if staying in the community could be challenging, or if the social opportunities of a residential care home are appealing, then live-in care, though adaptable, might not offer the same possibilities.
However, if live-in care is the right choice, then it can be an empowering way to maintain independence and manage individuals’ lives. As one example, for Tom, who has cerebral palsy, it has meant he’s been able to pursue his career in the IT industry without worrying about his basic needs being met. His role in the civil service is a dream job for Tom, and one he’s been very proud to achieve.
Gillian Louggar is a registered manager at Promedica24
Visit: www.promedica24.co.uk
Questions to consider if live-in care is right for you
When sourcing care, the first step is to be clear about what will be needed from the provider. Live-in carers can provide medical care, cook, support with housework, and more, but it’s important to be clear with any potential carer as to the scope of their responsibilities, to avoid miscommunication down the line.
It’s also important to make sure care is coming from a provider that’s competent and trustworthy. All care providers, residential, domestic or live-in, are reviewed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and checking their rating before committing to a provider is important.
With that established, how does the company manage the carer? Do they get the support they need to make sure they’re doing the job well? Who do they report to, and are they accountable to anyone outside your home? Best practice would see carers and care plans subject to review and checks from people with expertise within the company.
While family and loved ones will be involved in the decision, make sure the provider is talking directly to the individual who will be receiving the care. Choosing a live-in carer potentially means choosing a long-term companion, a housemate, friend, and vital support. Understandably, welcoming someone into the home takes a lot of trust.
If it’s the right fit, live-in care can empower individuals to live life on their own terms, regardless of their disability. A live-in carer provides companionship, as well as the tools and the time for people to pursue their passions, hobbies, career, friends, family, and more; all the while enabling people to remain in their community and maintain their independence. Tom’s advice for anyone in a similar situation to him is simple: “Be confident and take charge in finding the care that best suits you”.
