There is a lot of misinformation regarding live-in care and caregivers. We spoke with Lauren Jensen, a live-in caregiver who has been working with patients for 26 years and asked her what are the most important facts we should know about live-in care.
Live-in care services can give a patient more independence
Instead of being stuck in a facility, a live-in care provider will allow the patients to stay in their own home and live a normal life.
It can supplement hospital care
Live-in care is not a full replacement for hospital care. Instead, it can be used as supplemental care for those who need it.
It is a long-term solution
Live-in care can be both short-term and long-term. For as long as this type of care is needed, it can be provided for the patient.
Live-in care is affordable
Many people believe live-in care is expensive and requires pricey medical insurance premiums. This is not true. Live-in care is extremely affordable and it is often the only affordable option for someone that is uninsured or underinsured.
It is not just for the elderly
Live-in care is not just meant for senior citizens. It is common for people of all ages to require live-in care when they have been injured, when they develop progressive diseases such as muscular dystrophy or MS, when they are temporarily unable to fully care for themselves due to an accident, or for post-op patients who are no longer able to stay in the hospital as they recover.
A caregiver can teach friends and family
A live-in caregiver will be able to show friends and family members how to care for the patient during their stay together.
They can also teach the patient
The patient can learn a lot from a live-in caregiver. They have been working with patients for years and they will have plenty of tips and advice the patient can keep with them in order to improve the quality of their own life.
It is not the only option for some
Whether the patient has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, or another debilitating disease, it does not mean live-in care is the only option. If you have a loved one that has a condition like this, you can also consider assisted living facilities.
Live-in support will be available throughout the night
A live-in caregiver will sleep in the residence and will be available to assist the patient whenever they are needed.
A live-in caregiver will have time off
A live-in caregiver will have designated time off throughout the month. This can be during weekends, certain parts of the month, or anything that fits the needs of the caregiver, as well as the needs of the patient.
A fill-in can be used
When a caregiver has time away from the residence, a fill-in will be provided to give the patient round-the-clock attention.
Your caregiver can help with your pets
A caregiver will be able to help with all of the daily activities that a patient is unable to perform for themselves. This includes caring for their pets.
The caregiver can help with meals
Although they are not trained cooks, they can assist in preparing meals for the patient.
A caregiver should be provided with their own room
Since they will be living with the patient, it is important that the caregiver has a reasonable amount of privacy. This includes their own bedroom to sleep in.
The live-in caregiver will have an adequate amount of time to rest
Although the caregiver may be asked to assist the patient in the middle of the night, they will always be allotted a set amount of time to get enough sleep each night.
