Posted by Introduction to Selecting a Live-In Care Agency
Live-in care has become an increasingly popular option for people needing a little support in their homes. As you age, maintaining your independence and continuing to live in the comfort of your own home becomes increasingly important. However, this may become challenging as your health changes and the need for assistance with daily tasks arises. In such cases live-n care may fit the bill.
/The Difference between Live-In Care and Domiciliary Care
The Difference between Live-In Care and Domiciliary Care
There are various models of live-in care depending upon your needs. As a general guideline, live-in care is a step up from domiciliary care (sometimes called visiting care or in home care). Domiciliary care involves having one or more calls a day of 30 minutes or more duration. During these calls, your care assistants can help you with such tasks as, personal care, medication support and domestic tasks.
With live-in care, a care assistant lives with you. It will probably, but not necessarily, be the case that you require a little more assistance than domiciliary care can provide. A live-in care assistant can provide all the services that would be available from a domiciliary care package of care.
Live-in care assistants are there to provide support during the day. Typically, they will work 9 hours per day and must have a break of 2 hours at some point. During this break, they must be free to leave your home if they wish. If your needs are such that you can’t be left alone for this this amount of time your care company will be able to provide another care assistant to cover the break. This will, of, course, incur an extra charge.
So, how do you select a live-in care provider? This article assumes that you have decided to use the services of a care provider who will manage the service for you. There are other options, but these will be looked at in other articles.
Determine Your Care Needs
Before you begin your search for a live-in care agency, it’s a good idea to assess your specific care needs. Different individuals require different levels of care, so understanding your requirements will help you narrow down your options. Consider factors such as:
-Your medical conditions and health requirements: You are the one who ultimately decides if you require live-in care. It’s your well-being that matters most. Start by having conversations with doctors and other health professionals to get a clear picture of your medical conditions and what kind of care might be beneficial.
The assistance you need with daily activities (e.g., bathing, dressing, meal preparation): While you are the one making the decision, having an idea of what support you need in your daily life is crucial. This understanding will not only help you but also guide your discussions with potential care agencies.
Your desire for companionship and social interaction: Loneliness and social isolation can significantly impact your well-being. Express your desire for companionship and social interaction when discussing your care needs with professionals. It’s an important aspect of maintaining a fulfilling life.
Any specialized care needs you may have (e.g., dementia care or post-surgery recovery). If you have specialized care requirements, communicate them clearly. Reputable care agencies will listen to your needs and provide guidance on the services they can offer to meet those requirements.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to opt for live-in care is yours, and your preferences should be respected. A reputable care agency will work with you to determine the level of care and support that best suits your needs. It’s essential to emphasize that choice is vital in this process, ensuring that you receive the care that aligns with your wishes and requirements.
Care Quality Commission Registration
When looking for a live-in care agency in England, you are advised to check that the providers you are interested in are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
In the context of live-in care, it’s important to understand that not all care activities require CQC registration. The CQC only regulates and inspects companies that carry out regulated activities, and in the case of live-in care, personal care is usually the key regulated activity. Personal care includes tasks like assistance with bathing.
The CQC conducts thorough inspections of care agencies and assigns them ratings based on their findings. These ratings can range from “Outstanding” to “Inadequate.” By reviewing an agency’s CQC rating, you can gain valuable insights into the quality of care they provide. It’s advisable to ask the agency for their current CQC rating – which should be displayed on their website and in their offices.
Research The Agency’s Reputation
We strongly recommend that you, or someone on your behalf, visit the live-in care providers you’re interested in. During your visit, you can inquire about various aspects of their services:
Training Facilities: Ask to see where they conduct care assistant training. This will give you some insight into their commitment to training staff.
Inquire about the training they provide to their care assistants. As a minimum, they should cover essential components like the Care Certificate and mandatory update training.
