If your loved one has minimal care needs, but struggles with household tasks, they could benefit from a live-in housekeeper.
For help with housekeeping and errands, a live-in housekeeper could provide just the right amount of support.
Meaning your loved one can stay independent in their own home even if they can’t quite manage some household tasks.
This article will cover the role of a live-in housekeeper and how they can support your loved one.
Here’s a summary of what we’ll cover:
- A live-in housekeeper lives in your home to support with tasks such as cleaning, laundry, shopping and pet care.
- They can also be a great source of companionship and security for older people living alone.
- A housekeeper is not a replacement for a professional carer as they cannot assist with health and care needs.
- If care needs are a priority, look for domiciliary care options including home help, or try live-in care.
What is a live-in housekeeper?
A live-in housekeeper is really what it says on the tin.
They are a housekeeper who takes care of household chores such as cleaning, cooking and laundry while living in your home.
They may also provide pet care such as walking and feeding or help you with grocery shopping and other errands.
Hiring a live-in housekeeper can be a great option for older people who need support with these kinds of household tasks.
How much does a live-in housekeeper cost?
The key component of a live-in housekeeper’s role is that they live with your loved one in their home.
They are not charged a monthly rental cost and are paid a weekly or monthly income.
The average weekly salary for a live-in housekeeper in London is around £300, though this can increase depending on duties and working hours.
Outside of London you can expect to pay a live-in housekeeper a salary of around £250 per week.
Are you worried about a loved one?
How to find a live-in housekeeper
There are a number of online directories where you can browse profiles to find your live-in housekeeper.
This is a great way to see what kind of services people offer and under what conditions.
What activities are included in their main duties?
A live-in housekeeper can be expected to carry out all sorts of housekeeping duties.
They may even offer support in other areas such as helping to sort items or run errands.
Cleaning
Cleaning is standard for live-in housekeepers, who can support your loved one with general daily cleaning as well as deep cleans.
This can make a huge difference to people who are struggling to keep up with it in later life.
Cleaning tasks include sweeping, mopping, polishing, dusting and deep cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens, plus washing up or loading the dishwasher.
Laundry
Laundry is another standard task for a live-in housekeeper that older people can really benefit from help with.
If loading the machine or hanging out clothes is made difficult by mobility issues, a housekeeper can do it for you.
They may also be able to help with tasks such as ironing or taking clothes to the dry cleaners.
Shopping
A live-in housekeeper may be able to help you with essential shopping, such as going to the pharmacy or supermarket.
Don’t assume that all housekeepers offer this, so please check and agree on whether you want this service.
Things to consider before hiring a live-in housekeeper
- Is there a spare room where they can live?
- Is the weekly fee/monthly salary affordable?
- Is there parking available for another car?
- Can they do everything your loved one needs?
- Will they help your loved one feel safe at home?
Meals
Many live-in housekeepers offer support with meal preparation and cooking.
If this is an essential service for your loved one do establish whether this is something they can provide before you hire.
Even if your housekeeper can’t cook for them, there are services that offer hot meal delivery for the elderly.
Pets
If they have pets, a live-in housekeeper is likely to be able to help look after them.
This could include tasks such as feeding them, keeping them clean as well as taking them out if necessary.
You should always tell your potential live-in housekeeper about pets and if they are expected to look after them.
And respect any boundaries they wish to set when it comes to pets, for example not sleeping on their bed.
What are the benefits of a live-in housekeeper?
There are many benefits to having a live-in housekeeper in your home.
Here are just a few examples:
- Completes all household tasks efficiently
- Companionship for people living alone
- On hand to help with odd jobs or can support contacting the right person
- Can look after your home if you’re away
- Older people may feel safer in their home when not alone
Can a live-in housekeeper provide care?
Hiring a live-in housekeeper is a great option for older people who have minimal care needs.
They may also be living on their own and benefit from the company and companionship that a live-in housekeeper provides.
However, for people with more substantial care needs, a live-housekeeper would not be suitable as a sole source of support.
This is because live-in housekeepers are not qualified or employed for the purpose of providing health and care related support.
Are you worried about a loved one?
What are care needs?
Care needs are generally things that you need help or support with as you age.
They could be caused by a physical condition such as arthritis, an operation or an injury.
Or relate to conditions affecting the brain, such as dementia or Parkinson’s that cause cognitive decline.
Read about what is dementia? and what are the 5 stages of Parkinson’s disease? in these articles.
Types of care needs
If your loved one needs help in any of the following areas, it’s worth looking into some home care options.
- Washing and personal care
- Using the toilet
- Moving around the house eg. using stairs or getting out of bed
- Using the kitchen or preparing food
- Getting out to the shops for essential items
- Going to the doctors or other appointments
- Feeling lonely or isolated at home
What is a care focused alternative?
If your loved one needs care relating to a health condition they may need home care.
There are a number of options when it comes to home care, so let’s take a look at them.
Home care visits or domiciliary care
Home care visits are when a professional care worker visits your loved one in their home to provide care.
This could include aspects of personal care as well as help around the home.
Many care at home agencies also offer companion care or befriending services, to help tackle elderly isolation.
Read this article next if you’re wondering what is domiciliary care?
Live-in care
If your loved one has more care needs than just needing home help, live-in care could be the next best option.
They can help with all manner of activities related to care so your loved one has their health and domestic needs covered.
A live-in carer is, of course, considerably more expensive than a live-in housekeeper as they provide a professional care service.
You can expect to pay upwards of £1,000 a week for a live-in carer – for more details, read our guide to live-in care.
Assisted living
If your loved one isn’t fussed about staying in their home in later life an assisted living situation may suit them.
This style of care means your loved one can live in a purpose built, self contained apartment within a wider care setting.
Carers are on hand for minor care needs and many domestic tasks are supported or done in-house by staff.
It’s a hybrid option between home care and a care home and can be a great way for older people to live independently.
If you found this guide useful then you might like to check out these guides on:
Need home care visits for your loved one?
Increasing care needs are a part of your parents getting older, but they shouldn’t cause you unnecessary stress.
Use the Sweet Pea platform to submit a detailed care request and connect with local carers available to help.
You can organise home care visits for your loved one in just a few clicks.
Click below to get started.