Live In Care for the Elderly

As your loved ones get older, this can bring it's own unique challenges. At Cerise Healthcare, we can help provide the support you need, with professional personalised care. We know that comfort, safety and wellbeing become the top priority, and for many families, live in care services offer a solution that balances professional care with keeping loved ones in their own home.

We understand it can be an overwhelming decision. By exploring what live-in care means, discussing the benefits, as well as the possible challenges, we hope to help you decide if this is the right option for you and your family.

If you'd like to discuss more about your care options, please get in touch.

What is Live In Care for the Elderly?

Our live in care services involve a professional carer living in the home of the elderly person to provide 24/7 support, guidance and care. Unlike traditional home care where carers visit for a few hours a day, live in care means help is always available day and night, round the clock.

Benefits of Live In Care for the Elderly

1. 24/7 Care and Companionship

   • One of the biggest advantages of live in care is the constant presence of a professional carer. Meaning help is always available, whether it's for medical needs, personal care or just companionship. This allows the elderly person to carry on with their usual daily routines, whilst knowing someone is there to help.

2. Personalised Care Plans That Are Built Around You

   • Live in care allows for highly personalised care. We always take the time to get to know your loved one's needs by working closely with them and the family to develop care plans tailored to individual needs, preferences, health requirements and any complex medical conditions. A level of customisation of which is not possible in traditional care homes or assisted living.

3. Enhanced Safety and Peace of Mind

   • With a live in carer, families can rest assured their loved ones are safe. Our carers are fully trained to manage emergencies, reduce fall risks and ensure medication is taken correctly. This constant vigilance helps reduce the likelihood of health complications and accidents.

4. Comfort of Home

   • We understand that by staying in their own home, this can provide a familiar and comforting environment for your elderly loved one, that can improve their quality of life. Being surrounded by cherished memories, familiar faces and a known routine reduces stress and anxiety.

5. Emotional and Social Support

   • Live in carers often become close companions, offering emotional support and friendship. They can engage the elderly in conversations, hobbies and social activities, helping to combat loneliness and depression which we know are common issues for the elderly.

6. Cost Effective

   • The cost of live in care may seem expensive at first glance but it can actually be a more cost effective alternative to residential care homes or assisted living, especially for couples. Plus the one to one care provided by a paid carer can potentially be more valuable than the more generalised care in a residential care environment.

What if Elderly Parents Refuse Care?

1. See It From Their Point of View

• Listen: Take the time to understand why they won't accept care. They may fear losing independence, be in denial about their needs or have had bad experiences with care.

• Empathy is Golden: Acknowledge their feelings and concerns. Sometimes it's fear, pride or anxiety about aging that needs to be respected.

2. Involve Them in the Decision

• Collaborate on Solutions: Involve them in the conversation about their care options. This will help them feel more in control, less resistant and seem less of a daunting process.

• Present Options Gradually: Introduce care options gradually, starting with the least intrusive forms of extra support, like helping with household chores or transportation, before introducing more comprehensive care.

3. Frame Care as Support, Not Loss of Independence

• Focus on the Positives: Emphasise how care can help them stay in their home longer and live a better quality of life.

• Small Steps: Suggest trying a service on a trial basis. For example, they might agree to have a caregiver for a few hours a week to help with specific tasks.

4. Get Professional Help

• Doctor, Nurse or Geriatric Care Team: A healthcare professional can provide an objective opinion and explain the medical need for care. Sometimes hearing it from a professional rather than family can make a difference.

• Therapists or Counsellors: If refusal is rooted in deep-seated fears or anxiety, a mental health professional could help address the underlying issues.

5. Be Clear and Kind

• No Ultimatums: Threatening or forcing care on an older person can backfire and create more resistance and damage relationships. Have open and honest conversations about your concerns and the risks of not accepting care.

• Use 'I' Statements: Frame your concerns in terms of how you feel, like "I worry about you living alone without help" rather than "You need help".

6. Involve Other Family Members or Trusted Individuals

• Family Members: Sometimes hearing from multiple family members can help. Organise a family meeting to discuss the situation calmly and respectfully.

• Trusted Friends or Advisors: Elderly parents may respond better to advice from a trusted friend, religious leader or family doctor.

7. Look for Alternative Solutions

• Technology Solutions: Explore options like medical alert systems or home monitoring technologies that offer a sense of security without invading their independence.

8. Respect Their Autonomy But Know When to Intervene

• Balance Respect with Responsibility: You need to respect their wishes but there may come a time when their refusal of care puts them in danger.

• Legal Considerations: In extreme cases you may need to consult an elder law attorney about guardianship or power of attorney, but this should be a last resort.

9. Take Care of Yourself

• Manage Your Stress: Dealing with loved ones' not wanting care can be stressful. Make sure you're getting support from friends, family or support groups.

• Set Boundaries: You need to set boundaries to protect yourself while getting your parents the care they need.

What is Included in Our Live In Care Services?

At Cerise Healthcare we can help with a wide range of support needs including, but not limited to:

• Personal Care: Bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting.

• Medication Management: Taking medication as prescribed.

• Meal Preparation: Planning and cooking meals to meet dietary needs.

• Household Chores: Light housekeeping, laundry and other tasks to keep the home clean and safe.

• Transportation: Escorting to medical appointments, social events or running errands.

• Companionship: Social interaction and activities to keep the mind active.

How to Arrange Live in Care?

Our aim at Cerise Healthcare is to help take the stress off finding professional high-quality affordable care. If you'd like to talk through the care options to decide if live-in care is the right choice for you and your family, then complete the form for a free care quote or contact us to speak to one of our specialists today.