Despite the countless benefits of live-in care, families looking for long-term care still believe their only choice is to move their loved one into a care home. At Oxford Aunts we have been supporting thousands of families for many years better understand live-in care, the practical steps and how the care service will work. Here we help you make sense of what is involved.

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE AVAILABLE FOR MY CARER?

A live-in carer will need a bedroom of their own to sleep in. We ask that a TV is provided for their enjoyment during their time off. To enable them to complete care administration efficiently, we ask that they have access to the internet. Typically, your carer will shop for food, cook and eat the same meals as you.

The carer will need to have a three-hour break in any 24-hour period, which many clients usually find works best when they are resting in the afternoon. As an Oxford Aunts carer is typically living with you for longer periods, they are also entitled to an eight-hour break once a week. We can arrange care for you during these times with one of our partner domiciliary care providers if you are unable to cover the live-in carers breaks.

HOW LONG WILL MY CARER STAY WITH ME?

Once we have found the most suited carer to meet your needs, they will stay with you from a minimum of two weeks up to several weeks at a time, sometimes longer. We believe a longer period means that you really get to know each other and a strong relationship can be formed focused on meeting both your care, psychological and social needs, whilst you receive the consistency and continuity of care experienced from having the same carer.

When a changeover of the carer is planned, we will talk to you about carers who will be available to care for you, again following our careful matching process. When we have agreed a suitable carer with you, both carers will meet at your home to complete a smooth and thorough handover.

THOROUGH CARE PLANNING BY EXPERTS

Comprehensive assessment of a clients’ needs

The care process begins with a supportive discussion with one of our care experts, who will carefully listen to your requirements. If you are happy to proceed at this stage, we will book an assessment of your care and lifestyle needs. A Care Assessor local to you will conduct the assessment, with family input as required which enables them to develop a care plan that meets your holistic needs. If healthcare professionals need to be consulted the Care Assessor will ensure all requirements are captured in the care plan. The live-in carer will then use the care plan to provide all the care and support you need.

Expert carer matching

Over the past 50 years we have established a reputation for matching carers with our clients to ensure they meet all their needs – this is not just about matching skills, but making sure backgrounds are aligned so both client and carer can enjoy life together. On the odd occasion we do not get the match right we respond efficiently to find another carer whilst minimising any disruption to the service. Depending on the level of care you receive will determine not just the cost of your care, but the experience we expect your carer to have to ensure the high standards of care we are renowned for throughout Oxfordshire and beyond.

SUPPORTING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Live-in care for the first time

We know from experience that having a live-in carer for the first time can be daunting. Throughout the time we provide care to you, we provide high levels of support through a regional team made up of a dedicated Care Assessor local to you and a Care Manager. They are on hand to provide any support needed, not just for our client, but their families and our dedicated carer. We are committed to ensuring the care arrangement works well for everyone.

They will provide a combination of face-to-face and telephone support with you and your family to regularly review progress and their flexible and adaptable approach will ensure your care and support needs are always met.

A fully managed live-in care service vs. introduction agency

At Oxford Aunts we know how worrying it can be when organising long-term care – we just want our loved one to receive the best care and live a good life. When choosing a live-in care provider, you have a choice as to whether you use an introduction agency or a fully managed service provider like Oxford Aunts.

Our fully managed and regulated live-in care service means our carers are employed and managed by us whilst they are caring for you. They are supported by a care management team made up of care experts who ensure they are supervised and supported to provide high standards of care. If you use an introduction agency you will be left to manage the carer, pay them and organise holiday cover once you are introduced to them and they start to care for you.

For the many families that Oxford Aunts supports, we know this provides lots of reassurance whilst removing the burden of having to carefully manage the care arrangement for their family member or loved one.

RatedGood’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

We are proud to have been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in all five measures – safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led. We know this provides families with peace of mind that their loved one is receiving the best possible care.

TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR LIVE-IN CARE NEEDS

Call our friendly and approachable team today to see how we can help you and your family.

Website Star Ratings

Review score average of 4.6 based on 25 Trustpilot reviews as of January 2024

Meet Our Family – Footer