As a new live-in carer, the thought of caring for a stranger can seen a little daunting. Working for a couple can seen an impossible task and might be something you turn down. Before you refuse that placement of caring for a couple, there are some things you should consider.
Working for a couple means that normally one of the partners can take reasonable care of themselves. If you had to take care of both people with a full-on care programme there would be a second carer there with you.
Points to consider
Often one person will be able to help you with the workload. This may mean that they take over the cooking while you handle personal care. They may do the laundry while you do some cleaning. In effect the household chores can be reduced.
With another person at hand, you will be more likely to have your two-hour break every day as they may stay with your client while you go out.
Household chores can be shared. If the person still drives, they may offer to do the household shopping while you stay with your client. This will take a little bit of the workload off your shoulders.
Help at hand. Having another person in the house means that you can always call them if you need something. If you need a hand getting an extra towel or another roll of toilet paper, there is someone there to listen to you.
You have an in-depth history of the person you are caring for as the spouse knows the history better than anyone else. You will get first-hand information which you may not get from anyone else, even family. Having lived with their spouse for many years they will be a mine of information for you.
Conversation for you. If the person you are caring for primarily has Dementia you may not have any quality conversation. Having a spouse there means that you will get some ‘normal’ conversation. This is often a problem with live-in carer and Dementia clients. Having little or no chance of conversation can mean a very lonely time.
To sum up
Before you turn down a ‘couple’ position, get a good idea of how much care work is involved and what both partners need. You may very well find that you are taking care of just one person with minimal care given to the second person.
Often this can be an easier placement than taking care of a single client all on your own as you will always have another person in the house with you.
Taking care of a couple is not always as bad as you think it is, and truthfully it can work out very well for all of you.
Next time you are asked to care for a couple, have another think about it and try it. You may find that you return there often because while you are doing your job, you enjoy it very much.
Tags:
© 2025 EJOBBOARD LTD. All Rights Reserved.