A CARE company has seen a rise of 25 per cent of people receiving live-in care.

Home Instead Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has taken on more care professionals to meet the demand, which allows families to keep their loved ones at home as their care needs increase.

The company has seen families understanding care needs can be met by a care professional who moves in with their loved one, even though residential care has been seen as the only option traditionally.

Home Instead has added 14 new care professionals into its team over the past year, who have moved in with clients, providing one-to-one support, to help meet the growing demand for live-in care.

Greg Harrold, owner of Home Instead Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, said: “Very often, somebody’s care journey begins with them receiving care at home for a few hours a week.

“There was a time when people would think that if care needs increase, there’s no alternative to moving out of home and into residential care. I’m so pleased to see that awareness of other options, particularly live-in care, is growing.

“When our live-in care professionals move in with clients, it doesn’t take long for them to become part of their family. They approach care with the same kind of compassion that their adult children would, rather than dividing their time amongst various people.

“People should have the choice to stay at home for as long as possible.

“Live-in care allows people to stay put, maintain independence and keep autonomy over their lives. A familiar routine is important for many of us, particularly older people, and receiving live-in care means having the flexibility to carry on doing what you’ve always done, for example eating at specific times, which you might not get from other care packages.”

Live-in care can involve a range of duties, from personal car, such as help with dressing and bathing, to helping with household chores.

Carers can also take clients to appointments or social activities.

The company is keen to hear from people who would like to work as a live-in care professional.

For more information, visit Home Instead’s website.