Unfortunately, with many placements you may find that your client takes advantage of your free time and sees you as a 24-hour commitment. This can be frustrating and create a stressful environment when you try to have some free time during your break.

You may not want to leave the house every day on your break, but find that unless you do, your client constantly calls for you.

It is very important that as a live-in carer you make yourself a priority. It is all too easy for carers to turn into full time, on-call assistants.

Involve your client elsewhere

You may be able to enroll your client in an outside activity, depending on their own health. Many people, and even those with dementia may enjoy adult day care centers where they can meet other people and spend some time away from you.

Enlist a friend

Be proactive in inviting friends around for coffee. Often as people age, their friends seem to disappear and simply stop visiting, until one day you find that you are the only person your client sees. Having other people there will help your client deal with loneliness and stop them becoming dependent on you.

Ask for cover for your break

Technically you may be having your break of two hours each day, but if it is interrupted frequently then it may be time to request another person to relieve you for that time. There are many social service places where this can be arranged. The District Nurse can help you to arrange this.

Final thoughts

There is no reason why you need to be at your client’s beck and call 24 hours a day. In fact, it is unhealthy for you to be in this position. Be sure to nip this in the bud before it becomes a habit.

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