Live-In Procedure

The purpose of this page is to explain the concept of the “Live-in” arrangement for foreign workers. In a Live-In arrangement, the worker is assigned to a family and lives with them full-time. This means that the worker sleeps, eats, and resides with the family, sharing their daily life and routines. The worker does not have a separate residence; their living situation is fully integrated with that of the family they work for. The goal of this document is to provide a clear understanding of the Live-In procedure and outline the responsibilities and benefits associated with it.

Happy woman with rolling pin cooking at home

Understanding the Live-In Arrangement

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Full Integration with the Family

In a Live-In arrangement, the worker becomes an integral part of the family’s daily life. This means the worker is present in the home 24/7, except for designated days off, and takes care of various household responsibilities. The worker’s life is closely connected with that of the family, creating a strong bond and mutual understanding.

Household Responsibilities

The worker is responsible for a wide range of household tasks, which may include:

  • Cleaning the House: Ensuring that the family home is kept clean and tidy at all times.
  • Childcare: Taking care of the children, including feeding, bathing, playing, and assisting with homework.
  • Baby Care: Providing dedicated care to infants, including changing diapers, preparing bottles, and soothing the baby.
  • Pet Care: Looking after the family’s pets, ensuring they are fed, exercised, and groomed as needed.
  • Cooking: Preparing meals for the family according to their dietary preferences and cultural traditions.
  • Gardening: Maintaining the garden and outdoor areas if required, including watering plants and general upkeep.
  • Laundry and Ironing: Washing, drying, and ironing clothes, ensuring the family always has clean and presentable attire.
  • General Support: Attending to any other needs or requests from the family, providing overall support for the household.
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Daily Routine and Schedule

The daily routine in a Live-In arrangement typically follows the family’s schedule, with the worker starting their day early to prepare breakfast and perform morning tasks. Throughout the day, the worker will engage in various household duties, with breaks aligned with the family’s needs. Evenings may involve preparing dinner, cleaning up, and assisting with bedtime routines for children. The worker’s schedule may vary depending on the specific needs of the family, but the overall goal is to ensure that the household runs smoothly and efficiently.

Advantages of the Live-In Arrangement

  • No Travel Worries: The worker does not need to commute between home and work, as they live within the family’s residence. This eliminates the stress of travel and ensures they are always available when needed.
  • Comprehensive Support: The family provides all the worker’s basic needs, including accommodation, meals, and access to amenities like bathing facilities. This creates a secure and stable environment for the worker, who can focus entirely on their responsibilities without worrying about personal logistics.
  • Cultural Integration: Living with the family offers the worker a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, language, and customs, leading to a deeper understanding and stronger relationships.
  • Stability and Security: The Live-In arrangement offers a stable living situation, where the worker is supported by the family in all aspects of daily life. This is particularly beneficial for workers coming from abroad, as it provides a sense of belonging and security in a foreign country.
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Day Routine Schedule for Live-In Arrangement

Below is a typical daily schedule for a Live-In worker. The worker is expected to work 8 to 9 hours a day, with breaks spread throughout the day. The schedule is designed to ensure that the worker can effectively support the family while also having time for rest and personal care.

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM

Morning Routine Support

Assist the family with preparing the children for school or other daily activities. This includes helping with breakfast, getting the children dressed, and ensuring they are ready to Live for their respective programs.

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Personal Time

The worker can use this time to rest, have breakfast, or prepare mentally and physically for the day’s tasks.

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Household Tasks

Engage in routine household chores. This includes cleaning the house, doing laundry, ironing, and preparing meals. The worker should also handle any additional tasks such as pet care, gardening, or other domestic duties required by the family.

12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Midday Break

Time allocated for the worker to rest, eat lunch, and recharge for the remainder of the day.

3:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Afternoon & Evening Responsibilities

Resume work, focusing primarily on childcare. This includes picking up the children from school or other activities, preparing snacks, helping with homework, and engaging in playtime. The worker will also prepare dinner for the family, assist with feeding the children, and perform light cleaning after meals.

7:00 PM Onwards

End of Day

The worker’s duties conclude once the children are settled in bed. Afterward, the worker is free to shower, relax, and prepare for the next day.

This schedule is flexible and can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the family and the worker. It ensures that the worker has dedicated periods for rest and personal care while fulfilling their responsibilities to the family efficiently.