Many people require support as they grow older, but care needs can vary widely. For some individuals, this may mean intensive assistance is required 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is 24-7 care?
As the name suggests, 24/7 care is support that is provided all day, every day. There must always be someone available to help the individual, who is likely to have significant or complex ongoing needs that mean they cannot be left alone for any length of time. This means two carers may be required so that one can be in attendance if the other is unavailable. Only a small portion of the care worker jobs advertised through companies such as caremark.ie/job-opportunities/care-assistant-job-opportunities will involve this intensive role.
How can this role work effectively?
This kind of care requires the carer to live in an individual’s home. This means there must be adequate space and facilities for them to have a private bedroom, to access a bathroom and kitchen, and to be able to take a break. In such close quarters, it is important that rules about boundaries and privacy are established early and understood by everyone. There is likely to be an adjustment when the carer first moves into the home, so it is vital to ensure clear communication.
Costs
Clearly, having two carers living in the home full-time is more expensive than having one carer visit for an hour every morning. This means it is important to assess whether this form of care is the most appropriate for the person being cared for or whether another form may be more effective. Can the funding be found in the long term?
Legal requirements
The Care Quality Commission provides and enforces regulations that care providers must follow to protect their clients. Ensure the 24-7 care service chosen is compliant with these rules.
For some people, live-in carers who are available 24-7 is the best way to ensure they can have their ongoing or complex needs met whilst remaining in their own homes; however, they must first ensure they have considered all the relevant factors.
