‘We have a lovely relationship’ – Support and independence with Live-in Care 

Following a fall that resulted in a long hospital stay, Mary O’Hare was determined to return to her own home to continue her recovery. While she has great support from family and neighbours, she needed additional help during the day and the reassurance that someone would be in the house at night. After discussing the options with her family, Live-in Care with Dovida felt like the best solution.   

We spoke with Mary and her daughter, Siobhan, about the difference Live-in Care has made to their lives.  

“I use a walker and have difficulty with my eyesight, so everyday tasks can be challenging,” Mary explained.  

“My caregiver, Carolina, helps me with personal care, meals, household tasks, laundry, and companionship, allowing me to continue living comfortably in my own home.”

A typical day with Live-in Care   

Further to providing practical help and companionship, Mary and Carolina have a “lovely relationship”, and there’s always lots to talk about. 

“Carolina helps me shower, dress, prepare meals, and manage my medication. She keeps the house tidy, looks after the laundry, and supports me with my physiotherapy exercises. We spend time chatting throughout the day, and we hope to enjoy more walks outdoors throughout the summer.”  

“We have a lovely relationship. Carolina is kind, interesting, and great company. We enjoy sharing stories about our lives and families, and because we both worked in the fashion industry, we have plenty to talk about. We have lots of enjoyable conversations, and I like helping her with her English when I can.” 

Peace of mind for the whole family 

From the family’s perspective, Siobhan says that the impact Live-in Care has had on their lives has been significant.   

“Our current caregivers are excellent. The support from the team has been outstanding, and we couldn’t be happier with the care Mum is receiving.”

“The greatest benefit is knowing Mum is safe, supported, and happy at home, which gives us peace of mind while we continue with our own daily lives.” 

“For me, it’s the peace of mind of knowing I’m well cared for and not alone at night,” said Mary. “I also value the companionship and the ability to remain in my own home.”  

An important decision 

Like many families, cost was an important factor when deciding what kind of care to choose.  

“We carefully reviewed our finances and compared different care options before deciding,” explained Mary. “I was also unsure about having someone new living in my home, especially with caregivers changing periodically, but with my family’s support, I became comfortable with the decision.”  

That comfort came from knowing that all Dovida Live-in Caregivers are legally entitled to work in Ireland, have passed stringent security clearance procedures, and are supervised and supported by Dovida’s local office teams. 

For Siobhan, she says the cost should be looked at “realistically.” 

“While there are cheaper options available, we valued the reliability, support, and peace of mind that came with using a fully managed service. Dovida handles all the administration and provides cover whenever needed, which has been invaluable. Although it is a significant investment, we have no regrets and are very happy with the service,” she said. 

Where I want to be 

For Mary, living at home was the most important thing and Live-in Care has made that possible. 

“I have lived in this house since I got married, raised my family here and have wonderful neighbours. I want to stay here for as long as possible. Live-in Care gives me the support and independence I need to remain at home and avoid moving into a nursing home.”