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Why choose Alina Homecare?
We understand the challenges of arranging care. Our services aim to be simple and stress free to improve quality of life.
Quick questions
What is Live-in Care?
Live-in Care means just that, a Carer lives in your home day and night to provide support in all aspects of your life. From support with your personal care, meal preparation and medication. Our Live-in Carers are fully trained professionals and deliver the care and support needed compassionately and respectfully.
Contact your local Alina Homecare Team to learn more about how we can help you.
How does Live-in Care work?
We aim to keep the process of setting up care as simple and stress free as possible. To begin with, simply send us an email or call our Team. We’ll arrange a free home visit to discuss your needs and requirements. After that, we’ll match you with a Live-in Carer based on your preferences, needs and interests. We’ll also create a care plan for you. You’ll then start a two week trial and we’ll start making life easier for you!
Can my Live-in Carer accompany me on holiday?
Yes, we would have to carry out a thorough risk assessment for your Live-in Carer before accompanying you on holiday. This is regulation but more importantly, it will put your mind at ease and enable you to relax and enjoy your holiday.
Will my Live-in Carer look after my pets?
We know pets play a key part in many people’s lives. Lots of our Live-in Carers love pets and will be happy to care for yours.
What is the difference between Live-in Care and Home Care?
The main difference is that Live-in Care involves a carer moving in with you. You’ll have continuous support, and someone in the house all day if you need any help. There are lots of types of Home Care available, from Companionship Care to Personal Care and more specialist support for services like dementia and stroke. All of these services are included within Live-in Care depending on your needs and preferences.
What’s included?
Live-in Care can be whatever you want it to be! All of our Home Care services are available, including Personal Care, Domestic Care, Companion Care, Palliative Care and Respite Care. We also offer Overnight Care as part of Live-in Care. This could be a waking night or sleeping night service depending on your needs.
Is it right for me?
Ultimately, only you and your loved ones can decide if Live-in Care is right for you. For many people, it’s a great choice that makes life easier and fulfills their care needs. To find out more, we recommend chatting with your local Team to discuss your requirements and see how we can help you.
Is it suitable if I need specialist care?
Absolutely. We can include more specialist services for conditions like MS, Parkinson’s, dementia and more. If necessary, we can also arrange for a second Care Worker to visit and support your regular Live-in Carer with more specialist tasks.
Where can I read reviews?
You can hear first hand from many of our clients on our homecare.co.uk profile as well as Google Business.
What does a Live-in Carer need?
Your Live-in Carer will need a separate bedroom, clean bed linen and a place to store their clothes and toiletries. Internet connection is essential for our Live-in Care as it allows us to digitally monitor care and ensure you or your loved one receives the best service possible. There is no need to worry if you don’t have internet in your home, as we can arrange for mobile data to be used instead.
Do I need to buy food for my Live-in Carer?
We typically suggest a weekly food allowance for your Live-in Carer. However, another popular option is to purchase your Carer’s food in your regular grocery shop, as it can be easier for Carers and clients to cook and eat the same food. Ultimately, it’s your choice.
Do you provide care for couples?
Yes we do. Live-in Care for couples can be a cost effective option, especially compared with the care home fees for two people. It also allows couples to stay together at home rather than separating and receiving residential care.
Who chooses Live-in Care?
We provide Live-in Care across the South of England for a wide variety of clients. Some have been receiving care at home and Live-in Care becomes the natural next step. Others are returning from hospital and need continuous support. Some others have chosen to return from a care home.
How long will my Live-in Carer stay with me?
Our expert Live-in Carers deliver positive, quality care 24 hours a day for a week, month or year. A Live-in Carer will stay in your home, on average, for 4-6 weeks at a time. This timing will vary however depending on your preferences. They will then take 1-2 weeks’ break, during which a replacement Live-in Carer will come and stay. We’ll introduce you to your replacement Carer and will ensure they are fully briefed on all your care needs. Live-in Care is compassionate, gentle and belongs to you. But it doesn’t have to be forever unless you want it to.
Why should I choose a Live-in Care service over a care home?
Live-in Care is great for those who wish to remain in the comfort of their own home surrounded by years of memories but need extra support. Moving away can be distressing and some would rather choose to remain in their familiar environment. Live-in Care also provides one-to-one support that’s conducted in a manner to suit your needs and preferences. Unfortunately, care homes can’t provide the same level of personalised care as mealtimes, when you choose to socialise and what activities you do in the day are all decided for you. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you think would work best for you. Read our guide comparing home care with care homes.
How often do older people need 24 hour care?
Whether someone needs 24 hour care is dependent on their needs and preferences. If your medical needs require 24 hour care or you simply just want someone else in the house with you to help with overwhelming daily tasks, Live-in Care is a great option. To find out more about how we can help you, contact your local Alina Homecare Team.
How much does it cost?
The cost of Live-in Care varies according to the type of care needed, the number of care visits and where you live. To get an accurate quote, you can complete our Live-in Care Costs calculator.
How can I fund Live-in Care?