Find out if they offer any supplementary training beyond the basic requirements. Extra training can indicate a dedication to continuous improvement in care quality. Do care assistants have the opportunity to carry out specialist training? This is important if you a living with a particular condition that demands a particular type of care.
Customer Reviews: Check the website www.homecare.co.uk, where customers leave reviews. Pay attention to the scores out of 10, which provide a quick reference point for quality. However, don’t forget to read the detailed reviews to gain a deeper understanding of clients’ experiences.
You could also ask if any of the provider’s customers would be prepared to give a reference. Of course, the challenge with any type of reference is that the provider is not going to choose someone who will give a bad reference.
Also check if the agency is a member of industry associations like the UK Home Care Association (UKHCA). Most reputable organisations will be.
Training for Live-In Care Assistants
When considering care assistant training, look for a provider that goes beyond the minimum requirements. Look for a provider that views training as an integral part of its commitment both to you and to its care assistants.
Consider asking about the availability of specialist training. While many care providers emphasize personalised care, true personalisation includes specialised care tailored to your unique needs. Inquire if they offer training that equips care assistants to address your specific requirements effectively.
In essence, personalised care means that the provider not only acknowledges your individual needs but also ensures that their care assistants receive the training necessary to meet those needs with expertise.
Ask about How You Will Be Involved in Your Care
Maintaining your independence and making your choices are fundamental aspects of aging with dignity and respect. The right live-in care agency should recognize the importance of preserving your independence and work collaboratively with you, as well as any family members or advocates you choose to involve, to develop a care plan that truly reflects your needs and desires.
Collaborative Care Planning
A reputable live-in care agency should view care planning as a collaborative effort. Your input should be valued and actively sought throughout the process. This means that you have a say in the type of care you receive, the schedule that suits you best, and the activities and routines that make you feel comfortable and content.
The agency’s care assistants should listen to your preferences and adapt their approach accordingly For instance, if you have specific dietary preferences or cultural practices, your care assistant should respect and accommodate them. It’s essential that you feel heard and respected in every aspect of your care.
Access to Care Plans and Care Notes
Transparency and communication are key components of person-centered care. You should have unrestricted access to your care plan and care notes. These not be something that is kept hidden from you but rather readily available for your review.
Your care plan should be a living document that can be adjusted as your needs change over time. Regular reviews and updates should be conducted to ensure that your care remains aligned with your evolving requirements and preferences. You, along with your chosen family members or advocates, should be actively involved in these discussions and decisions.
Electronic Systems for Access and Communication
In the digital age, there are various electronic systems and technologies that can facilitate your access to every aspect of your care. These systems can provide you with real-time updates, schedules, and care notes, allowing you to stay informed and engaged in your care journey.
Some benefits of electronic systems for care management include:
Online Portals: Many care agencies now offer online portals where you can log in to access your care plan, review caregiver notes, and communicate with the agency and caregivers. These portals provide a convenient and secure way to stay connected.
Mobile Apps: Mobile applications can give you access to your care information on your smartphone or tablet. This means you can easily check your schedule, communicate with caregivers, and receive updates on the go.
Video Conferencing: Video conferencing tools can facilitate virtual meetings with your care team, ensuring that you can discuss your care plan, ask questions, and provide feedback without the need for in-person visits.
Remote Monitoring: Some electronic systems can track vital health metrics and share this data with your caregivers and healthcare providers. This can help ensure that your care remains effective and proactive.
By utilizing these electronic systems, you can actively participate in your care, have greater control over your daily routines, and maintain your independence to the fullest extent possible. Additionally, these tools can enhance communication and coordination between you, your caregivers, and any family members or advocates you choose to involve.
Transparency in Pricing and Contracts
Transparency in pricing is essential for you to make informed decisions about your care, and a well-defined cancellation policy can provide clarity and fairness in unforeseen circumstances.
Transparent Pricing
A reputable live-in care agency should be upfront and transparent about its charges. While cost may vary based on the level of care and specific services you require, you should have a clear understanding of how much you will be charged on a regular basis. This transparency allows you to budget effectively and make sure the chosen care plan aligns with your financial resources.
