Live-in care vs. 24-hour care

When it comes to ensuring the well-being of your loved ones, choosing the right type of care is paramount. Live-in care and 24-hour care are two options that provide round-the-clock support, but they differ in their approach and delivery.

In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between live-in care and 24-hour care, helping you make an informed decision that meets the unique needs of your loved ones.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is when a professional carer comes and lives with you in your home to provide you with around-the-clock care, companionship and support so you can live a better quality of life, in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. The individual services provided will vary in accordance with the day-to-day needs of the person requiring care.

Our live-in carers are professionals expertly trained to look after and provide flexible care to individuals or couples in their own homes. Our clients typically have a team of two carers who take it in turn to live with them. When one of our live-in carers arrives at the client’s home, they have a handover with the previous carer.

When families are faced with the realisation that their loved one or family member needs care and support, many feel the only option is to move into a care or nursing home. Live-in care is fast becoming the preferred choice for those who wish to continue to live in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, whilst receiving the care and support they need to live a fulfilled life.

When might live-in care be needed?

Live-in care may be the ideal solution for people who require ongoing support and assistance with daily activities.

Some situations where live-in care could be beneficial include:

• Live-in carers can assist with daily household chores such as meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, and errands, ensuring that the home environment remains safe, tidy, and conducive to the individual’s well-being.
• Individuals who have difficulty moving around independently or require assistance with mobility aids may benefit from having a live-in carer to provide continuous support and assistance.
• Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis may require regular monitoring and support to manage their symptoms and prevent complications.
• Individuals who need assistance with medication administration, including reminders and monitoring for potential side effects or interactions, can benefit from having a live-in carer to ensure they stay on track with their medication regimen.
• Those who require help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other personal care tasks on a daily basis may find live-in care essential for maintaining their hygiene and well-being.
• Even individuals with lower care needs can experience feelings of loneliness or isolation, making continuous companionship and social interaction valuable aspects of live-in care.

What is 24-hour care?

With our 24-hour care at home, you will be supported by two carers who exchange shifts. This means you will have access to one-to-one support from our professional carers at all times. A team of live-in carers will typically provide you with around-the-clock care – one who will care for you during the day, and another who will care for you during the night.

You may also have wraparound carers who will provide support during your live-in carers’ breaks, so that you are never without the assistance you require.

It’s important to note how this differs from standard live-in care. During a typical live-in care arrangement, the carer who lives with you is only available for ad-hoc needs throughout the night. This usually means they should not be expected to have to wake up more than 2 or 3 times per night.

With our 24-hour care at home, there will always be a carer on hand to provide our award-winning care and support, throughout both the day and night. In such cases, you may benefit from the support of two live-in carers, or one live-in carer and an additional visiting carer. This is particularly suitable for someone with ongoing or complex medical needs that require round-the-clock support.

What are the differences between live-in care and 24-hour care?

When might 24-hour care be needed?

24-hour care may be necessary when an individual requires round-the-clock support and assistance with activities of daily living due to age, chronic illness, disability, or complex medical needs.

Some of the circumstances where 24-hour care could be the most viable option include:

• Late-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease that requires round-the-clock supervision and support.
• Individuals recovering from a serious injury or surgery who require ongoing monitoring and assistance with their recovery.
• Chronic health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke that require continuous management and support.
• Individuals with complex care needs who are unable to safely manage alone and require assistance with medication management, meal preparation, and other daily tasks.
• End-of-life care, where individuals require palliative care and support to maintain comfort and dignity during their final days.

Arrange a no-obligation home care assessment

If you’re considering home care for yourself or a loved one, arranging a no-obligation home care assessment is the first step towards understanding your options and determining the level of care needed. During the assessment, a qualified care manager will visit your home to discuss your care needs, preferences, and goals. They will conduct a thorough evaluation of your care needs and provide personalised recommendations tailored to your unique circumstances.

This assessment is an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and explore the services available to support your loved one’s independence and well-being.

To book your free, no-obligation home care assessment with The Good Care Group, contact our friendly team today.