Breaks, holidays and cover
What happens when your live-in carer needs a break, goes on holiday or is unwell, and how we keep care going.
Care keeps going
Live-in carers need rest to care well. We plan breaks and holidays with you from day one, and if a carer is suddenly unwell we work to introduce a replacement quickly.
Daily breaks
Usually around two hours a day, plus a full night's sleep. Family, friends or a visiting carer can cover if needed.
Rotas
Most families have two regular carers who take turns, so there is always a familiar face.
Holidays
Planned ahead, with a relief carer introduced and a proper handover.
Sickness
Call us and we work to introduce a replacement, often within a day or two.
An emergency plan, agreed at the start
- Who to call first if the carer is unwell or has to leave suddenly
- Family, friends or neighbours who could help for a day
- A local visiting care agency's number, in case short-term cover is needed
- Where the care plan, medication list and key safe code are kept
- GP, pharmacy and any district nurse contacts
We help you put this together before care starts, so nobody is left wondering what to do. See how live-in care works →
Breaks and cover: your questions
How many hours does a live-in carer work?
A live-in carer is there throughout the day, but they are not on duty for 24 hours. They need a proper night's sleep and a daily break, usually around two hours, when they can leave the house or rest in their room. If your loved one needs someone with them during the break, a family member, friend or a visiting carer can cover it. We agree the routine with you before care starts.
What if my loved one needs help during the night?
Being woken occasionally is part of live-in care. If help is needed regularly every night, one carer cannot do that and the day as well, and they will become exhausted. In that case we will talk honestly with you about extra night support or a second carer, so care stays safe for everyone.
How often does the carer have time off?
Most live-in carers work a rota, for example two or three weeks on, followed by time off at home, with a second regular carer covering. Using the same two carers means your loved one always has a familiar face. We help set up the rota at the start.
What happens when our carer goes on holiday?
Holidays are planned in advance. We introduce a relief carer who suits your loved one's needs, ideally the same person each time, and arrange a handover so they know the routines, the home and any risks.
What happens if our carer is suddenly ill?
Call us straight away on 020 3443 9844. We will work to introduce a replacement carer as quickly as possible, often within a day or two. Until they arrive, you may need family, friends or a visiting care agency to help for a short time. It is a good idea to agree an emergency plan and contacts with us at the start.
What if the carer is not the right match?
Tell us. Sometimes personalities do not click, even with experienced carers. We will talk it through with you and the carer and, if it is still not right, introduce a different carer. We stay in touch after care starts so small issues can be sorted early.
Who arranges and pays the relief carer?
Medicare People currently provides introductory live-in care services. We have submitted our application to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and intend to introduce a fully managed live-in care service following registration. As an introductory agency, we find, check and introduce relief carers, and the family agrees the arrangement with the carer directly, in the same way as with the main carer. We explain the costs before anything is agreed.
Let's talk about what your family needs
Free, no-obligation advice. Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.
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