At GoodOaks, we are committed to fully supporting and empowering our care professionals, ensuring they have the tools and training needed to excel in their roles and provide the highest standard of care to our clients.
Recently, we spoke with one of our live-in care professionals to gain insight into what a typical day in the life of a live-in care professional looks like, the types of tasks they handle and how they approach delivering compassionate care.
What does a live-in care professional do?
7am: My day usually begins at this time where I will get my client up from bed and help them with personal care such as getting washed and dressed. I will then make them breakfast. Having lived with them for a while now, I fully understand what they like to eat and how they like their morning cup of tea. I even know if they have a favourite plate or mug and will do my best to make sure I set things up how they like them.
10am: After breakfast I will usually make their bed, change the bedding if needed then do a general tidy up around the home. I administer their medication as per the care plan that is created between the client and the office team. It’s really detailed and I follow this plan when carrying out all of my care duties.
Depending on how they’re feeling and the weather – I will take them out in my car for a coffee, a walk, to an appointment or simply to meet up with a friend. Activities vary from week to week but where possible, we try to get out and about, particularly if the client has a busy social life.
Midday: Around this time I’ll usually make lunch. Sometimes they want to help with this, other times they are happy to do this on their own. I will also make drinks throughout the day including water to keep them hydrated.
2pm: Once they are settled after lunch I usually take my 2 hour break. During this time I can do whatever I like, see a friend, go to the gym, have a nap and generally take time out for myself for my own enjoyment. If the client is unable to be left alone then the office team at GoodOaks or the client’s family will arrange cover for me, to support them whilst I enjoy my free time.
4pm: Once I’m back from break In the afternoon I would normally do some cleaning and washing or ironing. We will spend time in the afternoon doing a jigsaw, reading or watching television.
6-7pm: At this time we will prepare dinner together and I will support them as much or as little as they need. It’s very much a team effort and the client is involved in their food choices and what they fancy on any given evening. Once we have finished, I’ll clean and tidy the dishes and finish off any other light household tasks that are outstanding. It’s now time to settle down for the evening and support the client with getting ready for bed, personal care and changing into nightwear.
10pm: Once the house is settled I’m now finished for the day. Now is my time to get ready for bed, watch TV, catch up with friends, take a shower or anything else you’d normally do before bed. I slowly unwind and relax as anyone else would do after a long day at work!
I would like to add that there is no typical day in my job which I love. It’s really varied and I love offering companionship to my clients as well as enabling their independence in the home that they love.
Overnight: During the night I am not expected to assist my client but very occasionally, this may be required. If we notice that the client is waking more than two occasions in the week, an additional care professional will be brought in to cover a ‘waking night’ shift. This is arranged between the family and GoodOaks office team.
At GoodOaks, we specialise in live-in care, providing compassionate and high-quality support to help individuals remain in the homes they love. To discuss a personalised care plan for your loved one, speak to our care team today.