The options for caring for our older loved ones have significantly increased in the last twenty years, and I have had more conversations with families about the pros and cons of live-in or residential care home support.
In this blog, I compare the two options available if hourly care on a drop-in basis at home is no longer sufficient. This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers some of the main points to consider.
Residential Care Home:
Facility-Based: Residential care involves living in a dedicated facility with other residents and staff members. These facilities can vary widely in size, amenities, and services offered.
24/7 Support: Residents typically have access to around-the-clock care and support from trained staff members.
Social Interaction: Living in a communal setting provides opportunities for social interaction and engagement with other residents.
Structured Environment: Residential care facilities often offer structured daily routines and activities to promote mental and physical well-being.
Upheaval: Moving home can be a complicated process at the best of times and can cause emotional distress until the person settles into their new surroundings.
Funding: If a person moves into a residential care home and their home is empty, they may become self-funders* and pay all their care costs.
Cost: The cost of residential care can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and level of care needed. It’s essential to consider the financial implications.
Live-in Care:
In-Home Support: Live-in care involves a caregiver residing in the individual’s home to provide personalized care and support.
Familiar Environment: Allows the individual to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, surrounded by their belongings and memories.
Personalized Care: Caregivers can provide one-on-one attention and tailor care plans to meet individual needs and preferences.
Flexibility: Live-in care offers greater flexibility regarding daily routines, mealtimes, and activities, as the care is personalized to the individual’s schedule.
Space: A Live-in carer will require their own bedroom, internet access, and a 2-hour break a day, which may need to be covered by someone coming in to sit with the person being cared for.
Funding: A Local Authority or the NHS rarely pay all the fees for a person to have live-in care. However, whilst the person remains at home, the property’s value cannot be considered as part of the funding assessment.
Cost: While live-in care can be more expensive than residential care, it’s often comparable, especially when considering the benefits of personalized attention and remaining in one’s own home. Especially if more than one person in the house requires support.
Ultimately, the decision between residential care and live-in care should be based on what will best meet the individual’s needs, preferences, and quality of life. Factors such as the required care level, social preferences, financial resources, and the individual’s comfort and well-being must be considered.
Consulting with healthcare professionals and exploring available options can help make an informed decision.
If you would like to discuss care options in more detail, then please get in touch with me in any of the following ways:
Tel: 07740 289569
Email: enquiries@sunrisecareadvisers.co.uk
Or Book a FREE 30-minute call by clicking on this link
* Self-funder – If you have savings and assets worth £23,250 or more or a weekly income high enough to pay for your care home fees, you will not qualify for help with your care costs. You are known as a ‘self-funder’. As a self-funder, you must pay the total cost of your care.
