Outstanding Live in Care in Kent
Providers of CQC Rated outstanding home care services to older people in their own homes, giving you complete peace of mind.
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What is Live In Care and How Does it Work?
Live-in care means a professional carer stays in your home, offering ongoing assistance. This option is excellent for anyone who needs regular care but prefers staying in their own home. In stunning Kent, fondly known as the Garden of England, it’s a practical alternative to moving into a care home, providing individualised care in the comfort and familiarity of your home environment.
This page gives you an in-depth look at live-in care in Kent to help you make an informed decision. You'll discover everything from the roles of live-in carers to the costs involved in providing this type of care.
You'll also find guidance on deciding if 24-hour live-in care suits your needs, along with tips on choosing the best care service. Our aim is to provide you with all the necessary information to find the best possible care for your loved one.
Is 24-Hour Live-In Care Suitable for My Loved One?
24-hour home care is an excellent choice for those who need consistent support but wish to remain in their own home. It’s particularly helpful for individuals managing ongoing health issues or mobility limitations, as well as those seeking continuous companionship and everyday assistance.
This care option allows your loved ones to uphold their lifestyle in the safety and comfort of their home environment.
We provide Live-in Care across the whole of Kent including:
Ashford
Canterbury
Chatham
Dartford
Deal
Dover
Faversham
Folkestone
Gillingham
Gravesend
Maidstone
Tonbridge
We provide Live-in Care across the whole of Kent including:
Ashford
Canterbury
Chatham
Dartford
Deal
Dover
Faversham
Folkestone
Gillingham
Gravesend
Maidstone
Tonbridge
Understanding Live-In Care Costs in Kent
Live-in care offers a desirable option for those wishing to remain in their familiar home environment while receiving needed support. The costs for live-in care vary, reflecting factors like care needs, provider experience, and location.
Costs of Live-In Care
In Kent, the cost of round-the-clock care can vary based on the specific care requirements and the expertise of the care team.
At Unique Senior Care, we offer consistent and clear pricing for our bespoke care plans
For Individuals: Our weekly rate for a single person's care is £1,680, including comprehensive, personalised support.
For Couples: A dual-care package costs £1,995 per week, providing shared care and assistance to both individuals.
Why Costs Vary
There are various factors that can influence the cost of live-in care:
- Location: Different regions have varying costs.
- Care Complexity: Higher costs for more complex needs.
- Provider Regulation: CQC-regulated providers may charge more for comprehensive care management.
Funding Live-In Care in Kent
There are several funding channels for long-term care:
- Private Payment: Funding comes direct from the individual or their family.
- Social Care Support: Local authority financial aid, subject to assessment, based on care needs and personal finances.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: This covers all care expenses for those with severe medical conditions. It's granted after an assessment of healthcare needs.
- Additional Support Benefits:
- Attendance Allowance: Provides support for those over the State Pension age who have illnesses or disabilities.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Helps cover costs for individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
It’s important to understand these different options and the support available so you can ensure the most suitable funding option for your individual circumstances.
Meet your Live-In Care Manager for Kent
Clare
Live In Care Manager For Kent
Clare Zinzan, our dedicated Care Manager for Kent, joined Unique Senior Care in November after beginning her career in the care sector in 2016.
Inspired by her personal experience with her father's dementia, Clare is passionate about enabling clients to stay in their homes and live independently. Her responsibilities include ensuring clients achieve their best possible outcomes and empowering them to make their own choices.
Outside of work, Clare enjoys spending time with her family, including her two granddaughters, and enjoying hobbies like paddleboarding and gardening. Clare's approach to care is deeply influenced by her own experiences, focusing on individuality and empowerment in elder care.
Clare is supported by a dedicated senior team all equally as passionate about providing the best possible care and service for our clients.
FREE Live In Care Guide
What Makes Unique Senior Care Different?
You can be assured that we have an absolute focus on providing the very highest quality, person-centred Live-in Care for our clients in and around Kent.
As a provider of regulated care services, you can be confident in the knowledge that we are fully registered and compliant with the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) regulations.
