Preparing Your Home for a Live-in Carer
Welcoming a live-in carer into your home is a new step, and preparing in advance can help make the transition smooth and positive for everyone. That said, in most cases it’s much less upheaval than transitioning to a care home.
Preparing your home with a few key things in mind can make all the difference, not only for your loved one, but for the carer too. When a carer is supported with the right environment, they’re better equipped to deliver the calm, focused and compassionate care your family deserves.
Here’s what to consider when getting your home ready.
1. Provide a Private Room
Live-in carers work long hours and carry significant emotional responsibility and like anyone, they need proper rest in order to give their best.
Having their own private room isn’t just a practical requirement, it’s an essential part of maintaining their well-being. It should be a quiet, comfortable space where they can rest and recharge during breaks and at night. A good setup includes:
A bed and bedding
Storage space for personal belongings
Wi-Fi access
Shared or private access to a bathroom
A poor sleeping environment (e.g. no privacy, uncomfortable bed, noise) can leave a carer fatigued — and that can affect mood, decision-making and energy levels. When carers are well-rested, they’re better able to respond with patience, empathy and attentiveness — especially in challenging moments.
2. Make Safety a Priority
Many of the hospital admissions we see in older adults come after a fall and these falls can have serious knock-on effects, such as reduced mobility, loss of confidence, or long-term care needs.
Carers are trained to reduce these risks, but the home environment plays a huge role too. We can help you make small, sensible adjustments to improve safety, such as:
• Removing loose rugs or trip hazards
• Installing grab rails in key areas
• Ensuring clear walkways for mobility aids
Making these changes doesn’t just protect your loved one, it helps the carer support them confidently and reduces the risk of injury for everyone.
3. Respect and Routine
Home isn’t just a physical space, it’s an emotional one too. It’s where your loved one feels most themselves, surrounded by memories, familiar routines, and a sense of comfort and control.
A great live-in carer will step into that space and it’s why communication is so important; not just about practical things, but about what makes home feel like home for your loved one.
That might include:
• Keeping to familiar meal times or rituals
• Knowing which chair they like to sit in
• Understanding how a they prefer to start or end their day
• Respecting moments of quiet or independence
• Involving them in decisions where possible
Live-in care works best when it builds on the life already being lived. We encourage families to talk openly with us about routines, values, and preferences, so we can match a carer who not only has the right skills but the right temperament to fit into your family life.
By working together to understand both the physical and emotional space of your home, we can create an environment where your loved one feels safe, respected, and truly at ease and where the carer is supported to deliver care with compassion and dignity.