When your loved one begins to need round the clock care and support, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what care service is best suited to their needs and lifestyle. For many families, the choice comes down to live in care or 24 hour home care services. While these two care services may seem similar at first glance, they offer distinct approaches to supporting individuals in the comfort of their own home.
At Careline Home Support, we understand how important it is to choose the right level of care. In this article, we’ll explain the meaning of live in care, what 24 hour care involves, and how each option supports people with complex needs, such as dementia care, intensive care, or 24 hour Alzheimer’s care.
What is Live-in Care?
What does live-in care mean? Put simply, live-in care is a care arrangement where a dedicated professional carer moves into the person’s family home to provide continuous support. The live-in carer is there to assist with a wide range of daily needs, including:
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Medication administration
- Companionship
- Household tasks
- Mobility support
The goal of hour care services is to help people live life as independently as possible while remaining in familiar surroundings and close to their local community.
Key features of Live-in Care:
Live in care offers a practical and compassionate alternative to residential care, allowing individuals to remain in their own home while receiving tailored support from live in carer who moves in as a part of their live in care arrangement. This model of hour care at home ensures that someone is always present to provide support throughout the day and evening, offering 24 hour care c fcoverage that prioritises independence, comfort, and continuity.
What sets live-in care apart is the way it centres entirely around the person’s care needs. Whether it’s help with personal care, mobility assistance, or monitoring ongoing health conditions, the carer is there to deliver consistent care and respond to the individual’s daily routines and preferences. This type of hour care can be especially beneficial for someone who values structure and the ability to live life on their terms, without the disruption of moving to a facility or sharing attention with others, as would be the case in a hour care environment or residential care setting.
Live-in carers also play a crucial role in the emotional and social support of the person they support. They not only offer continuous assistance with physical needs but also provide companionship, helping to reduce isolation and build trust. For families, this brings peace of mind. Whether you’re a family member who lives nearby or at a distance, knowing there is a care team in place offering hour care at home brings a sense of relief and stability.
Live in care can also be arranged as respite care, giving short-term relief to family carers. Typically, live-in carers are assigned as part of a personalised care package, created after a detailed assessment of the individual’s lifestyle, preferences, and medical background. This care package is managed by a professional care team, ensuring that all aspects of the person’s needs – from meal preparation to nursing care are addressed through consistent care that is respectful and adaptive. For those with progressive health condition, a well-planned care package can adapt over time, adding more support as needs evolve, all within the comfort of their own home.
Having one live in carer offers a personalised approach and builds trust over time. Live in care is an ideal solution for many who require 24 hour care support, but not necessarily two carers on shift rotation. It provides a more personal approach to hour care, with the added benefit of having a familiar face nearby at all times. For many family members, this is the most reassuring option, allowing their loved one to stay in a safe, known environment while receiving 24 hour care from someone they trust.
What is 24-Hour Care?
This is a round-the-clock care solution involving two carers working shifts to provide 24 hour care at home. This form of care is often chosen as an alternative to residential care, especially when families wish to maintain a more personal and home-based approach. Unlike live-in care, 24 hour care ensures that someone is always awake, alert, and available to help both the day or night.
This option is particularly suitable for those with advanced or complex care needs, such as late stage dementia, medical needs that require constant supervision, or those prone to falls and wandering at night.
Key Features of 24-Hour Care:
Choosing 24 hour care means having round the clock support from professional carers who work in shifts to ensure that someone is always awake and alert to meet your loved one’s needs throughout both the say and night. This type of care service at home allows individuals to remain in their own home, where they can continue to enjoy familiar surroundings and routines. Unlike residential care or a residential nursing home, 24 hour care provides a personalised alternative, offering the same high standard of support without the need to relocate.
The main advantage of this care model is the guarantee of constant supervision ideal for individuals who may be at risk of falling, wandering, or experiencing medical emergencies during the night. With two carers alternating shifts, constant care is delivered in a seamless and consistent manner, helping to manage complex care needs while preserving as much independence as possible.
Unlike standard live-in carers, 24 hour carers do not sleep at the property. Instead, each dedicated carer remains awake throughout their shift to attend to any needs that arise, including meals prepared, assistance with mobility, and help with day to day tasks. This ensures that care remains responsive at all times, whether it’s early morning or late at night.
