Live-in Care in New Eltham

Because the carer lives in, it works the same on Sparrows Lane as next to the station, and our Lewisham office is a direct train ride away for reviews.

Is there room for a live-in carer in a New Eltham house?

Usually, yes. Most of New Eltham is 1930s semis and short terraces with three bedrooms, one of them often a box room that has held suitcases since the children left. That is enough if it takes a single bed and somewhere for clothes; the carer also shares the kitchen and bathroom.

The area's bungalows are easier still: no stairs, and the carer sleeps on the same level.

A one-bedroom flat or maisonette is harder. A sofa bed in the living room is not a carer's bedroom, so without a second room we would talk through other options, such as visiting care in New Eltham through the day.

Planning the house when the bedrooms and bathroom are upstairs

In a typical New Eltham semi the bed and the bath are both up one straight flight of stairs. Before a carer moves in, decide with us which way to go:

• Staying upstairs with a stairlift. A straight staircase is the simplest kind to fit.
• Living downstairs. The front or back reception room becomes the bedroom, with a commode and, if needed, a profiling bed. A call bell links it to the carer's room upstairs.
• Using a hoist. A mobile hoist needs clear floor space on both sides of the bed. Some hoisted transfers need two people, which one live-in carer cannot cover alone.

The council's occupational therapists assess for equipment and adaptations.

Changeover day at New Eltham station

At a changeover one carer arrives with a suitcase and another leaves. New Eltham is on Southeastern's Sidcup line: towards London, trains run to Charing Cross and Cannon Street, some calling at Lewisham; the other way they go out towards Dartford and Gravesend. There are lifts to both platforms, so a heavy case is not a problem.

If a relative drives the new carer over, check the street. Royal Greenwich has a New Eltham controlled parking zone (zone N) around the station that operates Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 11am, and a separate Avery Hill zone running 11am to 1pm on weekdays. Outside those hours, and on the many roads with no zone, parking is free.

The carer's break: Avery Hill Park and Southwood Road

Avery Hill Park, a short walk up Avery Hill Road, is a Green Flag park with a café and public toilets next to the children's playground, and the Green Chain Walk runs through it. The council lists the University of Greenwich's Winter Garden in the park as open daily from 10am to noon and 1pm to 4pm.

Closer to the station, Southwood Park is a small green space next to New Eltham Library on Southwood Road, a quiet indoor option on a wet day.

A relative or a short visit from us can cover the break if the person should not be alone. The same places work as outings together. The council says Avery Hill Park has wheelchair access and accessible toilets, so a loop and a cup of tea at the café is an easy afternoon.

Home from Queen Elizabeth Hospital

After an emergency admission, most New Eltham residents come home from Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. The first days back are when a fall on the stairs or a missed dose is most likely, and a live-in carer is there through them, not just for short visits.

If you are paying privately and a carer is available, they can sometimes arrive the day before discharge so the bed is made up downstairs and the fridge is stocked. Tell the ward early that live-in care is the plan. Our hospital discharge page covers the wider process.

One carer for a husband and wife

When one partner needs a lot of help, a single live-in carer can give that partner personal care while the other is helped with cooking, shopping and appointments. That works while the second partner's needs stay light. We write both people's needs into the care plan and match the carer to the heavier ones, for example someone with dementia care experience.

How is live-in care in New Eltham paid for?

After the free assessment you receive a written quote; we do not give prices over the phone. Royal Greenwich may contribute after a needs and financial assessment, and can pay its share as a direct payment you use for live-in care. Our Greenwich live-in page explains the means test. Where needs are mainly health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund the whole package. One local catch: New Eltham runs up to the boundary with Bexley towards Sidcup, so check which council is on the council tax bill before you ask for an assessment. See also live-in care across London.

What we can help with in New Eltham

• A carer living in, with their own room
• Care for one person or a couple
• Personal care through the day
• Medication support
• Cooking, housekeeping and laundry
• Dementia support at home
• Company, outings and appointments
• Cover arranged for the carer's breaks