There are several key qualities that go into being a good live-in carer. Here’s a quick overview of how each skill can help your loved one.
Becoming a live-in carer requires a special blend of qualities.
After all, being invited into a person’s home to provide round-the-clock care and support is a major responsibility.
Here, we’ll take a look at five of the key qualities shared by live-in carers; why they’re needed, and how they can enhance a person’s quality of life.
What qualities should a live-in carer have?
These are just some of the qualities that define live-in care:
1. Compassion
Many people receiving live-in care have had their lives changed by illness or bereavement, so compassion is integral.
Coming to terms with all this, and the need for additional support, can be a lot to process at once. A good live-in carer will help them maintain as much independence as possible to help them feel at home.
Live-in carers genuinely care about the comfort and happiness of the person, and might well become a close companion in time.
2. Discretion
It’s important for live-in carers to fit into a person’s life, rather than imposing a new system.
The client’s needs come first, and a good live-in carer will behave as an invitee throughout their time together.
This means observing the person’s actions, listening to their preferences and taking steps to support their regular routine.
3. Diligence
Ensuring the client is safe, properly nourished, taking medication correctly and maintaining good hygiene takes real diligence.
A good live-in carer is alert and will be ready to take action to support the client at any point, 24/7.
They are trained to look out for and mitigate any potential risks around the home, and during social visits or days out.
4. Attentiveness
Observing, listening to and picking up on the emotions of the client are crucial for keeping them content and comfortable.
This enables live-in carers to know instinctively when a person might feel emotional, uncomfortable, or need help with something.
It could be something as simple wanting to talk about cherished family memories. Or, it could be a matter of noticing how a medical condition is developing over time.
5. Patience
People who require live-in care might require a little extra input to help them communicate and maintain a sense of independence.
The person may have difficulty communicating their needs verbally, understanding a situation or remembering recent events. If a person has dementia, they might carry out actions that require attention, such as repeatedly removing all items from a cupboard.
A good live-in carer will take the time to understand their needs, and adopt a positive, non-judgemental approach towards accommodating any unconventional behaviour.
There’s so much more that goes in to becoming a great live-in carer. If you want to learn more, take a look at what goes into a day in the life of a live-in carer.
Find out more about the qualities and standards The Good Care Group consistently deliver and how live-in care could help support your loved one in their own home.
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