If a care home doesn’t feel like the right choice, there are several safe alternatives that can help older people stay independent while receiving the support they need. Live-in care, sheltered housing, retirement villages and moving in with family all offer different benefits depending on someone’s care needs, lifestyle and budget.
This guide compares the main options so you can decide which may be the best fit for your loved one.
How does live-in care compare with care homes?
When considering the right type of professional care for a loved one, it’s helpful to compare specific needs and requirements you may want:
| Live-in Care | Care Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Can I keep my pet? | Usually yes | Usually no |
| Choose where I can sleep? | Sleep in your own bedroom | Room allocated |
| Daily routine? | Your own routine | Shared routines |
| Meals | Your choice | Usually set menus |
| Dedicated care? | Carefully matched one-to-one support | Shift-based care teams |
Why do families choose live-in care instead of a care home?
Rather than change what you or your loved ones are used to, we tailor our care plans to complement your established routines. Our fully qualified carers provide bespoke care and support that residential care homes and nursing homes are often unable to provide.
Care homes remain one of the most popular forms of round-the-clock care for the elderly in the UK. However, they’re not for everyone. The vast majority of people would prefer to stay in their own home given the choice, whilst others need different levels of care that aren’t always suitable for a care home environment.
As England’s population continues to age, demand for social care is growing. Age UK’s latest report highlights that more people are living longer but spending fewer years in good health, placing increasing pressure on health and social care services.
At Country Cousins, we have compiled a guide outlining some of the best alternatives to care homes, along with the services and care we can offer.
You might also find our guide on Prioritising live-in care in the winter time helpful when planning ahead for seasonal challenges.
What are the alternatives to a care home?
Residential homes aren’t the only option to consider when seeking professional care services.
Below are some of the most popular alternatives:
| Care Option | Best suited to | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Live-in care | People who want to remain in their own home with one-to-one support | Personalised care while maintaining familiar routines and independence |
| Moving in with family | Those with relatives able to provide ongoing support | Care from loved ones and lower living costs |
| Retirement village | Independent older adults looking for a community lifestyle | Independent living with access to shared facilities and optional support |
| Sheltered housing | Older people who can live independently but want added reassurance | Private accommodation with emergency support available |
Live-in care
A live-in care company is one of the most popular alternatives to care homes.
There are a number of benefits to receiving live-in care, including:
- You can stay around your family and those you love in an environment that’s familiar and comfortable to you.
- If you have a beloved pet, you can keep it at home with you.
- There’s no pressure to follow a set schedule, so you can maintain a level of independence not afforded in a care home.
- You can take advantage of personalised levels of care, bespoke to your needs.
- You can eat what you want, whenever you want.
Most importantly, you can focus on yourself, knowing that your carer is there for you when needed. You can still watch your favourite TV shows when you want, do your own gardening or any household tasks you enjoy, whilst safe in the knowledge that your carer is on hand to support you.
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, Country Cousins has been helping people remain safely in their own homes since 1959. We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different, which is why every care arrangement is carefully matched to the individual’s needs and preferences.
Moving In with Family or Friends
If a friend or family member has the capacity to provide additional care for a relative, this is also an option worth considering.
There are a number of benefits to moving in with family or friends:
- You’re around people you’re comfortable with and they’ll be able to provide the care you need.
- You still maintain a level of independence, just in someone else’s home. You may need to adapt slightly to their schedule, but you will have more freedom than you might in a care home.
- Generally, this is one of the cheapest care options, as the only true ongoing costs will be those of running an extended household, such as increased food and utility bills.
When it comes to moving in with family, there are some key questions that should be discussed openly and honestly beforehand with everyone involved.
These include:
- What level of care is needed, and can this realistically be provided on a long-term basis?
- Will the home need to be adapted in any way? For example, will mobility supports need to be put in place?
- How might your new living arrangement affect any bills, such as Council Tax or utility bills?
- Is there an expectation that rent, food or other bills will be shared?
- Sometimes, one of the hardest yet most important questions to ask yourself is whether everyone involved (pets included!) gets along, or whether the arrangement will cause undue stress and concern.
- What happens if the arrangement doesn’t work? You should still be open to the possibility of arranging alternative care, such as live-in care in your own home or in a care home.
Retirement villages
Retirement villages are developments created specifically for those of retirement age. They provide an opportunity to downsize from larger homes and to be amongst peers, whilst remaining close to local amenities and town centres.
There is often a choice of accommodation that can be bought or rented, with shared communal areas where residents can gather and socialise. Support is also normally on hand within the village in case of emergencies, with areas dedicated to basic care needs should they be required.
Retirement villages lend themselves to those looking to retire quietly who may not need regular care provision; however, the facilities and cost of retirement villages can vary considerably, and so we’d always advocate further research if this is an option that appeals to you.
Sheltered housing
Sheltered housing is similar to a retirement village in that it allows those of post-retirement age to purchase or rent a small apartment in a dedicated, shared block. These apartments are overseen by a warden who usually lives on or around the site. Residents are then equipped with a personal alarm so the warden can be notified if they’ve fallen ill or had an accident.
Sheltered Housing allows residents to maintain their independence while being safe in the knowledge that someone is there for them if they need it.
There are usually communal areas for socialising or gardens for getting some fresh air on nice days. Some schemes also offer additional care packages, but, as with retirement villages, we’d advocate further research into sheltered housing options near you if this appeals to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is live-in care cheaper than a care home?
It depends on the level of care needed and whether care is for one person or a couple. Live-in care can be a cost-effective option for people who want one-to-one support while remaining in their own home.
Who is live-in care suitable for?
Live-in care is suitable for many older adults, including people living with dementia, reduced mobility or long-term health conditions who wish to remain in familiar surroundings.
Can someone receive live-in care temporarily?
Yes. Live-in care can be arranged for short-term support following a hospital stay, during recovery from illness or surgery, or while a family carer takes a break.
What if care needs change over time?
A good live-in care provider will regularly review the care plan and adapt the level of support as needs change, helping people continue living safely at home for as long as possible.
Speak to Country Cousins about live-in care
We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency and have been providing compassionate care to those who need it in their own homes since 1959.
Call our experienced team today on 01293 224706 to discuss your live-in home care needs and receive a free no obligation quotation.
