With our post-lockdown society in the dire state that it is now, it is understandable to feel a sense of helplessness or worry. Housing prices, as well as our general living costs (food, transport, gas and electricity) are steadily on the rise, and an increasing number of us are finding it harder and harder to keep up.
As of 2021, the average weekly income for a fulltime earner was £611 (Francis-Devine, 2021), and in 2022, the average cost of living in the UK is £2005 per month, for a single earner, while the average family spend 93% of their combined income of living expenses alone!
But what about individuals who, for whatever reason, are unable to work and keep up with the costs?
Sure, there are council benefits which help, but imagine how much a difference inviting someone into your own home could make.
By lending out a spare room in your own home, or living in someone else's, you are allowing a person-in-need access to safe, quality shelter, while providing care that will be completely invaluable, both for you and your care-receiver.
Here are some other ways you’d be changing someone’s life:
One-To-One Care
The one-to-one care that you will be providing for your care-receiver will certainly not go unnoticed. As a care-worker, you could potentially be matched with someone with dementia, MS, or Parkinson’s – that’s someone who will rely heavily on you, not just physically, but your companionship too. And something as simple as developing a daily routine or even learning how someone likes their cup of tea can really mean a lot to a person.
A New Environment For You
Sometimes you may be required to live with someone else as you care for them. This is particularly true to care-receivers who prefer the comfort of their own home or find new environments distressing. By giving someone the opportunity to remain in their home where they are close to friends and family, you can also benefit from a change of scenery from your own usual surroundings.
Quality of Life
While still receiving care, a vulnerable person can feel an overwhelming sense of independence when compared to living in a facility or having a part-time carer. With your help, a care-receiver gains so much more control over their daily lives, which allows them to get involved in activities they otherwise wouldn’t be able to in a formal care facility.
No More Pressure
An important role of a live-in care-giver is ensuring that a person is properly taken care of. By removing the pressure from their family members who, for whatever reason, are unable to do it themselves, you are not only helping one person, but all their friends and family.
*Cue breath of relief*
Temporary solutions could create permanent impacts. Think you could be up for the challenge? A chance to change your life as well as someone else’s is an opportunity many of us don’t even know is possible. For a full list of advantages and disadvantages of being a carer, check out this link.
To sign up as a care-giver, you can head to our website or check us out on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for more information.