If you or a family member are considering transitioning to full-time care, there are several options to consider. These options include live-in care or relocating to a care home. Each has its own benefits, and for certain individuals, live-in care may be the preferred choice. In this guide, we explore the main distinctions between live-in care at home and care homes, empowering you to make the best decision for you or a loved one

What does live-in care entail for the elderly?

Live-in care for the elderly involves a professional caregiver residing in the client’s home to provide continuous, personalised care tailored to their individual requirements. This option is often preferred as it allows the client to remain in their familiar environment while receiving the necessary support.

A live-in caregiver for the elderly assists with household chores and offers companionship and emotional support for as long as required.

Some care homes, also known as residential homes, provide on-site social activities such as bingo, crafts, group outings, and singing to enhance residents’ quality of life.

What sets live-in care apart from a care home?

A care home differs from live-in care in that it involves a team of caregivers providing support to multiple residents throughout the day. Some individuals may opt for a care home due to the social opportunities it provides. Many care homes, also referred to as residential homes, offer on-site social activities like bingo, crafts, group outings, singing, and excursions.

Care homes may be more suitable for individuals who struggle with sleep and require continuous care throughout the night. However, many people also prefer elderly live-in care because it offers specialised support from one dedicated caregiver.

Below, we examine the primary advantages of live-in home assistance for the elderly and compare them to residing in a care home, enabling you to make an informed decision for your parent or loved one.

Benefits of live-in care for the elderly:

Live-in care for the elderly is particularly advantageous for couples

Elderly live-in care is frequently favored by couples because it allows them to remain in their own home and receive specialized care without disrupting their living arrangements. The thought of being separated from one’s partner in a care home can be distressing, and the necessity for a caregiver shouldn’t entail a complete upheaval of their lives. This is why opting for an elderly live-in carer is an excellent choice for couples. It enables them to continue enjoying their home together, while having the convenience of a single carer who can attend to both of their needs over time.

Elderly live-in care minimises disruptions and upheavals, providing a smoother transition for individuals needing assistance

For many of us, the home we’ve lived in for years, even decades, holds a deep emotional significance. It can be incredibly distressing to contemplate leaving this familiar environment and relocating to an unfamiliar place. This is why live-in care is often the preferred choice. By opting for live-in care, individuals can remain in the comfort and security of their own home, honoring their wish to stay where they feel safe and at ease

You can receive specialist elderly live-in care

Live-in care is often the favored choice for individuals with dementia or a chronic illness. This preference stems from the fact that elderly live-in care can provide specially trained caregivers who are knowledgeable about dementia and capable of delivering personalised care as the client’s needs evolve. Dementia is a complex condition that can progress rapidly, and having one-on-one specialist dementia care can ensure that your relative or loved one receives the precise level of support they require.

Live-in care for the elderly provides companionship and emotional support

Elderly live-in care fosters the development of a stronger bond between the client and their caregiver. With the caregiver being a constant presence, both the client and their family members have the opportunity to establish a friendly relationship with them. This contrasts with the experience of having care provided by multiple different caregivers, which can be confusing and distressing, particularly for individuals who struggle with memory issues.

Live-in care for the elderly provides flexibility and grants individuals full control over their care

Elderly live-in care is highly sought after due to the level of control and flexibility it offers to the client. Unlike in a care home where waking times, mealtimes, and routines are typically set to accommodate the entire facility and its residents, live-in care allows for a more personalized approach. While some individuals may prefer the structured routines of a care home, others find it challenging to adapt to a completely new schedule dictated by others. With an elderly live-in carer, routines are tailored to the client’s preferences, offering greater flexibility and control. This personalized approach can be particularly comforting for a loved one who has specific waking or mealtime preferences. Live-in care at home prioritizes the individual’s needs, providing a familiar and comforting type of care.

With live-in care at home, individuals can have control over their mealtimes

Live-in care at home typically provides greater flexibility and choice when it comes to food options and personal nutrition. Since only one person’s needs are being addressed rather than many, there’s more room for variety, and preparing diverse meals becomes more manageable. Personal taste preferences can be taken into account without difficulty. Your loved one may be hesitant to voice their preferences, but this shouldn’t prevent them from enjoying their meals. This flexibility and consideration for individual preferences are significant factors driving people to choose live-in care at home.

