Live in carer - how to?

[FruHagen]

Hi all,

My Mum had a severe stroke before Christmas and also has dementia (undiagnosed) - she went into hospital and now cannot eat, toilet or move unassisted. Her speech is getting better though. One side is good but the left side is not.

She has recently been moved to a nursing home but is now seemingly getting more alert and is able to sit up. She is quite aware of what is going on and is pleading to come home.

I want to try and see if I can get a live in carer to nurse her in her own home and wondered if anyone has any advice?

How is a carer found, paid for etc.
Has any of you done this?

I know someone who has done this for her mum, who has two carers living in as she needs a high level of care inc over night (carer sleeps but has to wake up to her). They are through an agency and rotate every few weeks, plus have time off at the weekend which has to be covered by family.

Could you care for her in her own home? I know this doesn’t suit everyone but you can get a carer’s allowance etc.

Community nurses can help too with daily cleaning etc.

Can her needs be met by one person on their own?

From your description she still has a high level of need. A live in carer is only an option if her care can be delivered by one person alone.

If the Nursing Home are needing 2 people to move her, even with equipment, you would find the cost very high to pay for a live in carer plus extra numerous times a day.

Speak to your county council adult social services. They may have details of agencies which offer this in your area.
Get an assessment of needs. Country cousins has been mentioned. On here before, sometimes home instead too.
Age uk and carers uk can advise on costs, what can be claimed etc.
and please do NOT commit to doing it yourself before reading the whole of the threads in the cockroach cafe on this board.
The battle scarred are there.

And do not promise to bring her home….do a “ let’s see when you are a bit better”….

We had a live in for mum at EOL.

One by day who slept in the spare room and one by night who went home.

What I stupidly didn’t realise was of course a live in carer isn’t like caring for your own mum. They have breaks for meals etc amounting to maybe 2hrs of the 12 shift - could leave the house etc . That was ok I covered as I was there but otherwise ??

Someone I know vaguely who has live in carers has an annex for them - they are from Spain - and several do a couple of months then go home for a bit and others arrive. Always more than one around - care needs are huge.

A live in carer is a challenge. When it gets to that the care needs are very onerous. It’s not the same as a “ companion “
Type role who lives in but pops to the shops etc.

We had dad in a care home. Nearly a year as he deteriorated with dementia. That worked well. He went in whilst he still had a lot of essence of “ my lovely dad “and so the knew him as a person a bit before he deteriorated. They kept him till the end which we really appreciated.

When my Nans needs exceeded what I could provide I got her a live in carer, when her needs increased even further she had a 4 times daily drop in carer to assist the live in with moving/handling, changing for bed etc.
This worked well for us.
The care package was set up via social services.
With regards to paying her needs were assessed and we made a contribution towards each month at first when her health needs increased she was approved for continuing health care payment which covered the cost because it was 'health' related rather than 'just social' if that makes sense?
It might be that your mum is already entitled to CHC funding.
How is the nursing home being paid for? As it will be the 'same' budget so to speak.

Does she have the funds to pay herself or will she be looking for funding from the social services?

If social services then they don't usually fund live in care as the needs can often be met in a care home for less and that will be best value. You'd have to make a good case why it's in her best interests to stay at home on the public purse.

I work for SS and in my area a live in carer comes in around £1200 which is the cheaper end. Currently having an argument is my boss over a case as need can be met for £800 at a local home.

It's difficult as I can see both sides.

If your mum is finding herself then she can have what she wants but if the money rinds down you might have a battle with SA.

Thanks for your help everyone. I am working through the advice. Much appreciated

Hi,
We found an agency that finds really good carers from Eastern Europe - they have a different culture there when it comes to looking after their elderly and don't hesitate - I couldn't do it no matter how much I love my parents.

We have a fantastic lady from Slovakia who comes for 2/3 months then is replaced with another whilst she goes home. Cost is @ £870 per week which is a lot less than most agencies/private carers. Takes some getting used to but at least our dad stays in his own home (he's in his 90's). House is beautifully clean, he has come on in leaps and bounds since she has been in place and she's a great cook. The Carers often don't drive but that can be remedied with community drivers/volunteers etc. My dad is self-funding but you may be able to get some help.
Try At-Home-Care.co.uk
They come out and visit you to determine your needs and do all the referencing etc for you.
Good luck x

If your mother needs 2 carers for moving and handling matters you may be able to get a local home care agency to send carers in to act as second carer. The charity I work for offer that service provided the live in carer is from a CQC registered agency.