Live-In Care vs. 24/7 Care: Which Is Right for My Family?

Live In Care vs 247 Care Which Is Right for My Family Encore Caregivers

Does an aging adult you love need live-in care or 24/7 care? We understand how this might be confusing. “Live-in care” and “24/7 care” sound like they describe the same service. However, some critical differences exist in how a home care company provides these services. Understanding those differences can help families make the right choice for their loved ones.

What is Live-In Care?

Live-in care is a home care model in which an aging adult has a caregiver in their home around the clock, but the caregiver is not actively engaged around the clock, nor do they work overnight. The caregiver, or caregivers, live in the home of the individual they are caring for and, as a result, are present and available in case an urgent need arises any time, day or night.

For this type of arrangement to work, the live-in caregiver must be provided with a private living space in the home, such as a guest bedroom, as they must have 8 hours of break time, including 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep time. Typically, two caregivers are involved, working 3-5 days at a time, and any interrupted sleep time used to care for the aging adult will be added to the caregiver’s hours worked for the day.

So when is a live-in caregiver the right choice? Live-in care is an ideal choice for an older adult who depends on engaged help during the day, sleeps through the night most nights, and desires the peace of mind of knowing that there is someone there to help during the night if the need arises.

What Are The Benefits of Live-In Care?

  • Live-in caregivers are best for older adults who mostly sleep through the night but feel more at ease knowing someone else is in the home while sleeping.
  • Because there are usually only two caregivers providing live-in care, there is more consistency for the older adult care recipient.
  • Live-in care can be an effective solution for those seeking 1:1 care in the comfort of their home.
  • Families have peace of mind knowing their loved one is never alone at home.
  • A more cost-effective model for around-the-clock in-home care.

How is 24/7 Home Care Different From Live-In Home Care?

24/7 care is a model similar to live-in care. However, there are significant differences to consider. Most notably, a 24/7 caregiver does not live in the home with the person they care for, and they are not required to have a room because they do not sleep while in the client’s residence.

With 24/7 care, you can expect to have multiple caregivers who work 12-hour shifts throughout the day and night. 24/7 caregivers are paid by the hour to be alert and engaged, even bedside while the care recipient sleeps if needed.

When is 24/7 care the right choice? 24/7 care is an ideal choice for an older adult who requires assistance and/or monitoring both day and during the night. In these cases, 24/7 care reduces safety concerns that may exist if the individual were left alone or unmonitored for an extended period.

What Are the Benefits of 24/7 Home Care?

  • The older adult will have someone engaged and attentively caring for the individual around the clock.
  • There is no need to provide a bedroom for the caregiver.
  • A 24/7 caregiver can help manage wandering and incontinence during the night, as they remain awake and responsive to care equally day and night.
  • The 1:1, around-the-clock nature of this plan for care meets the highest quality standards for care.

Which Type of Home Care Works Best For My Family Member?

Individual care needs to influence the decision between 24/7 care and live-in care. For instance, ask yourself:

  • Does the aging adult usually sleep undisturbed through the night?
  • Do they have intricate daytime care needs that you need help managing?
  • Are you looking for peace of mind around the clock but lacking the need for engaged care overnight?

A live-in caregiver might be the best route if you answered “yes” to the questions above.

On the other hand, 24/7 care could be the best fit if you answer “yes” to the following questions:

  • Does the older adult have a habit of wandering at night, or do they usually need help getting to the bathroom at night?
  • Are they at risk of falling if they get up during the night?
  • Do they require more active, constant care or monitoring?

When deciding, consider the cost of each care model and how comfortable the aging adult you love would be accepting someone moving into their home or a constant cycle of caregivers throughout the day. At the end of the day, it’s all about what provides the most effective care that still allows the aging adult to live with as much independence and safety as possible.

For help deciding whether an aging adult you love needs live-in care or 24/7 care, or to learn more about other options for senior care, contact Encore Caregivers today! Our expert care professionals at Encore Caregivers can help further explain the difference and help decide which might be most helpful for the aging adult you love. To learn more about our live-in and 24/7 care services in Houston, contact us online or at 713-686-2233 for more information!