What’s the Difference Between Live-In Care & 24-Hour Care?

Choosing between live-in care and 24-hour care can be challenging for families who just want to ensure that their loved ones receive the right support. Understanding the differences between these options is essential to finding the right fit. Read on to explore the key differences between each type of care so that you can make an informed decision about which care is best suited to your family.

What is live-in care?

An increasingly popular alternative to residential care, live-in care provides your loved one with the high-quality, specialist care they need in the comfort of their own home. Live-in care provides the additional support that they need at home, either through 24-hour live-in care or visiting care services, giving them the chance to stay in their familiar surroundings with partners and beloved pets. 

Live-in care is becoming a more popular choice compared to residential care, enabling your family members to maintain control over their lives. If living alone or with a partner is becoming challenging, we can offer the additional support needed to preserve their independence. From 24-hour live-in care to visiting services, we provide a variety of customised options.

What are the benefits of live-in care?

Live-in care is a fantastic option for those who need more support during daily life, but don’t want to move into a residential setting. Dedicated live-in carers can provide support across a range of activities, from helping with medical care (administering medication or attending doctor appointments) to assisting with daily tasks, such as washing, cleaning, cooking and eating. Live-in carers provide the perfect level of support, being there to assist when needed but knowing when to step back so that your family member can enjoy their routine uninterrupted. As a result, live-in care is well-suited to those who need generic care support throughout their day. 

What are the benefits of 24-hour care?

24-hour care is a type of specialist care that’s designed to support those with complex and consistent care requirements. Sometimes referred to as “round-the-clock care”, 24-hour care ensures your loved one has continuous assistance and supervision throughout the day and night. 

24-hour care is best suited for individuals who require continuous support due to health issues, disabilities, or age-related challenges. This level of consistent care is ideal for people who want to maintain their independence while receiving assistance with daily activities, medication management, and personal care. If your family is seeking peace of mind for a vulnerable family member by knowing they have round-the-clock support, you will find 24-hour care invaluable. 

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

Live-in care and 24-hour care have many similarities, with their main differences being the level and consistency of care required by your family member. Live-in care involves a carer residing in the home, offering help throughout the day and night, but typically has scheduled rest periods. This option is often more cost-effective and suitable for those who need companionship and daily support without the need for supervision through the night.  

In comparison, 24-hour care features multiple carers rotating shifts to ensure continuous support. This option is ideal for individuals with higher medical needs, offering more intensive care and constant monitoring. 

While live-in care provides flexibility in care plans and is usually less expensive, 24-hour care guarantees that help is available at all times, which can be crucial for those with serious health conditions. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the individual’s specific needs, preferences, and level of required assistance.  It is also possible to have 2 live-in carers, one to take care of day support and the other to provide the night support, this provides a good level of continuity and is a preferred way of providing 24 hour care to many clients. 

Is 24-hour care a better alternative when compared to residential care?

24-hour care is often preferred over residential care, as it allows individuals to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own homes. Unlike residential care facilities where routines can be rigid and the setting can be noisy and overstimulating, 24-hour care provides personalised support tailored to individual needs within a familiar and comforting environment. As a result, 24-hour care offers the same high level of care but places less stress on your loved one. This recentres their care to a more holistic approach by also prioritising their emotional well-being, and ensuring they stay connected to their family and friends. Residential care usually sees multiple carers tending to the needs of many residents, whilst 24-hour live-on care can give your family member one-on-one attention from a dedicated carer. 

Why choose Ashridge Home Care for live-in or 24-hour care services?

When you choose Ashridge to provide live-in or 24-hour care services, you’ll guarantee that your family member has access to a high-quality, personalised service. Combining compassionate support with medical expertise, our specialist carers can give your family members the care and attention they deserve. We provide vital support during the day and night so that they can continue to enjoy their independence in the place they know and love. 

We provide your family with a dedicated care manager who works with you to define your specific needs. They’ll use your input to make a tailored care plan and match you with a carer that meets your individual needs and preferences.  

With continuous training and ongoing supervision for all of our carers, you can be sure that your family is receiving award-winning care. 

Looking for the right care for your loved one, but not sure which care option is right for them? Get in touch with Ashridge Home Care today, and our friendly team will be happy to discuss our care options with you.