Carers who are registered with Otus Live-in Care come from the UK and overseas. Even if English isn’t their first language, they must demonstrate their ability to communicate clearly and accurately in English, both verbally and written. Our applicants undergo a multiple stage interview process which includes a two hour face-to-face interview by our Managing Director. They all possess the experience, skills and training necessary to provide an excellent level of care for our clients in the comfort of their own homes.
All carers on Otus Live-in Care’s register have undergone a rigorous interview process. Only carers with relevant past experience will be considered – all identities are confirmed, references and certificates of training verified – and most importantly all have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check against the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) list. Every potential carer is interviewed face-to-face by our Managing Director, Paul Isaacs.
Yes – they would be happy to work with the client in planning appointments and travel to and from events. We encourage the carers to keep the Otus team abreast of any major events or plans.
Yes absolutely. A live-in carer will be happy to accompany a client to any events, appointments or family occasions as well as on holiday.
A live-in carer will require a bedroom for rest, including space to store personal belongings.
A live-in carer is just that – he or she lives in your home. Naturally, the carer will need personal breaks each day but this would be discussed and agreed at the beginning of the engagement and reviewed as necessary going forward.
Yes, it is possible to either meet the carer face-to-face, via the telephone, video call or any other form of communication that is suitable for you and the carer.
In the event that a carer falls ill or due to personal circumstances needs to leave the engagement, he or she is duty bound to inform Otus as soon as the situation arises. Should a personal carer need to leave an engagement due to illness or personal circumstances, we will endeavour to find a replacement as quickly as possible. If for any reason this is not possible, and still working closely with the client or representative, we have good working relationships with other live-in care agencies and would seek a suitable replacement via them.
Where possible Otus will try to meet a request for a specific carer but it will always be dependent on availability. Rest assured that Otus will always ensure that a client is matched with a carer that has suitable skills, training and experience.
In the event that a carer is unable to work due to illness or needs to leave the engagement due to personal circumstances, Otus will endeavour to find a replacement as quickly as possible.
Whether a client or a carer, the Otus team is available for help and to offer advice for any problems that may arise during an engagement. For example, if there is a change of circumstance for the client or carer, or if there are any difficulties between the client and carer, Otus will make every effort to try and help resolve the problems and if necessary provide an alternative carer.
Moving to a nursing home is often the default solution when someone needs additional care and support. This can be a complex, emotional decision for all concerned. In our experience, nursing homes cannot offer the continuity, quality of care, independence and lifestyle that one-to-one care at home delivers. Additionally, nursing home care can be a more expensive option, especially where a couple is seeking care together.
| Live-in Care | Nursing Home Care |
| Otus cost from £1,085 per week | From £1,355 per week* |
| Special rates for couples | Per bed charge |
| Familiar surroundings | Unfamiliar surroundings |
| Less upheaval and stress | Upheaval and distress |
| Independence maintained | Loss of independence |
| Person centered care – one-to-one 24/7 | Varied carers not 24/7 |
| Carer skills matched to physical and mental state of client | More generic care |
| Companionship and continuity of care | Varied continuity of care |
| Freedom to choose what and when you eat | Set menus at prescribed times |
| Friends and relatives freedom to visit in private | Lack of privacy |
| Pets can remain at home | Rules vary |
*Source: Fees paid by self-funders: LaingBuisson surveys of care homes 2020-21.
Affordable quality live-in care is an achievable and cost-effective alternative to a residential care home. The cost of live-in care for one person starts from£1,085 (incl. VAT and support & administration fee). Other costs to consider are: night calls which are charged at £12 per call (maximum two per night); double daily carer rate for Bank Holidays; accommodation and travel expenses.
Live-in carers registered with Otus are experienced and understand fully the need for privacy, dignity and respect when working with a client. They have the skills and ability to be able to gauge the correct level of attention in many different scenarios. The prospect of having an unfamiliar person living in your own home can be a concern for some people but in our experience these concerns are soon put to rest as live-in carers are experienced in understanding the emotions involved.
Otus is defined by The Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an Introductory Agency pursuant to the Health & Social Care Act 2008. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only chooses to monitor and inspect businesses where carers are employed by the agency. We are confident that we conduct our business in such a way that, should the introductory model fall under CQC regulation in the future, our standards would not only meet but exceed those determined by the CQC.
Otus is an Associate Member of the National Care Association (NCA) which represents small and medium size care providers, including live-in care introduction agencies. The NCA represents, guides, challenges and influences change for the direct benefit of both members and the people they support to promote and develop the highest standards of care in any setting. As associate members, Otus benefits from the NCA’s ongoing Government lobbying campaigns along with help and guidance on key issues, latest news and regulations affecting the care industry. For further information: https://nationalcareassociation.org.uk/about
Otus Live-in Care is an Introduction Agency providing an introduction service of highly vetted ‘self-employed’ live-in personal carers to clients. All personal carers we introduce are ‘self-employed’ and are expected to register as ‘self-employed’ with the Inland Revenue, therefore they are not an employee of Otus Live-in Care or its clients.
There are two main scenarios where live-in care could be considered as a good care option. It could be that you or a loved one are becoming frail or increasingly having mobility or memory problems, if running the home is beginning to feel like a daunting task and undertaking daily routines is becoming difficult, then live-in care might be the answer. Alternatively you or a loved one could have a spinal injury, suffer from cerebral palsy, learning difficulties or any other independence limiting condition. Live-in care can deliver person centered care in secure, familiar surroundings. It also provides comfort for family and friends and reassurance that a loved one has someone with them 24 hours a day.
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