How to find live in care in London

One advantage of trying to find live in care in London is that there are many agencies to choose from in the capital.

However, with so many live-in care agencies available, it can be difficult to find a good match for yourself or your loved one.

There are several things to bear in mind when searching for a live in carer in London. The first is the immediate care needs of yourself or a loved one, as outlined in your care needs assessment and subsequent care plan. Other considerations should be the type of care you or your loved one needs, the areas in London where you are staying, costs, plus the skills and qualifications of the live in carer you are using.

We explore all of these and more below. In this blog, we will also explain how Autumna can help you find live in care in London.

What is live in care?

Live in care is when a professional carer comes to live with you or a loved one in your home to provide personal care and support, and ensure your needs are met. A live in carer can make a significant difference to your life.

Not only can they help to provide relief for primary carers but they can also help with a whole range of care services, including meal preparation, emotional support, medical assistance, mobility support and household chores.

Types of live-in care

There are a range of live-in care options to meet the varying needs of individuals requiring support at home. Whether you or your family are looking for short-term assistance after a hospital stay or long-term care for ongoing health conditions like dementia, live-in care provides the flexibility and personalised service that enables people to remain in the comfort of their homes.

From temporary respite care to continuous, tailored support, families in London can choose from various services designed to cater to different circumstances and preferences.

The two main categories of live in care are:

Short-term live-in care: Short-term live in care typically lasts for between a few days or weeks. This type of live-in care is ideal for post-hospital discharge recovery or if you or a loved one only needs temporary respite care at home.

Long-term live-in care: This type of live in care is more suited for those who require ongoing assistance, particularly individuals with chronic health conditions such as dementia, or those in need of palliative care. It offers continuous support, allowing individuals to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving tailored care that meets their evolving needs.

The kind of help you will receive from a live in carer also depends on you or your loved ones needs. For example, the following types of live in care may be available depending on your circumstances:

Companion Care: This type of care provides social interaction and emotional support for those who are lonely and isolated. They may also help with aspects of personal care such as getting dressed, help with household tasks and more.

Dementia Care: Involves assistance from a live in carer trained in providing support for those with dementia. When searching for this type of care, be sure to check whether the carer or agency you use is trained in the type of dementia that your loved one is diagnosed with.

Palliative Care: This is where a live in carer will come to stay with your loved one to provide end of life support and care to ensure they are comfortable during their final days.

Respite Home Care: Involves carers coming in to help give you or the primary carer a break from their caregiving duties. It is also ideal for those recovering from illness or a hospital stay.

Incontinence Care: With this type of live in care, a carer will help to manage incontinence issues with dignity and independence. This could include help with catheter management, assisting with drainage bags and incontinence pads, as well as assistance with going to the toilet.

Key considerations when choosing a live in carer

When choosing a live in carer in London, there are several key factors to consider to ensure that the care provided meets the unique needs of the individual receiving it:

Experience and qualifications

It’s essential to verify that the carer has the necessary experience and credentials for the role. Look for carers who have undergone formal training, possess relevant certifications, and have experience in handling specific care needs, such as dementia or mobility assistance. Agencies typically ensure that carers have undergone background checks, like the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service), and their carers will have verifiable references.

Personality and compatibility

The relationship between the carer and the individual is crucial for creating a comfortable and supportive environment. It’s important to match carers based on personality, interests, and routines to promote a positive and trusting dynamic. Some agencies offer a trial period or allow families to interview prospective carers to ensure compatibility before committing to long-term care.

Cost of care

The cost of live in care in London varies depending on the level of support required and the duration of care. On average, the cost of live in care ranges between £800 to £1,400 per week, though this can be higher for specialised services such as dementia care. It’s important to explore different funding options, such as local authority contributions or NHS Continuing Healthcare, to help offset some of the expenses.

Taking time to assess these factors can help ensure that the live in care arrangement is both effective and tailored to the needs of your loved one.

Benefits of live in care in London

Live in care offers a number of physical, health and social benefits for careseekers. In a big city such as London, there is easy access to many of the resources you or your loved one will need.

There may also be an abundance of options to choose from, thus making it easier to find live in care in London. This type of care also allows seniors to stay in the comfort of their own home while enjoying a greater degree of independence. We explore some of these benefits in greater detail below:

Physical benefits

Using the services of a live in carer can help ensure your loved one remains active and mobile. A live in carer can also help your loved one move around and engage in their favourite hobbies and tasks.

Health benefits

A live in carer can cook nutritious and healthy meals on behalf of your loved one. They can also engage with them to help keep their memory healthy through interaction, talking, and games.

Social benefits

A live in carer can also organise social trips, welcome visitors and ensure your loved one can get to appointments and social events. They too can become a friend and companion, thus widening the social circle of your loved one.

How to find live in care

If you are searching for live in care in London, Autumna makes this process much easier for you. Our search directory can connect you with a list of suitable live in care agencies in the capital.

All you have to do is select ‘live in care’ above our search bar and type in your location preferences.

You will then be redirected towards a list of live in care agencies in London.

You can also use our FREE Shortlisting Tool and answer some questions to receive a more personalised list of live in care agencies in London that match your requirements.