What are the benefits of live-in care vs. hourly care?
Photo by Aaron Andrew Ang on Unsplash
Thanks to modern medicine and improved diets, people are living longer than ever before. As a result, there is an increasing number of people who need practical and medical help during their final years. They may need assistance with their household chores or help with their medication on a daily basis.
It’s possible for people to either pay for hourly care or have a live-in carer. If you want to know which is best, read on because this article can help you.
What are hourly care and live-in care?
Hourly care is when you hire someone to come into your home (e.g. once, twice, or more) each day to provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating. This hourly care ranges from one to four hours each time. Monthly plans for hourly services are often available, which can be cheaper than paying individually for each visit.
Live-in care is a service that provides around-the-clock care and attention for seniors or people with disabilities. It gives them the help they need without them having to leave home and possibly move into an institution. Live-in caregivers will be there for their clients 24 hours a day. They get involved with cooking meals, cleaning homes, running errands, and assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, etc. They can also provide companionship and specialist medical care within the home.
Live-in carers can support the heavily dependent
When people have major medical conditions, one-off visits by a professional can be insufficient. In-care providers can help with things like dementia care (including Alzheimer’s Disease), respite care, post-operative care, and palliative care (which are often time-intensive).
Besides being a major center of commerce and tourism, London is also host to a large population. When someone seeks live-in care in or near London they can speak to a care advisor and view their photos, experience, and interests online. You can often read client reviews and free homecare guides, as well as related articles on the subject of dementia.
The advantages of hourly care
The most obvious benefit of hourly care is that it is more affordable. The hourly rate is typically much less expensive than the cost of live-in care. Another advantage is that it provides greater flexibility. If your loved one only needs assistance for a few hours each day, you can easily arrange to have someone come to their home during those times. With live-in care, on the other hand, you would be paying for around-the-clock coverage whether you needed it or not.
If finances are an issue and you are able to care for your loved one on certain days, this may be the best option for you. Hourly care allows you to take a break when needed and gives you more control over the type of care your loved one receives. You can choose the carer who best meets the person’s needs and who is most compatible with your family. There may be agencies in your area that offer discounted rates or special promotions. And remember, it is always important to get multiple quotes before making a final decision.
The disadvantages of hourly care
Hourly workers aren’t always paid well by their companies so there might be a high turnover rate. Your loved one may therefore keep having different people come to visit, and they may be unfamiliar with their specific needs and requirements. There are also cases of employees being unreliable and quitting without giving any notice or warning, which could leave your parent alone and at risk.
Hourly workers don’t always follow your schedule exactly so there could be no one around when you need them (e.g. during holidays/Christmas).
The advantages of live-in care
This type of care is recommended for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s since there will be increased safety concerns (e.g. accidents, leaving the oven on, wandering outside). Live-in caregivers can easily monitor vital signs like pulse rates and blood pressure and make sure that medication is administered at all times. These carers also have a better understanding of how their clients live on a regular basis so they’re able to anticipate needs before they arise. Live-in carers typically cook meals from scratch (rather than using e.g. microwave meals). This means there may be healthier food options than when using hourly care.
Because live-in care provides round-the-clock support it often eliminates the need for additional help during nighttime hours. The professionals can provide valuable social interaction and companionship for the senior, especially as the bond strengthens with time.
The disadvantages of live-in care
While live-in care is often seen as the best option for seniors who need medical assistance, there are some disadvantages to consider. As we previously discussed, live-in caregivers can be expensive. In addition, they can also feel like a major inconvenience (to the senior or family members) if their presence is not desired or needed around the clock.
Finally, live-in caregivers can sometimes create tension in the home and disrupt the family dynamics. They may have their own way of doing things or have a different opinion about the person’s care, which could lead to disagreements and conflict.
The ultimate considerations
At the end of the day, you need to assess the person’s finances and individual medical needs. You should also consider how much care you or another relative can provide over the long term. Whilst it’s common to experience a sense of guilt when involving paid carers, they can protect you from burnout and provide medical care in a way that you can’t.
This may be a season during which you need to invest time and money into the life of your elderly parent. Whether it’s hourly help or full-time care, professional specialists can ensure that the final months or years are the best that they can be for your loved one. It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind and this is exactly what you can receive through their help.