Before heading off on any trip, we always ask ourselves what we should take with us. Some things are essential while others are simply good to have with us. Live-in care is very much like this in that we all go away for a length of time, to stay with a client until the placement is over.
There are some things that you may like to have with you, and which may not be essential to your stay, while other things are a reminder of your home and family. Both may be equally important to you.
Here is a short list of some things which you may think about when packing your bag for the next placement.
A folder
This is essential to keep all your paperwork in one place. You may need to keep your receipts, proof of qualifications, contact information, DBS certificate and such like. It is also a good idea to take along a few blank cards and stamps in case you need to send one and cannot get to a store. Keeping all your paperwork in one place will save time when you want to find things and prevent any important documents from going astray.
Extra contact lenses and inhalers
Even with the best planning, things may happen where you need another inhaler or lose a contact lens. Getting these replaced during your (hopefully) 2-hour break may be almost impossible without a car or being registered at a doctor. Carrying them with you means less stress if you need a replacement urgently.
Contact information
Ideally you should also keep this in your folder. It may be a list of your family members and their phone numbers. If you ever lose your mobile phone and need to contact anyone, have those numbers written down. Also have details such as your passport number written down and filed.
Personal items
A live-in care job can be very lonely, particularly if you are in an isolated area with no access to transport and cannot get to a town for your break. Many people find that they miss their friends and family very much, so it is a good idea to bring some personal things with you. A small collection of favourite photographs and even a treasured teddy bear will go a long way to make your room feel a little more like home.
Your own potato peeler!
Now this may sound silly or at the very least an odd thing to carry with you, but there is nothing worse than trying to peel potatoes with a peeler that you don’t like! Remember that the homes you go to may have kitchen equipment dating back many years, including potato peelers which just don’t work well. Do yourself a huge favour and take one with you that you can use without struggling. It will make preparing meals a lot simpler and quicker.
To sum up
We are always thinking of the weight of the luggage we carry because there are limits for plane travel. Additionally, we get to haul our bags through cities like London, where there are very few lifts and mostly stairs.
Travelling light is the name of the game here but taking some items with you to keep things organised and make life better is also a good idea. These items need not weigh a lot, but they will make you feel better at your placement.
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