The Importance of Matching Carers to Care Recipients of Live In Support Services

Nationwide domiciliary care, visiting care, specialist and live in care provider, Guardian Angel Carers, discusses the importance of matching a qualified carer to the care recipient

Live in care provides individuals, couples and families with enormous reassurance. An allocated carer works according to agreed schedules, normally with private sleeping and resting quarters within the home, while being on hand at all times to assist if a person has an emergency, needs urgent help, or becomes unwell.

The demand for at-home and live in support services has grown substantially in recent years as we all live longer, healthier lives. More people are also prioritising independence and the right to stay in their own homes in favour of relocating to a residential care home.

Guardian Angel Carers, a nationwide provider of domiciliary, visiting, specialist and live in care, explains why matching a qualified carer to the individual requiring care is pivotal and how this in-depth approach enhances the long-term quality of life for care recipients.

What Are Live In Support Services?

We often speak with families and loved ones who are unsure how best to meet their relative's needs, while respecting their privacy and safeguarding against falls and accidents. Live-in care is an excellent way to avoid the distress and upheaval of moving into a care home, but ensuring a person who may be vulnerable, have limited mobility, or be living with a condition that impacts their cognitive ability is always supported and looked after.

Live in care can look somewhat different for two people, depending on the level of assistance the individual requires, but as a general overview:

• A hand-picked carer or alternating team of carers provides one-to-one support in the person's home – the individual is not expected to travel, adjust their routine or make any alterations to the way they live, the hobbies they enjoy, or how they move around their home.
• Carers provide varied and ongoing support as and where needed. That could include personal care, helping with washing and dressing, cooking healthy meals, looking after pets, keeping the home clean and organised, or picking up the groceries and providing medication reminders.
• Care provisions are structured and defined in advance. Carers are on-site for extended periods and have proper rest periods and times when they can sleep or relax – but, of course, would react in any emergency or required scenario.

Many people prefer to have one or perhaps two carers they know, trust and can build a relationship with. Having a carer living in your home can present a slight transition, hence the importance of selecting a carer with the necessary skills and qualifications, but also with a personality or personal interests that align with the care recipient’s wishes.

Why Is Matching Live-in Carers to Their Clients So Important?

As an award-winning nationwide home care company, our ethos is grounded in family-feel, personalised care – and we appreciate that everybody has likes and dislikes, habits or routines, or pastimes and social activities that bring them comfort, happiness and joy.

Simply allocating any available carer to a live-in care position, or any care requirement for that matter, doesn’t align with best practices. Although all our fantastic CareAngels are dedicated, committed professionals, it remains essential to consider the person they are supporting and the factors that would help them feel confident, assured and at ease in their home.

For example, if an individual loves to knit, sew, crochet or embroider, a carer who also appreciates these crafts would be an excellent match. They would be able to help pick up supplies, assist with tricky stitches, or download patterns for their care recipient to enjoy.

Likewise, a person who is passionate about cooking and experimenting with cuisines would be far happier with a carer who also loves cooking and can help with visits to grocery stores or shops, planning exciting and vibrant meals, and taking care of meal prep or batch cooking – meaning the individual never feels the need to compromise on their activities, or cannot continue to practice the hobbies they love due to physical barriers.

While these are simple illustrations, it makes sense to put time and effort into selecting carers with similar interests to those they care for – ensuring the live-in care experience is positive, uplifting and mutually enjoyable.

Carers frequently develop long-lasting friendships with the individuals and the families they support. Even if a person has no specific interests or hobbies, a carer with the right character, personality or connection with the local area can ensure people stay in touch with friends, know what’s happening in their communities, and benefit from more than the practical and companionship aspects of live-in care.

How Does a Live In Care Agency Match a Carer with a Client?

Onto the matching process itself, and this is very much down to the experience our home care managers, owners and coordinators bring to their areas. It all starts with assessing the care needs of the individual and can include:

• Considering nursing training, experience supporting people with a particular condition or disability, and the type of assistance a trained carer can deliver.
• Evaluating the ideal live-in care structure and pattern and looking at carers with the availability, capacity and ability to commit to the role long-term.
• Discussing the wishes of the person, such as the personal attributes a carer would need for them to feel comfortable receiving help with private care, such as bathing or coping with ongoing medical challenges.
• Practical elements – does the person need a carer who speaks a language other than English, can communicate in sign language, or can read Braille? Does the individual wish to attend a church, synagogue, temple or other place of worship and require a carer who is either a part of or familiar with their faith?

The key focus is always to think about a carer who will ensure an individual feels safe, protected and at ease in the familiarity of their home. We explore individual requirements in a confidential setting, with both care recipients and their loved ones, gaining a deep understanding of what the perfect live in care arrangement would look like for them.

For more information about live in care support, how we match carers with care recipients, or why this makes such a tremendous difference, you are welcome to contact the Guardian Angel Carers team.

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About Guardian Angel Carers:
Guardian Angel Carers is a leading home care provider dedicated to delivering compassionate, personalised care services. With a strong focus on independence, dignity, and quality of life, the
company supports individuals in the comfort of their own homes, offering a range of services from companionship to complex care needs.

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Source Company – https://www.gacarers.co.uk/