Live-in care does not impose any limitations on having pets

Wherever possible, clients can keep their beloved pets with live-in care, as the caregiver can attend to the pet’s needs at home. This level of service isn’t typically feasible or possible in care homes. The need for care shouldn’t entail a complete upheaval of your relative’s life, and having a pet can offer additional comfort, companionship, and routine. A live-in caregiver for the elderly can fully cater to the needs of both the client and their pet.

A trial period can be promptly arranged with live-in care

If you opt to try live-in care, arrangements can be made within a few days, allowing you to test its effectiveness firsthand. In contrast, many care homes have waiting periods ranging from weeks to months. Live-in care is also suitable for rural and remote locations. Individuals requiring live-in care in such areas often face challenges in accessing services. However, this issue is resolved with live-in elderly care, as caregivers are willing to travel long distances for their placements.

Contact our dedicated team today to arrange elderly live-in care.

Benefits of residing in a care home include

A care home could be a better fit for individuals requiring more intensive care support

Elderly care homes offer a secure environment for individuals who have become unsafe at home, perhaps due to mobility issues, falls, or erratic behavior. In situations where someone poses a risk to themselves and requires constant supervision from multiple caregivers simultaneously, a care home becomes a more appropriate option than relying on a single caregiver who may not be equipped to manage their specific needs

Social aspect

Care homes for the elderly can offer valuable opportunities for companionship, with dedicated staff skilled at interacting with residents. Additionally, residents can socialize with each other and participate in activities like sing-alongs or games.

Specialised care facilities could be better suited to address specific or unique care requirements

Numerous residential care facilities offer specialised services tailored to individuals with specific needs, supported by trained nursing staff with expertise in various areas. These homes may focus on dementia, anxiety, depression, alcohol dependency, palliative care, or physical disabilities, thereby consolidating and enhancing the level of expertise available.

Downsides of a care home

Costs associated with care homes can be high

The cost of elderly care homes in the UK depends on the region, the quality of accommodation, and the required level of care. As more older people need care, care homes can charge higher fees and can without notice increase fees. In such cases, elderly live-in care could be better off as costs can be personalised for the person and be cheaper due to the little overheads. The price of elderly live in care takes into account no building maintenance or other wider business costs. Moreover, the resident has to pay only for actual care provided which helps live-in care agencies to offer set costs that are specific and reflective per case.

Care homes may lead to isolation

The loneliness and isolation are felt by the majority of the elderly people who relocate into care homes since they do not have the mobility or strength to join group sessions. An old person confined to their room has difficulty entering into activities and feels isolated, being served meals and medications by a carer at regular intervals. Moreover, a care home is a whole new place where the person feels like a stranger, as there are new carers and new residents coming all the time.

Limited flexibility and control

A newly placed resident of a care home may be shocked by the lack of options in some aspects. For instance, you will lose the right to choose what to eat and when. You may be unable to choose when you want to sleep, or additionally, if you would rather stay up later. This could be damaging to your sense of freedom, especially if you are new to the situation and have always been used to complete independence.

Choosing between elderly live-in care and a care home: Determining the best option for your needs

The choice between live-in care at home and care home is a matter of a balance between practical liability and emotional state of the person. As with any important choice, we find a good technique to be to make a list of advantages/barriers in two opposing columns on a piece of paper. This exercise should ideally capture both practical aspects like location and budget as well as emotional aspects like an individual’s desire to be independent and having control over their life that will naturally vary from person to person. You should go into discussions about the positives and negatives with family and friends, as well as care professionals, and take your time to make a decision that will be right for you.

How our dedicated team can help

Our dedicated team will carefully listen and appreciate your situation and start to consider what type of care you or your loved one requires. We are very particular about your individual and also your preferences.

A member of our dedicated and experienced team will select your perfect carer and organise the finer details making it a pleasurable and efficient process. We will then arrange for an inperson meeting or telephone conference call between ourselves and the chosen carer so that you can ask any questions and begin to build a relationship.

To start a conversation about live-in care with one of our dedicated care team contact us today to see how we can help. Explore our website to find out how we can help you find the right care for your or your loved one.