What are the different types of live-in care?
Live-in care is a great way to ensure your loved one has the support and companionship they need, all in the comfort of their own home—but did you know that there’s more than one type of live-in care? From support with everyday tasks to more specialised support, there is a wide array of options to help make their life easier. Read on to find out more about what types of live-in care there are, and to find out how to decide which type of care is right for your family.
What is live-in care?
Live-in care is a type of home care where a dedicated carer moves into the home to provide support around the clock. It’s best suited for those who need extra help, whether due to age, illness, or disability, but want to stay in the place they know and love. Carers provide help with everyday tasks like washing, dressing, taking medication, cooking, as well as providing much-needed care and companionship. Live-in care is often a preferred alternative to moving a loved one into a care home, as the high level of support they receive gives families peace of mind, while still allowing them to maintain their independence and familiar routines.
Why do people choose live-in care?
People choose live-in care because it allows them or their loved ones to stay in the comfort of their home while receiving full-time support. With one-on-one support from a dedicated carer, it provides a more personalised level of care that can be difficult to achieve in residential care settings. Staying in familiar surroundings supports their emotional wellbeing whilst their physical needs are tended to. Instead of feeling isolated and disoriented by a move to a care facility, individuals can stay surrounded by the people and possessions they know. This can also help make the transition to receiving full-time care less scary and invasive for those who value their independence. Many value the familiarity of their surroundings, daily routines, and the emotional comfort that comes with being at home. Live-in care also provides peace of mind for families who want to ensure their loved one is safe and well cared for.
What are the different types of live-in care?
There are different types of live-in care that you can choose from. Some focus more on caring for complex illnesses and conditions, whilst other types of care can involve caring for more than one person in a single household. Below, we’ve included information on the most common types of live-in care:
Live-in care for couples
Live-in care for couples is a practical and compassionate solution that allows partners to stay together at home while receiving the support they need. Whether one or both individuals require care, a live-in carer can assist with everything from daily tasks to medication and mobility, making every effort to respect the couple’s routines and privacy. Alongside the emotional benefits of couples at home care, it’s also often more cost-effective than two separate care home placements.
Specialist live-in care
Specialist live-in care is tailored to support people living with complex illnesses and conditions. Whilst all carers are highly trained, specialist live-in carers have advanced skills and experience to manage more complex, and sometimes high-risk, care needs safely and confidently. This could be clinical tasks like wound care, medication management and emotional support for those living with a cognitive disability that affects their communication. Types of specialist care include dementia care, cancer care, and palliative care.
Urgent care
If your family finds itself in the position where a loved one needs emergency live-in care, urgent care can get them the support they need quickly. There are a number of reasons why someone may need urgent care: an unexpected illness or injury could mean that your family member suddenly needs more support than you can offer. In some circumstances, previous care arrangements can fall through, so urgent live-in care is a quick solution to ensuring they have the help they need without delay.
24-hour care at home
24-hour care at home provides people with continuous, round-the-clock support throughout the day and night. This type of live-in care is designed to ensure that help is always available, from managing complex health conditions to basic personal care. Sometimes called “round-the-clock care”, 24-hour care is particularly well suited to individuals with complex medical needs, mobility issues or cognitive impairments.
How to know which type of live-in care is right for your loved one?
Families often face a lot of anxiety when it comes to choosing the right kind of live-in care for their loved one. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in the process: care providers can offer you advice and guidance to ensure that your loved one’s care is matched to their unique needs. If your family member has experienced a recent injury or a sudden decline in their health, it can be difficult for families to gauge the level of support they now need. However, care providers have the knowledge and experience to identify the areas where support is needed and to assess how best to implement their care. For example, at Ashridge Home Care, we take the time to get to know your family before building a tailored care plan to ensure your loved one gets everything they need out of live-in care. We make sure that you are involved and informed throughout so that you can feel confident moving forward.
Live-in care with Ashridge Home Care
The team at Ashridge Home Care are dedicated to providing a range of exceptional live-in care services. Rated Outstanding in the caring category by the CQC (Care Quality Commission), our carers are committed to providing high levels of live-in care and hourly care, giving families the chance to spend quality time together without having to worry about their loved one’s care needs. Every family we support is assigned a dedicated care manager, who works closely with them to create a fully personalised care plan tailored to their loved one’s unique requirements.
Searching for live-in care for your loved one but not sure which type of care is right for them? Discover how live-in care works, or get in touch with us today to find out more about our live-in care options.