Few of us plan to need care as we get older, but with an ageing population generally living longer than ever before, there is a certain inevitability for some that age-related health changes will necessitate support.

Initially this may be in home visits from a care assistant. This is a very effective way of supporting with low level care needs and may typically be around mornings, evenings and meal times; helping with personal care, nutrition and medicines for example. As needs advance though, it is often thought that moving into a care home is the next step.

There are many excellent facilities providing care and, for some, their needs are such that this is the appropriate choice. However, it is little known that a real alternative exists, enabling individuals to remain in their own homes with familiar surroundings. 

Live-in care means that the care comes to you, rather than the other way around. Live-in care assistants literally live in the home with their customer, typically in a team of two, working alternate weeks with each other, though other patterns can be arranged with care assistants remaining on duty for longer periods for continuity of care.

This is a bespoke service, one-to-one, wherein the customer's needs are met without sharing staff with other residents. Meals and drinks can be taken without a set timetable. Menus are decided each day by the customer and they can get involved with helping to cook if they so choose and are able. The home is kept clean, shopping sorted and trips out planned, all within the capability of the customer and to their preferences. There is no regimented schedule such as may be necessary in a residential setting with multiple occupants sharing staffing; no waiting to use the loo for example if assistance is required, nor a set meal time. 

Live-in care has particular benefits for those who find the onset of dementia has made it difficult for them to live alone and unaided. It is not desirable to uplift someone from their known surroundings in such circumstances. Far better to remain in the home they know and where memories were made.  

One of the biggest dilemmas affecting older people who live alone is feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially when family may not reside close by. Many live-in care decisions are made for their companionship element; even if other care needs are not yet present. Having a live-in care assistant already in position helps assuage loneliness and engenders trust such that, as and when more supporting interventions may prove necessary, the assistant is there, a known companion able to respond to evolving needs.

Bluebird Care Cheshire East is pleased to offer live-in care across all towns and rural villages in the Cheshire East district.

We can start with a visiting service and migrate to live-in when needed, or otherwise begin with a live-in care package. Once we receive an enquiry for our services, a member of the management team will explain how it works and respond to any questions, being sensitive to the fact that sourcing care may be very new for some people and a little daunting. A no obligation, free-of-charge house visit is offered to discuss all the options and family members are welcome to attend too. Live-in care certainly offers a fresh way of looking at the ageing and care-needs process! Get in touch to learn more.

If you are interested in their at-home care services in Macclesfield, call 01625 426204.

Bluebird Care also have care vacancies going on around Macclesfield.

Head to the Macclesfield Nub News Jobs page for more information.

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