There are many ways to fund care. You may qualify for some level of funding from your local authority or the NHS. This is means tested and your assets must be less than £23,250. Here are some options:
Direct Payments
Direct payments are a flexible choice that give you control over your care. You’ll be given funding so you can arrange your own care, whether it be a care home or Live-in Care. To arrange Direct Payments, you’ll need to contact your local adult social care services.
Continuing Healthcare Funding
Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding is arranged and paid for by the NHS for people who aren’t in hospital but have a high level of ongoing health requirements. If you are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, your care package is free. To be eligible, the person must be over 18 and have a complex medical condition and substantial ongoing care needs. The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) decides the appropriate package of support for someone eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Equity release
If you have more than £23,250 in assets, you’ll be expected to pay for your care yourself. Equity release, where you release value from the property you live in, while retaining ownership.
Home reversion plan
With a home reversion plan, you sell all or part of your home in return for a lump sum of cash, a steady income, or a combination. When your home is then sold, the reversion company shares the proceeds. If you’ve sold the entire property to them, they receive all proceeds.
How does the cost of Live-in Care compare with residential care?
The cost of Live-in Care depends on the type and amount of care you need. We always recommend getting in touch with our Live-in Care Team for an accurate quote.
If you are receiving support from your local authority, there is a key difference between Live-in Care and residential care; local authorities will not take the value of your home into account when you receive Live-in Care because you still live there. Live-in Care can be cost effective for couples in particular, as residential care would require paying separate fees for both individuals.
About our Live-in Carers
How do you match carers?
When you choose us, we start looking for a Live-in Carer who will best meet your needs and that you’ll really enjoy having around. That means we even try to match your personalities, hobbies and interests. We’ll meet you initially to learn more about you or your loved one and we’ll keep your preferences in mind, such as whether you want a male or female Live-in Carer.
Can I be involved with selecting my Live-in Carer?
Yes, we believe a good match is vital in making Live-in Care work. We meet with you to discuss your care needs, your routines, your likes and dislikes to fully understand the type of Carer who might best suit your requirements and way of life.
Are your Live-in Carers employed?
Yes, all of our Live-in Carers are employed directly by Alina Homecare. We have incredibly high standards when it comes to recruiting. Every care worker has approved DBS and reference checks, ongoing spot checks, supervisions and appraisals, along with regular training updates.
How many hours do they work each day? Do they take breaks?
We commonly ask that our Live-in Carers are provided with a 2 hour break each day, usually between 2pm and 4pm, depending on what suits your daily routine. Some clients are happy to enjoy time alone, whilst others may prefer to make arrangements for a cover Care Worker whilst their Live-in Carer is on a break. It’s a personal choice depending on the level of care required.
What happens when Live-in Carers have a holiday or emergency?
When your Live-in Carer books holiday, we give you plenty of notice and arrange for another Live-in Carer to cover for them. Your temporary Live-in Carer will also take your needs, preferences and interests into consideration to deliver care with respect and dignity. In the event of an emergency where your Live-in Carer is unable to provide care, our local Team will step in to find you cover and ensure your needs continue to be met. Unlike an agency or self-employed Live-in Carer, Live-in Care with Alina Homecare is always supported by a local and central Team that provide added reassurance and peace of mind.
When do they take time off?
Our carers have different working patterns; some work two weeks and then have two weeks off. Others work 4-6 weeks and then take 2-4 weeks off. When you enquire about Live-in Care with us, we will discuss the options available to you and create a care plan that suits your lifestyle. This is then kept under constant review so that we can be sure your care package continues to work for you.
Can they speak English?
All of our Live-in Carers can speak English, and some even speak other languages too. If you’d like a Live-in Carer with specific language skills, simply let us know and we will do our best to find someone who matches your needs.
Can they drive?
Some of our Live-in Carers can drive. Let us know if you need a Live-in Carer with a vehicle when you enquire about our services, and we will do our best to match you with a suitable Carer.
How do you recruit your Live-in Carers?
Our Live-in Carers are carefully selected based on experience and personality to ensure they meet our high standards for quality. All Live-in Carers are fully vetted and must pass an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check before they can begin delivering care. We also train our Live-in Carers ourselves through our Alina Homecare Academy.
About Alina Homecare
How does Alina Homecare compare to an agency?
Agencies are not regulated and quality cannot be guaranteed. We provide fully regulated services that are inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We also provide full and exclusive training for our Live-in Carers, whereas private and agency carers may not have comprehensive training. In addition to this, our services are also backed up with central support; this means you can count on us even if your Live-in Carer needs time off as our local Team can step in to ensure continuity of care.
What areas do you cover?
We provide care across the South of England. Find your local Team.
How quickly can Live-in Care be arranged?
We operate a responsive service. We work wherever possible to your timings and work very hard to ensure your care is in place when it is needed. In most instances we are able to install emergency care within 48 hours of initial contact, sometimes sooner if required. If you need urgent Live-in Care, please contact your local Alina Homecare Team.
What is your CQC rating?
We are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. This rating reflects our commitment to quality assured care, and gives you added confidence that our services meet the highest quality standards.