How Many Hours Does a Live-In Carer Work? Understanding the Role and Responsibilities

A live-in carer resides in the client’s home, offering dedicated support tailored to their needs. Unlike hourly or visiting care, live-in care provides ongoing companionship, reassurance, and assistance with daily activities. The level of care varies depending on the individual’s requirements, from providing companionship to supporting those with complex health conditions.

Some of the key responsibilities of a live-in carer include:

• Personal care assistance – Helping with washing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
• Meal preparation – Ensuring meals are nutritious and suited to dietary needs.
• Household support – Managing light housekeeping, laundry, and general tidying.
• Mobility assistance – Helping with movement around the home and preventing falls.
• Medication reminders – Ensuring clients take their prescribed medication on time.
• Social and emotional support – Providing companionship and reducing feelings of loneliness.
• Assistance with appointments – Accompanying clients to medical check-ups or social outings.
• Monitoring health conditions – Observing changes in the client’s physical or mental well-being and reporting them as necessary.
• Encouraging independence – Supporting clients in carrying out daily tasks where possible, promoting self-sufficiency.

Live-in carers play a crucial role in maintaining independence and enhancing quality of life, ensuring clients receive the support they need while continuing to live in familiar surroundings.

Each client’s routine is different, and live-in carers adjust their schedule to fit the individual’s lifestyle and preferences. However, a general day might look like this:

Morning Routine

• Assisting the client with getting out of bed safely.
• Helping with personal hygiene, including washing, dressing, and grooming.
• Preparing breakfast and ensuring hydration.
• Administering any necessary medication reminders.
• Light housekeeping tasks, such as making the bed and tidying up.
• Engaging in morning conversations to provide emotional support.

Afternoon Activities

• Preparing and serving a nutritious lunch.
• Encouraging engagement in hobbies, such as reading, arts and crafts, or gardening.
• Accompanying the client on short walks or gentle exercise.
• Supporting with medical or social appointments.
• Providing companionship through conversation and shared activities.
• Assisting with paperwork, bills, or correspondence if needed.

Evening and Bedtime Support

• Preparing an evening meal and assisting with feeding if necessary.
• Helping the client relax with activities such as listening to music or watching television.
• Assisting with bedtime routines, including personal hygiene and getting into bed comfortably.
• Providing overnight reassurance if required.
• Completing a final check to ensure the home environment is safe and comfortable before the carer rests.

If you are considering live-in care, understanding the structure of working hours can help you determine whether this type of care is suitable for your loved one’s needs.

At Home Instead Hamilton, we provide flexible and compassionate live-in care services tailored to each individual. Our care plans are designed to ensure:

• A dedicated carer who understands and respects the client’s routine.
• The right balance of assistance and independence.
• Professional care that prioritises dignity, comfort, and companionship.
• A seamless transition into live-in care, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life.
• Regular check-ins and assessments to adapt care plans as needs evolve.

Our team works closely with families to create a care plan that meets their unique requirements, whether that involves full-time live-in care or a rotation system to provide 24-hour assistance.