The decision to hire a live-in caregiver can depend on many factors such as a person’s health needs and financial situation.

A live-in caregiver is a worker available to provide assistance to a person at home on a round-the-clock basis or during the day. You can have live-in caregivers for seniors or anyone battling a degenerative disease. It is also possible to hire full-time live-in caregivers for taking care of children.

The Role of Live-In Caregivers

Live-in caregivers are available for a variety of services. They can take care of people who are sick. They can perform housekeeping services such as making beds and keeping the rooms tidy. Some caregivers also prepare meals for the elderly or those who are unable to cook food by themselves.
Some seniors or people with mobility problems require assistance with grooming and other tasks throughout the day. It is possible to find live-in caregivers who help people with their baths and dressing up. They can accompany people to their medical appointments, take them grocery shopping or help them exercise.

Factors to Consider before Hiring a Live-In Caregiver

There are several things to consider before hiring a live-in caregiver for yourself or a loved one.

Cost

The cost of live-in caregivers can be considerable. It will depend on your location, the experience of the caregiver and the services you require. The average cost of hiring live-in caregivers can be around $2000 on a monthly basis if they work the standard eight hours every day; for five days every week.
For overtime and round-the-clock care, you should be prepared to shell out extra. It is a good idea to contact several agencies that employ caregivers for at-home care to know more about the costs before you meet any potential candidates.

Services

Can the services you need be covered with costs that you can afford? Factor in all the services that you or a loved may need and try to work out annual costs for the same. Is there anything you can do without from the list of services you prepared? Can you be available for your parents for half a day and hire a caregiver for a few hours only?
When looking for a live-in caregiver for the elderly, it is important to pay attention to their needs first and work out a solution that is the most affordable. Assisted living or nursing homes can be even more expensive than the cost of full-time caregivers at home. If you are the one who has to make the decision about hiring a long-term or full-time caregiver for your parents or a loved one, carefully make a list of requisite services based on necessities.

Also, consider if the potential caregivers are qualified to offer the services you want.

Other Factors

• Is there a place for the full-time caregiver to stay in your house?
• Will your loved one or you be comfortable with a stranger living in the house?
• Can hiring two part-time caregivers be more cost-effective than hiring one full-time person for daily assistance?
• What was your first impression when you met with a potential caregiver?
• Do you really need a live-in and full-time caregiver?

A full-time caregiver must be someone who you can trust with a loved one or to stay in your house. Take your time before you hire someone for full-time care.

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