Live In Care in Norfolk
Nouveau Care has been providing live in care in Norfolk since 2017. We often find our clients are based in market towns such as Dereham or seaside towns like Cromer. People in these semi-rural locations often have strong ties to the area and to Norfolk as a whole. Community & locality can also be very important for people in our county. It is important for people with conditions like dementia to remain in familiar surroundings. Live in care in Norfolk is an alternative to an elderly care home, assisted living or nursing home that addresses these issues.
Enquire About Care
Interested in learning more about our live in care services for yourself or a loved one? Submit your details here.
Enquire About Work
Interested in working with us as a live in carer? Submit your details here.
Why Choose Live in Care in Norfolk?
Live in care is often a viable alternative to an elderly care home or supportive living, and it can also be more cost effective. Home care in Norfolk – with hourly visits – is often a good option in more built up areas such as Norwich or the surrounding villages of Taverham, Drayton or Horsford, for example. There are transport challenges with more rural locations, however.
The key benefit of live-in care is remaining at home. Most people receiving care prefer to remain at home where possible. The benefits are plain to see – they can be close to friends and family, in familiar surroundings and remain in the community they often have strong ties with.
What is Live in Care?
Live-in care is a form of home care where a care assistant ‘lives in’ at the home of the individual requiring care and support. This arrangement offers a continuous, 24/7 care presence, ensuring that the person receives prompt support whenever needed.
The services provided by live-in carers include a wide range of tasks, tailored to the needs and preferences of the individual. These can include assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting), household chores (cooking, cleaning, laundry), mobility support, medication management, companionship, and even help with engaging in social activities. A live-in care service can be ultra-tailored to individual needs in a way that few care homes can match. In fact, our first live in care client in Norfolk liked to be accompanied daily to Amazona Zoo in Cromer!
Who Might Need Live in Care?
Live-in care can be beneficial for anyone who requires extra support with their daily living activities due to age, disability, illness, or other circumstances. Some of these people might include the elderly, those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, or people recovering from illnesses or surgery. These conditions also include end of life care, physical disabilities, learning disabilities and even mental health issues in some circumstances.
It’s essential to assess each individual’s specific needs and preferences before care begins. Live-in care offers a highly flexible and personalised solution for people who wish to stay independent at home.
How Much Does Live in Care in Norfolk Cost?
Care can be expensive, but live in care can represent a saving when compared with a care home. Although the costs can be similar to a basic care home facility, the care can be more tailored to the person’s needs and particular routine. As with a care home, the costs can vary according to the person’s needs. Live in care is often priced according to how much support is required and at what times of the day. Not every hour of a live in carer’s day is considered to be working time, although the hours they do spend working must be flexible and will vary.
If the person’s needs include night support or additional help with moving and handling, there might be additional costs. For example, another care assistant might be required at certain times throughout the day.
Breaks for Live in Carers
Live-in care assistants, like other workers, need breaks to rest, recharge, and maintain their well-being. Providing continuous care can be physically and emotionally demanding, making it crucial for carers to have time to recuperate. Taking regular breaks is essential for ensuring that carers can continue to deliver high-quality support to their clients. These breaks help to prevent burnout and reduce stress, enabling carers to remain attentive, compassionate, and effective in their roles.
Equally, you will probably want some time in your day apart from your carer to enjoy privacy and personal space. Having a balance between support and personal time is beneficial for both the carer and the person receiving care. Typically, your live-in carer will need to take a break of two hours each day. During this time, they are free to leave the premises, providing them with the opportunity to engage in personal activities, run errands, or simply relax outside the care environment. This break period is a standard practice in live-in care arrangements, ensuring that carers can maintain their own health and well-being, which in turn supports the sustainability of high-quality care for the client.
Will I have More than One Live in Carer?
In a typical live-in care package, it is common to have two carers who alternate their schedules to ensure continuous and consistent care. These carers usually work on a ‘week on, week off’ basis. This arrangement allows each carer to provide focused, high-quality care for one week, followed by a week of rest and recuperation. This rotation helps to prevent caregiver burnout, ensuring that the carers remain fresh and attentive during their working periods.
