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Live-in and Overnight Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides safe, high-quality, and person-centred live-in and overnight care services to meet the needs of individuals requiring 24-hour support. This policy outlines how live-in and overnight care is managed effectively, ensuring staff well-being, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the safety and dignity of service users.

This policy ensures compliance with:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Requires regulated care services to maintain high standards of care.
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 – Ensures a person-centred approach to care and support.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensures safe working conditions for care staff.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Regulations – Mandates robust care planning, staff well-being, and risk management for live-in and overnight care.
• The Working Time Regulations 1998 – Ensures appropriate working hours, breaks, and rest periods for care staff.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Service users receiving live-in or overnight care.
• Care workers providing 24-hour, live-in, or overnight care.
• Supervisors, managers, and family members involved in care planning.

It covers:

• Eligibility and assessment for live-in care.
• Roles and responsibilities of live-in carers.
• Daily routines and care delivery standards.
• Staff working hours, rest breaks, and accommodation.
• Emergency procedures and safeguarding protocols.
• Staff training, support, and monitoring.

3. Eligibility and Assessment for Live-in and Overnight Care

Before a live-in or overnight care package is agreed, a comprehensive needs assessment must be conducted to determine:

• The level of care required (e.g., personal care, medication management, mobility support).
• Service user’s physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
• Suitability of the home environment for a live-in carer.
• Family involvement and preferences.
• Risk assessment covering health and safety concerns.

A Live-in Care Agreement will be developed outlining:

• Service expectations for both service users and care staff.
• Duties, responsibilities, and agreed working hours.
• House rules, privacy, and dignity considerations.
• Emergency procedures and contact details.

4. Roles and Responsibilities of Live-in Carers

4.1 Duties and Responsibilities

Live-in carers provide round-the-clock support while promoting independence and dignity. Responsibilities include:

• Personal care support – Assistance with washing, dressing, and toileting.
• Medication administration – As per the Medication Management and Administration Policy (DCW21).
• Meal preparation and nutrition monitoring.
• Household tasks – Light housekeeping, laundry, and ensuring a safe living environment.
• Emotional and social support – Encouraging engagement in hobbies and social activities.
• Monitoring and recording changes in health – Reporting concerns to the Registered Manager.

4.2 Maintaining Boundaries and Professionalism

• Care workers must respect service user privacy and avoid over-familiarity.
• Financial boundaries must be upheld – carers cannot manage finances unless specifically authorised.
• No personal relationships or external visitors should interfere with care duties.

5. Working Hours, Rest Breaks, and Accommodation

5.1 Live-in Care Worker Working Hours

• Live-in carers must work a maximum of 10 hours per day of active care.
• They must have a minimum of 2 hours of break time per day, which may be taken at agreed times.
• At least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep time must be provided unless on a waking night contract.

5.2 Overnight Care Worker Arrangements

Overnight care may be provided in two ways:

1. Sleeping Night – The carer is expected to sleep but be available for occasional assistance.
   • If the carer is disturbed more than twice per night, additional rest periods or pay adjustments must be considered.
2. Waking Night – The carer remains awake throughout the night to provide continuous care.

5.3 Accommodation and Facilities for Live-in Carers

• Service users must provide a private room for live-in carers.
• Carers must have access to bathroom and kitchen facilities.
• The home environment should be safe, secure, and comfortable.

6. Emergency Procedures and Safeguarding

6.1 Responding to Medical Emergencies

• Carers must follow emergency protocols if a service user becomes unwell.
• If life-threatening, 999 must be called immediately.
• The Registered Manager must be notified within 24 hours of any serious incidents.

6.2 Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Carers must adhere to the Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13).
• Any suspected abuse, neglect, or safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately.
• Lone-working carers must have regular welfare check-ins with supervisors.

6.3 Fire and Security Procedures

• A home safety assessment must be conducted before a live-in care package begins.
• Carers must be trained in fire safety and evacuation procedures (DCW20).
• Service users must provide a secure environment for carers, including working locks and lighting.

7. Staff Training, Support, and Monitoring

7.1 Mandatory Training for Live-in and Overnight Carers

All live-in and overnight carers must complete:

• Induction Training (DCW50), covering regulatory requirements and workplace safety.
• Moving and Handling Training to safely assist service users.
• First Aid and Emergency Procedures to respond to medical incidents.
• Dementia Awareness Training if applicable to the service user’s needs.

7.2 Supervision and Welfare Support

• Regular check-ins with supervisors to ensure staff well-being.
• Access to mental health support and well-being services.
• Annual appraisals and competency reviews to assess skills and training needs.

7.3 Monitoring Quality of Care

• Spot checks and unannounced visits to ensure quality and adherence to care plans.
• Service user and family feedback surveys to monitor satisfaction.
• Incident reports and care documentation are reviewed regularly.

8. Compliance with CIW Regulations

• The Registered Manager ensures that live-in care services comply with CIW regulations and best practices.
• Quarterly audits are conducted to assess working conditions and service user outcomes.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) inspections will evaluate live-in and overnight care services.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16).
• Lone Working and Staff Safety Policy (DCW41).
• Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy (DCW34).
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13).
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative updates, CIW guidance, or operational needs.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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