Caring for an elderly loved one can be a challenging and emotional journey, especially when faced with the decision of choosing the right type of care.
Many families find themselves at a crossroads, unsure whether live-in care at home or residential care is the best option. This decision can feel overwhelming, as each choice comes with its own set of considerations.
In this guide, we explain the differences between live-in care vs residential care so that you can make an informed decision with your loved one.
What is residential care?
Residential care refers to a type of care setting where individuals live in a communal facility that provides various levels of support and assistance. This arrangement is suitable for those who can no longer live independently at home due to age, health conditions or other factors.
Residential care can be offered in different types of settings, each providing varying levels of care and services to meet the diverse needs of residents.
Here are definitions and explanations of some common types of residential care:
Care Home
A care home, also known as a residential care facility or assisted living facility, is a communal living arrangement where individuals receive personal care and support. This may include assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management and meal preparation.
Care homes provide a supportive environment with communal spaces, organised activities, and 24-hour staff to ensure residents’ safety and wellbeing. While they offer personal care, they may not have on-site medical professionals. Moreover, the ratio of carers to residents is not regulated, meaning that one carer can be responsible for a number of residents.
Nursing Home
A nursing home is a residential facility that provides a higher level of medical care, including skilled nursing care, for individuals with complex medical needs or chronic conditions. Nursing homes typically have registered nurses on staff and may offer rehabilitation services.
In addition to personal care assistance, nursing homes have a higher level of medical oversight, making them suitable for individuals who require regular medical monitoring, medication administration and specialised care. However, care is not personalised and tailored towards individual preferences and needs.
Sheltered Living
Sheltered living, also known as sheltered housing or supported housing, provides independent living within a community setting. Residents live in self-contained accommodation, such as apartments or bungalows, while having access to communal facilities and on-site support services.
Sheltered living offers a balance between independent living and having access to support when needed. It is suitable for individuals who can manage most aspects of daily life independently but may require occasional assistance.
Differences of live-in care vs residential care?
| Pros of Live-in Care | Pros of Residential Care |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Personalised one-on-one care | 24/7 care may be available on-site |
| Carers specialised in health conditions relevant to your loved one | Care homes may provide specialised dementia, mental health, palliative or physical disability care |
| For couples, the ability to remain living together in their own home | Some care homes offer shared accommodation for couples |
| Remaining in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of home | Rooms and communal areas designed to be easily accessible |
| Live-in care costs from £900 for individual care | Residential care costs £760, however, this doesn’t include additional personalised care |
| Maintaining daily routines and social engagements | Activities and social events arranged on the premises |
| Surrounded by much-loved family, pets and memories | Surrounded by other elderly people |
| No disruption as a result of moving home | Secure housing with an alarm system |
What affects care costs?
The cost of care can vary depending on several factors. Understanding these can help families compare live-in care and residential care more clearly and plan for the future.
What care you need and how much
Care plans are tailored to the individual. If someone requires a higher level of support or more specialist care, the cost will usually be higher.
For example, care that involves complex medical needs, dementia support or mobility assistance may require carers with specific training and experience. Nursing care, which must be delivered by a registered nurse, typically costs more than care that does not involve clinical support.
Understanding the type and amount of care required can help you compare options and estimate the likely cost.
How many people need care
If two people in the same home need care, such as a couple, live-in care can often be more cost effective than arranging separate care arrangements.
One live-in carer may be able to support both individuals, depending on their needs. Care homes sometimes offer shared accommodation for couples, but this may not always be available or suitable.
For many couples, live-in care allows them to remain together in their own home while receiving personalised support.
Type of care home
Residential care homes vary widely in cost. While the average weekly fee may appear lower than live-in care, some homes charge significantly more.
Facilities that offer specialist dementia care, nursing care or additional services may have higher fees. Luxury care homes with extensive amenities and activities may also charge more than standard residential homes.
When comparing costs, it is important to consider what is included in the price and whether additional services may incur extra charges.
What financial support you are eligible for
The amount you pay for care may depend on whether you qualify for financial support.
Your local authority may contribute towards care costs after carrying out a financial means test. This assessment considers your savings, income and assets.
You may also be eligible for other types of financial support, such as:
- NHS Continuing Healthcare funding
- NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
Understanding which benefits or funding options apply to your situation can significantly affect the overall cost of care. Our Financing and Funding Care Guide can help answer your questions.
How your home affects your finances
Your property can also influence the overall affordability of care.
If you remain living at home with live-in care, the value of your property is not usually counted as an asset in a financial assessment. This may mean you qualify for more local authority funding than if you moved into residential care.
However, if you move into a care home permanently, your property may be taken into account when assessing your finances. Some families choose to rent out the property to help cover care costs, or use arrangements such as a Deferred Payment Agreement through the local council.
Every situation is different, so considering how your home affects your finances can help you make a more informed decision when comparing care options.
Which option is best for your family?
When deciding on care for an elderly loved one, careful consideration is essential to ensure that care aligns with your loved one’s unique needs and preferences.
Live-in care may be right for your elderly family member…
- If your loved one values the familiarity and comfort of their own home and wishes to maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle.
- If both partners require care. Live-in care is often more cost-effective than alternative options, providing personalised support within the home environment.
- If your loved one prefers having one or two trusted caregivers consistently supporting them, as opposed to interacting with various individuals in a care facility.
- If your loved one wishes to continue their daily activities with support. Live-in care provides personalised assistance while preserving routines.
- If safety is a concern and your loved one feels more secure in their familiar home environment.
A care home might be the right choice…
- If your loved one has high social needs and values interactions with both residents and caregivers.
- If your loved one is ready for a new chapter in life and is open to the idea of living in a new and communal setting.
- If your loved one seeks opportunities for daily activities, regular outings, and new experiences.
- If safety is a concern, and your loved one may benefit from the additional security features in a residential care facility.
- If your loved one requires specialised equipment for care, and their current home lacks the necessary space or accommodation.
A checklist to help you decide
Choosing the right care option is a significant decision. Taking the time to consider the following questions may help guide your choice.
- Does your loved one want to remain living in their own home?
- How much support do they currently need day to day?
- Would they benefit from one-to-one care or a social community setting?
- Are there specific medical or mobility needs to consider?
- Would remaining close to family, friends or pets improve their wellbeing?
- What care options are available within your local area?
Discussing these questions with your loved one and seeking professional advice can make the decision clearer and ensure the chosen care option supports their comfort, safety and quality of life.
How Country Cousins can help
If you require live-in care for your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency and have provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
We put great importance on matching the right carer to each client, as we know through our extensive experience that these factors greatly influence the success of the live-in care we provide and the satisfaction of our clients.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
