Live in care · Clinique Alpa
Questions families ask about live in care
Straight answers to the questions we are asked most often. If yours is not here, call 020 8882 8088.
- Doctor led live in care
- Initial assessment carried out by a doctor
- CQC registered for personal care
- Family run, with our own private GP clinic in Palmers Green
About live in care
What is live in care?
A professional carer lives in the person's home and provides personal care, meals, help with medicines, companionship and household support. It is one to one care in familiar surroundings, and for many people it is the alternative to moving into a care home.
Does a live in carer work through the night?
No. A live in carer is in the home overnight and can help if someone wakes, but they need proper sleep and are not awake on duty for 24 hours. If a person needs frequent help through the night, we will say so at assessment and discuss waking night cover or a second carer.
What does the carer need from the home?
A private bedroom, access to a bathroom, meals as part of the household, and a daily break. The carer shares the kitchen and living areas as a member of the household, with the courtesy that this is still your home.
What happens if the carer is unwell or on leave?
Live in carers work in planned blocks with time away, and a second carer covers those periods. Wherever possible the same two carers alternate so that both know the person and the routine. If a carer is ill, the office arranges cover; you are not left to manage it yourself.
Assessment and the care plan
Who carries out the care assessment?
A doctor from the Clinique Alpa team carries out the initial assessment at home. That is how we understand medical history, medicines, risks and whether live in care can support the person safely.
Can we also arrange doctor visits at home?
Yes, as a separate package through our private GP clinic in Palmers Green. Some families arrange a visit every month or two; others take a weekly home visit. It is purchased separately from live in care, and the live in carer remains a carer, not a nurse.
Is this a nursing service?
No. Clinique Alpa is registered with the CQC for personal care. Nursing tasks sit outside our scope. Where a district nurse, GP or specialist team is involved, we work alongside them.
Carers
How are carers checked?
Every carer has an enhanced DBS check and references. They complete training and competency checks before they start, and managers carry out spot checks and supervision once care is under way.
What happens if the carer is unwell or on leave?
Live in carers work in planned blocks with time away, and a second carer covers those periods. Wherever possible the same two carers alternate so that both know the person and the routine. If a carer is ill, the office arranges cover; you are not left to manage it yourself.
Costs and funding
How is live in care paid for?
Families fund their care privately. Some use Attendance Allowance, savings or the sale or rental of property; some are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare. We can explain those routes, and our costs page sets out what affects the weekly fee.
Talk to Clinique Alpa
Speak to a manager about live in care
Call 020 8882 8088 or 07777 594448. You will speak to a manager, not a call centre. We will talk through the situation, tell you whether live in care is likely to be right, and explain what an assessment involves.
Live in care from Clinique Alpa is provided by Alpa Care Ltd, registered with the Care Quality Commission for personal care, provider ID 1-9691685023.