Background: Maureen, a retired healthcare professional, has been receiving live-in care through Access Care since May. After the passing of her husband, Maureen found herself struggling with the prospect of living alone and decided to explore the option of live-in care. At the time, she was unsure whether live-in care could meet her needs and was concerned about the financial implications. However, her preference to remain in her own home, surrounded by familiar belongings and her beloved dog, led her to choose live-in care over moving into a residential facility.
The Care Arrangement: Martha, Maureen’s live-in caregiver, has been with her since May. Maureen and Martha have developed a positive relationship, grounded in mutual respect and companionship. They share a light-hearted, easy-going rapport, with Maureen stating that they can even “tell each other off” in good humour. Martha provides help with daily tasks, such as light housework, but, more importantly, offers Maureen the emotional support and presence that she values most. Maureen admits that she doesn’t like being alone, and Martha’s presence brings her much-needed comfort and security.
Client’s Perspective: Maureen acknowledges that she was initially apprehensive about the idea of live-in care. Having always been independent, she was concerned that she might eventually have to move into a care home. However, after a few months with Martha, she has become more comfortable with the arrangement. She describes Martha as “easy to talk to” and “easy to live with,” qualities that have made the transition smoother for her.
Maureen values the ability to stay in her own home for as long as possible, where she can continue caring for her dog, Oliver.
The Role of Access Care: Access Care has played a pivotal role in helping Maureen adjust to live-in care. Jo and her colleague, Lou, made a point to visit Maureen to check in on how she was adapting. Their visit also served a broader purpose: celebrating Access Care’s 30th anniversary by connecting more personally with clients and gathering insights to share with others who might be considering live-in care.
During the visit, Jo and Lou were able to discuss the benefits of live-in care with Maureen, and they emphasised the importance of raising awareness about this option, as many people are unaware that it’s an alternative to care homes. Maureen herself was surprised to learn that not all doctors recommend live-in care to their patients.Lifestyle and Social Engagement: Maureen’s social life has changed since her husband passed away, but she continues to show interest in engaging with others. She fondly recalls her past hobbies, such as badminton and table tennis, which she played with her husband, Keith. Although transportation is an issue for Maureen, Jo suggested exploring local community or social groups and even offered to research options that might be accessible to her.
Maureen is open to these ideas and Jo’s offer to help find transport solutions, such as community buses, underscores Access Care’s commitment to supporting Maureen’s overall wellbeing—not just her physical care needs.
Conclusion: Maureen’s case illustrates the profound impact live-in care can have on individuals who value their independence but require daily support. For Maureen, live-in care has allowed her to stay in her own home, maintain her connection with her dog, and build a meaningful relationship with her caregiver, Martha. Maureen prefers this arrangement to moving into a care home, where she feels she might not settle as well.
This case highlights the importance of live-in care as a flexible, person-centred option that allows clients to maintain their quality of life while receiving the care and companionship they need. It also underscores the financial challenges that can come with long-term care and the need for accessible information about potential support options.
Key Takeaways:
- Live-in care provides personalized support: Maureen’s relationship with Martha demonstrates how live-in care can meet both practical and emotional needs.
- Independence and familiarity matter: Staying in her own home with her dog is important to Maureen, something that live-in care enables.
- Live-in care is an underutilised option: Raising awareness about live-in care, especially as an alternative to residential care, could help more people find the right solution for their needs.
Maureen’s story serves as an example of how live-in care can enrich the lives of older adults, offering both care and companionship while allowing them to maintain their independence in familiar surroundings.