We are one of only 4% of home care providers in England to have been awarded an Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Our award-winning service is based on personal experience and ensuring we always put ‘people above all else’
We are regularly recognised as providing industry leading training to our colleagues
Our services are personalised and tailored to your needs with the aim of allowing you to remain living independently in your own home
You will receive a service that is Well-led, Safe, Caring, Responsive and Effective
All of our Caregivers are directly employed
We only recruit the best (our application to hire rate is 1 from 100) and all our Caregivers must pass our ‘Mum Test’ i.e. we would allow them to look after our own loved ones
Clients and their families have again rated us in 2024 as one of the Top 20 homecare providers in England
Your 100% satisfaction is our aim – if you think we need to do better, please let us know
Our standards are uncompromising, and we are very proud of our reputation for providing an outstanding service
Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of a Live-In Carer in Kent
A live-in carer provides more than just care; they are essential companions and supporters in their clients' daily lives. Their role encompasses a range of responsibilities:
Personal Care Support: Aid with daily grooming, bathing, and dressing activities.
Managing Medication: Ensure correct and timely medication intake.
Cooking Nutritious Meals: Prepare meals according to individual dietary needs and preferences.
Keeping the Home Tidy: Light housekeeping duties to maintain an orderly living space.
Providing Companionship: Offer emotional support, companionship, and engaging conversations.
Mobility Assistance: Help with moving around both within and outside the home.
Supporting Activities: Encourage and assist in engaging in hobbies and social events.
Ensuring Compatibility Between Carer and Client
Matching the right Caregiver with a client is vital for an effective care relationship. At Unique Senior Care, we place a strong emphasis on matching clients with Caregivers based on shared interests, personalities, and preferences. This focus on compatibility ensures a positive and beneficial experience for both parties, leading to comfort and a sense of ease in the expert care provided.
"I have used Unique Senior Care for a number of years (my mother has advanced dementia). They provide excellent care and I would highly recommend them. The carers are professional and caring and a pleasure to be around." - RC, (Daughter of a client)
Why Choose Live In Care in Kent?
For those seeking regular support while staying in familiar surroundings, 24-hour care is an ideal solution. It allows your loved one to keep enjoying the charming seaside town of Whitstable or the peaceful beauty of the Kent Downs, all while being supported to live comfortably at home.
Benefits of Home Care in Kent
Opting for 24-hour care brings significant advantages to enhancing quality of life and promoting independence:
Tailored Care: Customised plans to fit individual requirements and daily routines.
Continuous Assistance: Ensures safety and peace of mind around the clock for clients and families.
Maintaining Independence: Helps individuals remain in their familiar home setting, boosting comfort and autonomy.
Flexible Approach: Care that dynamically adjusts to changing needs and situations.
Family Participation: Involves families in care decisions, improving understanding and communication.
Cost-Effectiveness: More affordable than residential care, while maintaining high-quality standards.
Familiar Environment: Staying at home reduces stress and enhances comfort.
Improved Quality of Life: Dedicated, personalised care focuses on enhancing overall living standards.
Health Monitoring: Regular health checks and adjustments in care as needed.
How to Find the Right Live-In Care Service in Kent?
Whether you’re in the bustling city of Canterbury or the peaceful village of Tenterden, finding the right home care in Kent involves considering several important factors.
What to Look for in a Live In Care Provider?
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Live-in Care Agency
When exploring a care agency, you should consider asking about:
The company’s expertise in providing high-quality live-in care and the training background of their caregivers.
How the agency pairs Caregivers with clients and their procedures for handling urgent care situations.
Their process for receiving and responding to feedback and complaints, as well as details about their pricing structure.
Factors to Consider When Exploring Live in Care Services in Kent
When choosing round-the-clock home care in Kent, consider the following:
Review the types of services available and ensure they meet your specific needs.
Check the qualifications and experience of the carers, along with the agency's reputation.
Assess how the service's cost aligns with your budget.
Explore personal recommendations and read reviews for additional insights.
Training and Qualifications of Live In Carers Across Kent
At Unique Senior Care, we're selective with our live-in carers, hiring only one out of every 80 applicants. Each Caregiver we employ brings at least a year of experience, showcasing our commitment to exceptional care.
- Extensive Training: Caregivers are thoroughly trained in key areas like dementia care, first aid, and medication management.
- Continuous Learning: Our team is dedicated to ongoing professional development, keeping up with the latest care practices.
- Recognised Excellence: Our commitment to training is proven by winning the Princess Royal Training Award in 2021 and being named a Centre of Excellence by Skills for Care in 2022.
What is the Difference Between 24-Hour Live-In Care and Residential Care?
