A Live-in Carer’s Typical Day

Every placement is different, but in general a typical carer’s work day looks something like this:

• 9:00–11:00am — Wish the client good morning, help them get up and dressed, prepare and serve breakfast, then tidy up.
• Break until 12:30.
• 12:30–2:30pm — Prepare and serve lunch, tidy up, and do some laundry.
• Break until 4:30.
• 4:30–5:30pm — A walk, a game of scrabble, or listening to music together.
• Break until 6:30.
• 6:30–7:30pm — Prepare and serve the evening meal.
• Break until 9:00.
• 9:00–10:00pm — Help the client get ready for bed. The carer finishes work at 10pm.

It’s important to give your carer a work timetable so she knows what you want done and when. Let her know when HSE carers usually visit, as this is a good time for her to take a break. Your carer should fill in a weekly timesheet with hours worked and duties performed — keep a copy for your own records and forward it to whoever prepares her payslip.