When discussing pricing with the agency, ask for a breakdown of fees and any potential additional charges. Some agencies charge hourly, daily, or weekly rates, so be sure to clarify the payment schedule that best suits your needs. By having a comprehensive understanding of the cost structure, you can avoid unexpected financial surprises down the road.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations can occasionally become necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, and a reasonable cancellation policy ensures fairness for both you and the agency. Care assistants are often booked in advance to ensure continuity of care, and therefore, it’s not unreasonable for a care provider to have a cancellation policy in place.
Typically, live-in care agencies may require one or two weeks’ notice for cancellations. This advance notice allows them to adjust schedules and staffing accordingly, minimizing disruptions in care delivery. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the agency’s specific cancellation policy and understand any potential charges associated with last-minute cancellations.
However, it’s equally important for the agency to be considerate of your circumstances. In cases of sudden emergencies or medical situations, a compassionate agency should be willing to work with you to find a suitable solution that accommodates your needs while also managing their scheduling challenges.
When discussing the cancellation policy with the agency, consider asking the following questions:
What is the agency’s standard cancellation notice period?
Are there any charges or penalties associated with cancellations?
How flexible is the agency in accommodating unexpected situations or emergencies?
Are there any provisions for rescheduling care hours that were missed due to cancellations?
A clear understanding of the agency’s cancellation policy will help you navigate any potential changes in your care schedule without causing unnecessary stress or financial strain.
Help and Support
Access to support is important for you and your care assistant. When your care package is set up you should be made aware of the company’s management support system.
Business Hours Support
During typical business hours, you and your care assistant should have easy access to support from the agency, by telephone, email or other electronic systems. This support could involve addressing questions, concerns, or making adjustments to your care plan. You should expect prompt and responsive communication during these hours, helping to address any non-urgent matters promptly.
Many live-in care agencies offer on-call services that extend beyond regular office hours, typically from around 6:00 in the morning and then again after business hours you to about 9.00 or 10.00 pm.
After Hours Support
Emergencies and urgent situations can arise at any time, day or night. A reputable live-in care agency should have a well-defined after-hours emergency protocol to handle unexpected events or critical situations. This protocol often involves an on-call service that extends into the late evening, providing access to support up until around 9:00 or 10:00 at night.
In cases where immediate medical attention or advice is required outside of these hours, a trusted agency will typically guide you and your caregiver to contact NHS 111 for medical advice or 999 in life-threatening emergencies.
In conclusion, access to support is a fundamental aspect of a reliable live-in care service. A reputable agency should offer support during business hours, extended on-call services, and a well-defined after-hours emergency protocol. This ensures that you and your caregiver have the resources and guidance you need, whether it’s to address routine concerns or respond to unexpected emergencies. By choosing a live-in care agency that prioritizes support and safety, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that assistance is always just a phone call away, contributing to a more secure and comfortable aging experience in your own home.
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s essential to choose an agency that offers support. Enquire about the agency’s emergency response procedures and how they handle situations that require immediate attention. Knowing that help is available can provide peace of mind for both you your family, and your care assistant.
Compatibility and Connection
The caregiver-client relationship is a significant aspect of live-in care. It’s crucial to find a caregiver with whom you feel comfortable and compatible. Ask the agency if they allow you to meet and interview potential caregivers before making a decision. This personal connection can greatly enhance your care experience.
Conclusion
This article has focused on your using a care agency to provide your live-in care. There are other options, like employing your own care assistants, that are look at in other articles. Funding for live-in care is also the subject of another article. It has to be said that public funding for live-in care is limited and in the usual course of events you will fund your live-in care yourself. If you’d like more information about live-in care contact Caremark Thanet (www.caremark.co.uk/thanet) or Caremark Dover (www,caremark.co.uk/dover).
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