Live-in carer job description
Helping people live the best life they can in the comfort of their own homes is so much more than just a job. It’s a profession that changes lives. With training that’s second-to-none, our clients receive the highest levels of care from people who genuinely care.
We have spent a lot of time really understanding what makes a great and capable professional live-in carer. It means that the carers joining our team not only share our values which are very important to us, but also have the capability, judgement and empathy which is needed every day when they look after their clients. It’s our commitment to quality which has seen us gain ‘Outstanding’ in all five categories inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and ‘Excellent’ for care and support and ‘Very Good’ for staffing by the Scotland care inspectorate.
If you want to be part of our team, this section outlines the skills, experience and qualifications a live-in carer needs.
What does a live-in carer do?
For many older people, there’s nowhere better than home, and as a live-in carer you will help keep them safer, healthier and happier in their own home. From 24-hour live-in care to respite care, the work you will do makes a big difference to our clients’ lives.
No two days are ever the same in live-in care. Live-in care means having time to get to know your client, time to help them enjoy life and time to provide outstanding care completely tailored to their needs and life. It’s an extremely rewarding role, but also one that can be challenging at times so we make sure you have support 24/7 – whether it’s from our regional support team, your care manager or your peers who you can connect with via our online community called carer community.
You will look after your client in accordance with a care plan written by your care manager during the assessment of each client, detailing medication, medical conditions and all assistance required for that person’s day-to-day care.
To make the plan easily accessible and instantly updated, it’s stored on an electronic portable device within each client’s home. A client typically has a team of two carers who take it in turn to live with them, and when one professional live-in carer arrives at the client’s home, they have a handover with the previous carer.
We aim to keep the same team with the client for the duration of us working with the client, and that allows our carers and clients to build up a real connection.
As a professional live-in carer, you will provide personal care to your client, help run the home so light cleaning and washing may be expected as well as cooking for your client. Good basic cooking skills are therefore essential. If you personally have any special dietary requirements or allergies be sure to tell our Recruitment team.
Who are the clients I will work with?
You will be directly employed by The Good Care Group. We look to match you with an ongoing client based on your skills and experience and the client’s needs, likes and dislikes, rather than on location. We know that companionship works both ways and that the experience is best for both of you when we get this right. This does mean that you need to be flexible with travelling to your clients, but don’t worry – you can claim your UK travel expenses back.
Live-in caregiver duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Companionship
- Personal care
- Continence support
- Administering medication
- Light housework and gardening
- Preparing healthy meals
- Accompanying to appointments and social outings
- Supporting with hobbies, interests and activities
- Specialised care for dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke and other conditions
- Updating the care plan daily
The events are often co-hosted by one of our existing carers which gives you a chance to ask the questions directly and hear firsthand what being a live-in carer with The Good Care Group is like.
Qualifications and experience needed
We are looking for at least six months’ professional care experience, which could be as a care assistant, carer, homecare assistant, domiciliary carer, healthcare assistant or another health or social care related role. Alternatively, you might have recent experience of providing personal care for a friend or family member.
You need the ability to build a respectful and caring relationship with your client, as live-in care is about individualised support. Our live-in carers move in with our clients for the duration of a rota. A rota can be two weeks on and two weeks off, but we have a range of rotas to choose from.
To be considered for our live-in care roles, you must have:
- A high standard of written and spoken English
- The right to work in the UK
- Clear police, occupational health and reference checks
- Good professional and personal references
- Good family cooking skills
- Ability to run a home and keep it clean
During the recruitment process we are also looking for:
- Effective communication, observation and reporting skills
- An appreciation of people with care needs and the capacity to value them as individuals
- Confidence in washing, dressing and providing continence support
- The understanding to work with people from a range of backgrounds and to recognise their values, practices and customs
- Ability to fit in and respect a client’s lifestyle and home, as well as their right to choice, dignity, privacy and independence
- A kind, caring and sensitive approach with a demeanour suitable for our clients
- Capacity to empathise with the effects of losing ability and function whilst maximising the physical and mental potential of clients
- Organised, flexible and resilient
- Ability to work on own initiative and to remain calm in difficult situations
- Willingness to undertake training
- Evidence that you are comfortable using technology such as using a laptop as all our care plans are online and the first step of the application process is to fill in an online application form.
