What is the Difference Between Live-In Care and a Care Home?

Why choose live in care rather than a care home? In theory, the answer is straightforward and may seem obvious: Live-in care offers personalised, at-home care from a qualified trained professional;  in residential care, multiple residents tend to be looked after by a team of carers. Thig blog, about the difference between live-in care and a care home addresses these issues.

However, there’s a more nuanced question on top of everything: which is better?

Allowing for a degree of understandable bias on our part, why would someone choose live-in care versus moving to a residential or care home? We hope you’ll allow for our partiality.

However, you may be in a position where a prompt decision needs to be made, so we’ll outline some of the pluses and minuses of both options in simple terms.

To be fair, residential care may be the perfect, indeed the only solution to a tricky situation. Or, a quick resolution to an accident at home – regular falls, perhaps, or some kind of health-related trauma. Nevertheless, on careful consideration, it may not be the ideal solution. Equally, it may not have the best interests of the person concerned at heart. There is an alternative, and many providers such as Eaton Home Care can provide it for you.

So, why choose care at home rather than a care home? Let’s set out both sides of the argument.

Care Elsewhere

Let’s start with a few definitions to make things clear:

Residential care homes offer personal care, such as washing, dressing and medication assistance. Plus, a range of social activities and the chance for residents to socialise.

Nursing homes also provide personal care but also have qualified nurses 24/7, providing clinical care for more serious health conditions.

Dementia care homes cater specifically for those with cognitive decline. They have specially trained staff who look to reduce the symptoms of the condition where possible.

Many homes also tend to have more familiar surroundings. For instance, you’ll see excellent effects with specific colour schemes to assist residents to move around with less anxiety. Some Dementia care homes may also offer sensory gardens. These help stimulate senses through touch, hearing and even taste. If you are considering this option, we’d recommend asking to see evidence of the training records. This ensures the home maintains its specialist staff training. Likewise, that it’s up to date with refreshers.

Eaton Home Care has highly trained staff for clients with dementia and Parkinson’s.

Residential Care. It it the right choice?

Leaving your home can be an upheaval.

In residential care you’ll have your own room, private bathroom and toilet. But, it will be totally different from the familiarity and comfort of your usual surroundings. Plus, it will take time to adjust to. In our opinion, you should be free to add your personal possessions, such as pictures and soft furnishings. This offers familiarity and comfort. Always check about what is and what isn’t allowed before committing.

And, for many, residential care could be a good choice for a number of reasons, some of which we have listed below:

Needing consistent supervision from a number of carers at once: sadly, if your loved one is a danger to themselves, then a single carer may not be able to meet their needs.

The need for highly specialised, centralised care. Certain conditions may be best supported with specialist nursing in a care home. For example, depression, anxiety or the final stages of dementia.

The sociability aspect: do you love company. Do you thrive amongst others? If so, residential care could be for you. Care homes organise activities such as singalongs, trips out, crafts, visiting musicians, games and films. There are lots of positive things to keep your mind and body active.

You’re ready for a new chapter in your life: for whatever reason, you’re keen to “move on” to new pastures and a new kind of living. Should something upsetting have happened at home, you may wish to embrace new surroundings.

Live-In Care

Eaton Home Care is an independent, regulated, specialist provider of live-in care in Cambridge, throughout Cambridgeshire and in north Hertfordshire.

We’ve been established for many years. Equally, with a priority in  recruiting local carers, our team know the area exceptionally well. As a local business, we also know how best to manage and deliver care for residents in this region to the highest possible standards.

Staying at home, with the tailored care you need, could enhance your quality of life. Not least, it could maintain your health and wellbeing. We think that a live-in carer could help keep you safe– in your own home for longer.

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Why Choose Live-in Care Rather Than a Care Home?

In our experience, it could benefit you or your relative for the following reasons:

• There’s little or no disruption: yes, you will have to make space for a carer (they will need their own room). In addition, you may need some at-home extras to keep you safe – mainly medical equipment. But, this change will be manageable. Welcome, even, as familiarity is comforting. It puts us at ease and makes us feel relaxed and secure. During the assessment process, the Eaton team can offer you in-depth advice about getting hold of good-quality, affordable equipment. We’re happy to recommend a choice of reputable suppliers.
• Specialist care. Eaton’s carers are highly trained to look after people with more severe, ongoing medical issues. For example, dementia or Parkinson’s. Of note is the consistency of care that your loved one will receive.

Dementia conditions can progress differently and at various levels. Not to put too fine a point on it, a trained carer will notice what is happening. And, they can act on it, with just the right level of support.

• Companionship and friendship. Often, worrying about your Mum or Dad, especially if they are widowed, can cause you sleepless nights. You may not be able to visit as often as you would like. So, a friendly, trusted professional is the perfect solution to what can often be long, lonely and confusing days and nights.
• Control and flexibility. As our client, you can have your meals whenever you want to, wake up and retire at an hour to suit you. You’ll have your own routine. Your life is your own. There’s no need to follow others’ rules. Continue with your interests and hobbies. Your needs will be at the centre of your care plan.
• Nutrition and well-being: It’s easy to forget about good food, hydration and daily movement. They can drop off the radar if health concerns or developing frailty make everything challenging. Live-in care not only steps in to promote good health, but can also offer personalised nutrition; the food you love – and that’s good for you, too.
• Your life partner – with you, not without you: quite simply, live-in care allows you to stay together rather than be separated.
• Keep your pets: It would be exceptionally tough, would it not, to leave a beloved pet behind if you had to go into care? With live-in care, you don’t need to. Instead, your carer will be able to help you look after your furry friend to the same standards as you do.
• Peace of mind: for a worried relative, the sheer relief of knowing that the vulnerable person you love is now being safeguarded, respected and cared for can never be underestimated.

That feeling is unique and will most likely stay with you forever. Eaton Home Care would be privileged to offer you that feeling.

Why choose care at home rather than a care home? Ultimately, this decision is yours. At a difficult time, working out what’s right for you and your family will always come down to your circumstances and needs. Not least, how you feel about the care you require.

Let’s start a conversation. Contact Eaton Home Care to talk to a member of our team for guidance and advice.