Many of us are looking for a career where we can make a positive impact on other people’s lives. If that sounds like you, becoming a live-in carer could be a perfect role for you. There is no doubt that becoming a live-in carer can be a fulfilling and life changing choice, so we have gathered everything you need to know if you think you would like to be a live-in carer.
Becoming a live-in carer can also be a great career change for those looking for some degree of career progression and enhanced job satisfaction. Becoming a carer is not for everyone and is not a career suited to people who simply need to pay the bills each month. It is a job that requires a caring person with attention to detail and the desire to help people that genuinely need it.
What does it mean to be a live-in carer?
Being a live-in carer means caring for someone in their home on a one-to-one basis. You will live primarily in a private room in the home of the person you care for. What you do on a day-to-day basis will depend on the needs of your client.
It may be that your client has mobility issues and needs support moving around their home, or that they are in need of support cooking and cleaning. One of the most important roles of a live-in carer is supporting your client socially, being round for a friendly chat or a cup of tea.
For this reason, having a generally cheery disposition and a willingness to chat and connect with a client is a very important quality for a live-in carer.
What do I need to be a live-in carer?
There are different levels of qualification you can acquire as a carer. Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications will give you a sound basic understanding of the knowledge you need to be an effective carer.
However, if you are looking to become a live-in carer you will need a diploma in health and social care (or the equivalent NVQs if you trained before 2010). This diploma is the core qualification of a caregiver. It proved that you have demonstrated a level of competency and knowledge. The diploma is designed to ensure that carers are able to offer high quality care and support.
You will also need positive references from some previous employers, ideally in a caregiving setting.
You may also need to undertake some form of health surveillance (click for more information), to check your health status for things like covid-19 and other transmissible conditions that may otherwise pose a risk to those receiving care.
How do I apply to be a live-in carer?
There are usually a few stages to becoming a live-in carer, starting with an online application to an agency or specific job. If you choose to work through an agency, you will have the added peace of mind knowing that jobs have been screened and that your contract is with an agency rather than an individual.
Once you have applied for a role you will likely be asked to conduct a phone interview. This a good chance to get to know the agency you are working for and find out more details about the role you have applied for. Make sure you are ready for this interview and that you have examples of why you are a good fit for this specific role. Following this you might also be required to conduct a face-to-face interview, along similar lines.
One of the last stages in becoming a live-in carer will be a trial shift. This will be your first chance to meet your potential client and get to know more about them and what they might need from you.
Not only is this very important for the loved ones of your client, as a chance to see how you work with clients, but is also a great opportunity for you. You will have a chance to see, before accepting the role, if you get along with the client and if you feel comfortable providing the level of care they need.