This form of hour care also eliminates pressure on a single carer, which can be vital when managing critical health conditions. While live-in carers offer excellent companionship and ongoing help, 24-hour care is especially suitable for people who need a higher level of monitoring and hands-on assistance.
24 hour care at home is often preferred over moving to a residential nursing home, particularly for those who value remaining int heir own home and close to family members. With comprehensive support services, round the clock support, and one to one support from trained professionals, this type of hour care can effectively replicate the security of a residential care setting while offering the warmth, privacy, and familiarity of home. It’s also an excellent option for families seeking a higher level of reassurance and looking to provide support for their loved one in the most compassionate and flexible way possible.
Live in Care vs 24-Hour Care: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Live-in Care | 24 – Hour Care |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Carers | 1 (with rotation weekly/fortnightly) | 2 (working day/night shifts) |
| Night Coverage | Carer sleeps at night, available for emergencies | Awake and alert carer 24/7 |
| Suitable For | People needing help during the day, occasional night assistance | Those needing constant care or supervision day and night |
| Cost | Typically lower | More expensive due to shift work |
| Privacy | Carer lives in the home | Two carers may come and go throughout the day |
| Care Complexity | Medium to high | High to very high (e.g., complex or medical conditions) |
Is 24-Hour Care More Expensive Than Live-in Care?
Yes, in most cases, hour care such as 24 hour home care is more expensive than live-in care. The key reason is that two carers are required to work in shifts, resulting in increased staffing costs.
However, compared to a residential care or nursing home, both live in care service and 24 hour care at home for the elderly can be more cost-effective, especially when considering the benefits of remaining in your own home, receiving personalised care, and preserving your quality of life.
It’s important to note that funding support may be available through your local authority, NHS Continuing Healthcare, or private health insurance.
How Do I Choose the Right Type of Care?
Deciding between live-in care and 24 hour care can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to do what’s best for a loved one with evolving needs. It’s important to begin with a thorough assessment of their personal circumstances, health history, and preferences. The care provider may also coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic and medically safe plan. Every person is different, and their need for care will depend on their daily routines, mobility, memory, emotional state, and any specific medical care or complex conditions they may be managing. In some cases, a registered nurse may be required as part of the overall care team.
If your loved one is experiencing declining mental health, increasing confusion, or showing signs of needing specialist care or continuous support, they may benefit more from hour care, such as 24-hour care, where a carer is awake and available at all times. For others who value companionship and routine, live-in care can offer the stability of having a single, trusted carer on hand to help with daily needs such as administering medication, ensuring meals are prepared, and assisting with personal hygiene, all while remaining hour care in the comfort of their own home.
In contrast to a residential setting, care at home offers a more personal and flexible experience. It also enhances physical well-being and emotional support to help you evaluate your care service options thoroughly. Whether your family member needs short term recovery or a long-term plan, our team is proud to provide award-winning care that promotes independence, dignity, and peace of mind.
At Careline Home Support, we understand that two care journeys are the same, which is why we offer impartial support to help you evaluate your options thoroughly. Whether your family member requires short-term help following hospital discharge or long-term constant monitoring, we’ll help you explore solutions that promote both their independence and safety. Maintaining emotional well-being, ensuring physical wellbeing, and building trust between carers and the person receiving care is at the heart of what we do.
Michael Mensah brings over seven years of experience as a Nutritionist, guided by a genuine passion for improving people’s wellbeing. His strong commitment to supporting others in living with dignity and independence led him into the care sector.
He began his journey at Careline Home Support as a Care Worker, progressed to Team Leader, then Assistant Care Co-ordinator, and now works as a Care Co-ordinator. In this role, he provides personalised, person-centred care that respects each individual’s needs, while upholding the highest standards of compassion, safeguarding, and respect.
For Michael, caregiving is not just a profession but a meaningful exchange rooted in empathy. He believes that just as nature supports itself, those who need help should be met by those ready to offer it. His work brings him a deep sense of purpose, and he is proud to help foster a team culture built on kindness, professionalism, and mutual support.