Understanding the differences between home care and residential care is essential when putting care in place. It's essential to make an informed decision based on individual preferences and levels of care your loved one needs.
| Carer will live with your loved one, providing personalised care in the comfort of their own home. | Care in a residential care home with individual living spaces. |
| Tailored one-on-one care enabling people to live well. | Provides group-oriented care with shared activities and social interaction. |
| Promotes personal independence and maintains daily routines. | Offers a balance between independence and community engagement. |
| Keeps the individual in a familiar setting, which boosts emotional well-being. | Involves adapting to a new shared living space. |
| Allows for direct family involvement in care and decision-making. | Structured family involvement, typically with set visiting hours. |
How 24-Hour Live-in Care works
What Care Services are Offered in Kent?
In addition to home care, there are various other care options available to suit different needs. These services range from daily support at home to intensive care in residential settings.
Types of Care Services Offered in Kent
- Home Care Packages: Tailored care right in your own home, focusing on personal needs and preferences, maintaining a sense of normalcy.
- Day Care Services: Provides support during daytime hours, featuring various activities and opportunities for socialising, while the person still lives at home.
- Residential Care: Offers round-the-clock care in a communal living setup, suitable for those requiring constant attention.
- Specialised Care Services: Designed for specific medical or health needs like dementia or palliative care, these services are customised to the unique health challenges of each individual.
Navigating Live-In Home Care Services in Kent
How to Arrange a Quality Care Service in Kent?
Arranging quality live-in care is a process involving several important steps to ensure it meets your specific needs:
Initial Contact and Enquiry:
Get in touch with a reputable live-in care company in Kent. At Unique Senior Care, our client services team will discuss and understand your specific requirements.
In-Depth Consultation:
An experienced care manager will then conduct a detailed consultation to understand your live-in care needs and answer any queries you might have at this stage.Â
Carer Matching Process:
One of our dedicated Caregivers is carefully selected to provide care and support based on your requirements and preferences.
Creating a Personalised Care Plan:
A customised care plan is developed using the information gathered during the consultation to ensure the highest quality of care.
Finalising with a Home Visit:
The care manager arranges a home visit to finalise the care plan and introduce the chosen carer, who then begins providing care.
What is the Role of a Care Agency in Live-in Care at Home?
Choosing a Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated live-in care agency means you're selecting a service that upholds strict professional standards in home care. These agencies ensure:
Expert Staff Selection and Management: They meticulously choose and continuously train carers to maintain high-quality care.
Ongoing Quality Assessments: The care quality is regularly evaluated against client needs and regulatory benchmarks.
Administrative Coordination: All care coordination aspects, including schedules and financial management, are efficiently handled by an expert care team.
Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations guarantees high standards in care, safety, and service quality.
Emergency Response Planning: Prepared for any emergencies, these agencies ensure continuity of care, even in unexpected situations.
"Very impressed with the quality of care and friendly staff. My mum's carer quickly established a strong rapport, was always ready to go the extra mile - eg, brought her own soup maker. Also, she scoured the house to find extra things to do without being asked, such as wiping doorknobs."- JF, (Son of a client)
Selecting the best live-in care organisation is a crucial decision for your family. Ensuring that your loved one receives personalised, top-quality care at home is our priority.
We're here to assist you every step of the way. Please get in touch with our team to find out more about our live-in care services and to address any queries you may have.
As well as providing Live In Care in Kent, we also provide full-time care services across England, including the neighbouring counties of Essex and Surrey as well as Central and Outer London.
Local Resources for Support in Kent
Explore these essential local resources in Kent for additional support, advice, and community connections relevant to live-in care and beyond.
- Kent County Council - Adult Social Care: Offers comprehensive information on adult care services, including support for independent living, assessments, and access to various support services.
- Carers Trust - Find Support in Your Local Area: Offers a search tool to find local carer support services, including respite care, training, and advice for carers.
- Alzheimer's Society - Find Support Near You: Provides support for individuals and families affected by dementia, including personalized advice, support groups, and access to dementia advisors.
- Involve Kent: Offers a range of services to support carers, including information and advice, carer assessments, and a dedicated carers' hospital service.
- Imago Community: Provides support and opportunities to people, families, and communities across Kent, including services to improve health and wellbeing, tackle loneliness, and build social and educational opportunities.
- Age Space - Kent: Lists various support services for older people in Kent, including dementia cafés, lunch clubs, peer support groups, and practical guidance for carers.
