Live-In Carers

Live in care agencies - the clients you will work for

Some of the clients you will work for have conditions such as:

The Elderly Spinal cord injury Physical disabilities Learning Disabilities Challenging Behaviors Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Muscular Dystrophy Cerebral Palsy Dementia Cerebrovascular Disease (CVA) Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) Hemiplegics Paraplegics Quadriplegics Parkinson’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease Motor Neurons Disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Cancer Specialist Elderly Mentally Infirm (E.M.I) Adults with Mental Health Problems Adults with Sensory Impairments Adult with Drug or Alcohol Dependency

As it was previously mentioned in other pages, you may feel comfortable to work with clients with any of these disabilities, or you may only feel comfortable with a few. Some carers may be great with people who have dementia for example, but not so well with people who have a brain injury.
When the agency suggests a placement and passes over the client’s needs and description, you are free to refuse / accept a position. Do not be afraid to explain to the agency that your preferences and your strengths are with particular clients! However, if you have never met a person with a particular condition, do not be scared of making a new friend, especially if it is a short term placement like a few days or a couple of weeks! Most of the time, you’ll be surprised that your worries were unjustified!
Although you will have read your Live-in Care Agency's guidelines and recommendations before you start your assignment, here are a few other comments and tips that may be helpful.

We are all individuals and your Client's uniqueness should be recognised and maintained. Your approach should always be courteous, supportive, encouraging and consultative. Remember, your Client (assumed to be a lady, in this case) has:

A past, which will have given her memories and experiences, influenced her attitudes and led her to where she is today. She may be happy to talk about these or may wish to preserve her privacy.

A present, where she is, at least partly, dependent on others and yet wants to maintain her lifestyle and dignity, and to be consulted about matters that are important to her. On the one hand, she may be quite independent and wish to do as much as possible for herself and to do things which help you. On the other, she may appreciate your company and be reassured by the support you give.

A future which, if all she can foresee is a progressive loss of her abilities, could be quite depressing. A positive attitude and a willingness to take things one day at a time may help her to overcome any underlying frustration and anger with her condition.