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 live-in care?
Live-in care at home is a complete caregiving service designed to support elderly individuals in the comfort of their own homes. This type of care provides around the clock assistance, allowing individuals to maintain their independence while receiving the necessary support to meet their daily needs.
This care is provided by a dedicated carer who lives in the home with the client. This not only fosters a close relationship but also guarantees care and support are on hand whenever needed. This offers complete reassurance to the individual and their family.
Live-in care offers various types of care, each tailored to address specific individual requirements.
Here’s an overview of some of the types of live-in care:
24-Hour Care
Continuous care provided by a dedicated caregiver who is present around the clock, ensuring that the individual has assistance at any time, day or night. 24-hour care is ideal for individuals who require constant support due to advanced age, medical conditions or mobility challenges.
Overnight Care
Specifically focused on providing care during the night hours, including assistance with bedtime routines, monitoring, and responding to any needs that may arise. Night care benefits those who may experience sleep disturbances or wandering, require help with nighttime routines or need reassurance during the night.
Complex Condition-Led Care
Tailored care designed to address the specific needs of individuals with complex medical conditions, chronic illnesses or disabilities. Carers offering complex condition-led care can manage and assist with specialised medical tasks, administer medications, and support complex healthcare needs.
Companion Care
Focused on providing companionship and emotional support, companion care helps individuals maintain a sense of connection and wellbeing. Suitable for those who are relatively independent but may face loneliness or require assistance with social activities, light household tasks and transportation.
Couples Care
Care for couples who wish to stay together while receiving the necessary support to maintain their quality of life. Carers assist both individuals, taking into consideration their individual needs and ensuring they can continue to enjoy their relationship in a home setting.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care
Specialised care for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment. Carers can manage the unique challenges associated with memory loss, behavioural changes and cognitive decline.
Rehabilitation Care
Support for people recovering from surgery, illness or injury, carers will help them regain independence and mobility. Care may include physical therapy exercises, assistance with daily activities and monitoring progress.
These different types of live-in care services cater to a range of needs, ensuring that individuals can age in place with dignity and receive the personalised support required for their wellbeing.
For an in depth explanation of how live-in care works, take a look at our downloadable guide.
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 |
Things to consider when deciding on elderly care
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.
Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the individual needs and circumstances of your loved one. Taking the time to consider these factors thoroughly will help you make a well-informed decision that prioritises their comfort, safety, and overall 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, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