In some cases, the working period may be extended beyond the usual one week. For example, circumstances that require more consistent care or allow for fewer transitions between carers might lead to a two-week working period. Such an arrangement can provide additional stability and continuity for the person receiving care, as it reduces the frequency of change in caregivers. This flexibility in scheduling ensures that the care plan can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the individual, promoting a higher standard of personalised care.
How are Live in Carers Paid?
Live-in carers are typically compensated with a flat weekly rate, which is calculated based on the hours they spend working each day. This rate is designed to cover their regular daily duties as well as the extended periods during which they are available to provide care and support.
The weekly rate takes into account several factors. Carers generally have a set number of active working hours each day, typically ranging from 8 to 12 hours. During these hours, they provide direct care, assistance with daily activities, and any necessary medical support. Additionally, the rate often includes compensation for being on call during the night or outside regular working hours, ensuring that carers are available to respond to any urgent needs or emergencies.
Carers also receive scheduled breaks each day, such as a two-hour break where they can leave the premises to rest and recharge. These breaks are considered in the overall calculation of their working hours and compensation. If carers are required to work beyond their agreed daily hours or take on additional tasks, this may be factored into their weekly rate or paid as overtime, with specific terms for overtime pay outlined in their contract.
For example, if a live-in carer is expected to work 8 hours of active care each day and be on call for 16 hours, their hourly rate for active care might be £12. The calculation for a weekly rate would include 56 hours of active care at £12 per hour, resulting in a base weekly rate of £672. This amount would cover the base rate, with additional consideration for on-call time, breaks, and potential overtime, depending on the agreement between the carer and the employer or agency. The fees for live in care are based on similar calculations, so that a package of care requiring more support during the night might cost more, for example.
A flat weekly rate provides both the carer and the client with a predictable and stable payment structure, making budgeting easier. It ensures carers are fairly compensated for both their active working hours and their availability during on-call periods. For agencies or employers, paying a flat weekly rate simplifies the payroll process and ensures compliance with labor laws regarding minimum wage and working hours. Live-in carers are compensated with a flat weekly rate based on a calculation of their daily working hours, including active care and on-call time, ensuring they receive fair compensation for the comprehensive and continuous care they provide.
Will my Live in Carer be English?
The nationality or ethnicity of a live in carer in Norfolk can vary. The primary consideration when hiring a live in carer is their qualifications, experience, and ability to provide the necessary care and support to the individual. Live in carers can come from diverse backgrounds and may represent various nationalities. Like au pair work, live in care can attract people from overseas who like being able to stay in the UK temporarily without having to arrange permanent accommodation. They will typically have existing links to the UK or friends and family here who they will visit on their weeks off.
At Nouveau Care we are very proud of the diversity of our staff and we have had an overwhelmingly positive experience of recruiting from overseas. We are a licensed visa sponsor and all our staff from overseas meet exacting standards for their level of English. They must also pass stringent background checks.
Nouveau Care Provides Live in Care in Norfolk
We can provide quality live-in care services in Norfolk & Norwich. Call us to arrange an assessment and a fully trained, DBS checked live-in care assistant will come and look after you in your own home. Your carer will live with you to support you with your day-to-day needs and provide companionship where required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Care homes can be more effective for those needing extensive medical care, while live-in care can be better for personalised, one-on-one support.
Live in carers are paid according to how much time they spend providing support on an average working day. Factors like night time support are likely to increase pay and fees for clients.
Live in carers are usually expected to work between 8 & 10 hours per day. They can expect to get sufficient rest as with regular work, and are usually given allocated time to leave your premises daily.
Live in carers typically work a ‘week on, week off’ pattern, or in two week cycles. There are usually two live in carers who fulfill this schedule.
Live in carers typically get a two hour break daily during which they are free to leave the premises if they need to.
Further Resources
Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission regulates all healthcare activity in the UK. All healthcare providers must register with the CQC & be subject to inspection and ratings.