But most importantly – everyone who works at The Good Care Group has compassion, commitment and energy. We enjoy what we do and feel privileged and rewarded every day. Your offer of employment will include a contract that states you are a direct and full-time employee of The Good Care Group. This entitles you to all the benefits that come with being in full-time employment with us.
The qualities of a successful carer
Respectful
Every client is different and has their own unique care needs. A good carer always respects their client’s needs, wants and preferences. By personalising the care they provide to each client, a good carer can offer the best person-centred care.
Observant
In care work, being observant can save lives. Since carers spend so much time with the people they care for, they are often the first ones to notice the signs of illness or changes in a person’s health. The health of an older adult can change suddenly and recognising these changes early is crucial for early intervention.
Compassion
Caring for others can be challenging and if a carer sees their role as “just a job” they may struggle to thrive as a professional carer. A carer is required to care for people from all walks of life. Although they may not always be able to identify with what their client is going through, they should be able to connect with them and understand their emotions.
Patience
It is important that a carer never ‘takes over’ for their client when they are able and willing to do something for themselves.
Although it may be quicker to complete a task by themselves, a good carer encourages the people they care for to live as independently as possible and to do things for themselves when they are willing to do so.
Cheerful
Although having a bubbly or lively personality is not necessary for care work, it can help people feel at ease and help older adults through moments of low moods or depression. A good carer knows that maintaining a positive attitude plays a fundamental role in promoting good mental and physical health.
Reliable
Good carers are dedicated to being reliable and on time as they know someone is depending on them for the care they need. Carers are often responsible for important duties such as ensuring their clients are hydrated and taking their medication on schedule, and the best carers take this responsibility seriously.
Contracts and rotas
We are not an agency and we do not hire self-employed or part-time staff. When placed with a client, you will receive regular income and paid holiday. We endeavour to place you with one client so that you can build a strong and mutually beneficial bond with them.
Should anything happen to the client or they no longer need your services, we will work on getting you into another placement as soon as possible.
You can choose a rota pattern that suits you. International carers often like to work in the UK and then return home in their weeks off. For many, it has been proven to be an ideal working arrangement.
2 weeks on 2 weeks off
4 weeks on 2 weeks off
2 weeks on 4 weeks off
6 weeks on 2 weeks off
2 weeks on 6 weeks off
3 weeks on 3 weeks off
4 weeks on 4 weeks off
Contracts and rotas
Looking after you too
The Good Care Group gives you the opportunity to take on live-in care jobs in England and Scotland. Wherever you work, rest assured you will never be alone.
From the moment you’re introduced to a client, a dedicated management team will be on hand with help and advice, alongside a local carer support and buddy network.
If you’re new to live-in care, we also offer a shadowing service that lets you learn from the best. And, as you can face challenges at any time, an emergency phone line is there if you need it, all day, every day.
We have a confidential employee assistance service, with counselors providing 24/7 telephone support for any professional or personal issues you want to discuss. Our Consultant Admiral Nurse will also be there for you, offering support through any bereavement you may experience.
We’ll do everything we can to match you to a client based not only on your skills and experience but your personalities and interests too.
We know that companionship works both ways and the experience is best for you when we get this right.
As a professional live-in carer for The Good Care Group, you’ll have the option of rotas to suit your lifestyle, with your breaks covered by a relief carer if required.
We believe that there’s nowhere better to be, than in a place where you love to make life the very best it can be – for yourself, your client and our business.
Call our recruitment team to find out more about our live-in care jobs on 03301 735 296.
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If you’re passionate about providing the very best care, we think there’s nowhere better than The Good Care Group.