When looking for the best care options available, many people are unsure whether live-in care or a care home is the better choice. This blog will help you understand which option suits you best, and what to consider when making your decision. So is live-in care better than a care home?
Live-in care can be better than a care home in many situations. Live-in care costs can be less than a care home depending on your requirements. You’ll also be able to stay in a comfortable environment, keep your pets, and maintain your independence. The level of care will often also be better, with 1 on 1 care instead of the carer being spread over multiple people.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of both live-in care and care homes, how much each costs, and how to decide which is better for you.
Jump to section:
- What Are the Benefits of a Live-in Carer?
- What Are the Advantages of Going Into a Care Home?
- Is a Live-in Carer More Expensive Than a Care Home?
- Is Live-in Care Better Quality Than a Care Home?
- How to Choose Between Live in Care and a Care Home
What Are the Benefits of a Live-in Carer?
Live in care allows people to remain safe in their own home when faced with challenges that affect their ability to live independently. A carer is able to support individuals to live independently at home by cooking meals, keeping a routine, assisting with medication, having the security of another person at home in case of emergency, and companionship.
Compared to a care home, live-in care is often cheaper, more flexible with meals and timings, you can stay in a familiar environment, keep a routine, and not be restricted with pets. Carers can also help with board games, arts and crafts and any other hobbies you might have. Because you’ll be staying in a familiar environment, live-in dementia care is a great option for those with dementia or those with similar requirements.
What Are the Advantages of Going Into a Care Home?
A care home can suit people that want to be in an environment with people that are of a similar age or that have similar conditions. It can be socially rewarding to have lots of people around. Some care homes also have facilities on site that are convenient for those with poor mobility and there is often a schedule of events such as singers and other entertainment.
Is a Live-in Carer More Expensive Than a Care Home?
Depending on the level of care, live in care costs can often be less than moving into a home. This is because with a care home, you’ll always be paying for 24 hour care as well as your accommodation and food.
Considering live-in care costs, many of our clients will already own their own home, meaning that the accommodation aspect of the cost is taken out completely. You’ll also be able to budget your own food with the help of the carers, meaning that you could save on the food aspect too. Finally, you’re able to choose the level of care that you receive, from full 24 hour care to more affordable plans with less hours of care. While the actual care hours with this will be smaller, you’ll still have all the benefits of having a live-in carer in the property with you and lower live-in care costs.
Is Live-in Care Better Quality Than a Care Home?
Because there is a dedicated carer, it is often 1 to 1 care, or if care is required for a couple, 1 carer to 2 individuals. This means that the carer is able to take their time and give their best. In a care home there is often 1 carer that provides care for a number of people which means that care can be rushed and people’s care requirements can be neglected.
How to Choose Between Live in Care and a Care Home
It is important to think about what suits the individual best. As an example, if someone has dementia and changing the environment could be difficult for the person, this could cause a decline in their wellbeing. There are also other factors to consider such as pets, social life or hobbies around their home, and the companionship they’ll receive from their live-in carers. Alternatively, others thrive in a care home because of the social and routine aspects.
Live In Care With Rivendell Care & Support
At Rivendell Care & Support, we provide a range of at home care services to suit every need. If you think that live-in care or at home care could be the right option for you or your loved one, visit our live-in care page to find out more about how we can help you.If you have any questions about any of our services, get in touch with a member of our friendly team and so that we can assist you.
