This article looks at how to prepare for a live in carer. Learn about the adjustments and considerations necessary to ensure a smooth integration of live-in care into your home and daily life. 

Declutter and clean

Before welcoming a live-in carer into your home, the first thing you need to do is declutter and clean. It's essential to make your home as accessible and comfortable as possible. A clutter-free environment is safer, more functional, and less stressful for both the live-in carer and the person receiving care.

Start by decluttering rooms that the carer will need to use frequently. This includes the kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Aim to create clear walkways to help the carer move your loved one around the home with ease. Clear out unnecessary items from these areas and store them in a separate location or organise them in a way that is out of the way.

Next, it's time to do a deep clean. It's important to ensure that all surfaces, bathrooms, and communal areas are hygienically clean. This not only helps make a good impression on the live-in carer, but it also reduces the risk of infections.

In this process of figuring out how to prepare for a live-in carer, remember that it's valuable to engage the person receiving care. They can help decide which items are important to keep within reach and which ones can be stored away.

Prepare the carer's bedroom

When arranging for a live-in carer, a critical factor to consider is the preparation of their bedroom. This area should have the qualities of comfort, warmth, and privacy. Given that this will predominantly be the carer's dwelling area, the environment should foster a feeling similar to their own home.

By doing this, you are expressing your genuine concern for their well-being as well as acknowledging the essential role they play in your life.

If there are any specific rules or restrictions about internet usage in your household, it's paramount to communicate these clearly and proactively. This could be related to download limits, inappropriate content, or usage during certain times of the day.

By having these discussions timely, you can prevent any potential misunderstandings or misuse of your home's internet services. Providing WiFi access not only meets a practical need, but also contributes to your live-in carer feeling welcomed and settled into their new role.

Ensure Kitchen And Bathroom Access

When arranging accommodation for your live-in carer, it is imperative to ensure their unrestricted access to both the kitchen and bathroom facilities in your home. Remember, your live-in carer's comfort can significantly impact the quality of care they provide.

With regard to the kitchen, make certain they have their own shelf or designated cupboard space where they can conveniently store their food and personal items. This helps maintain a sense of order and personal space, which could be integral for a harmonious live-in arrangement. Moving onto the equally important bathroom access, it is generally recommended that you provide a separate bathroom for your live-in carer whenever it's feasible.

However, if a separate bathroom is not viable due to the structure or size of your home, there's an alternative solution. You can clear out a drawer or an entire shelf for the carer to store their toiletries and other personal items. Offering this personal space can significantly help your carer feel more at home, while also maintaining a suitable level of privacy. Remember, creating an environment where your carer feels comfortable could greatly contribute to a successful live-in care arrangement.

It could also be helpful to detail any potential routines or preferences that your loved one arranges their day by, such as preferred times for meals or specific choices about their attire. The more the carer understands about the person's lifestyle, the more personalised and effective their care can be. Housekeeping information is another key aspect of preparing for a live-in carer.

Embarking on a house tour to help familiarise them with their new environment is a good starting point. Details such as where items like cleaning supplies, cooking utensils and personal care items are stored would be particularly helpful. It is also beneficial to discuss any existing household rules, such as designated quiet times, to ensure a smoother transition for both parties.

If the person requiring care has unique dietary needs or preferences, these should be discussed with the live-in carer. This will enable the carer to prepare meals that meet the individual's needs and preferences, contributing to their overall comfort and well-being.

The carer may also need to be briefed on how to operate certain home appliances or specific medical devices. Preparing for a live-in carer can be a substantial task, requiring effort, time and forethought. But the core aim is to make the carer feel welcome and comfortable in their new environment and to equip them with the tools and information required to provide the highest standard of care for your loved one.

With adequate preparation, a live-in carer can offer immense relief and support to both the individual receiving care and their families, creating a beneficial arrangement for all involved.

---

We offer specialist home care services and live-in care for vulnerable adults throughout London. Get in contact today if you have a loved one that would benefit from care at home.