When choosing care options for your loved ones, it’s important you weigh up the available choices, looking at the differences to find the best service for them and their care needs.
Today we’ll be looking into the differences between live in care and nursing homes, comparing the cost, flexibility, and the level of independence your loved one will have.
What is a care home?
A care home is a residential, long-term facility where people can live full-time to receive care when they can no longer live independently. Care homes are most often used by elderly people, but those with physical or mental disabilities can also benefit from this service.
Residents receive care as and when they need it from trained carers and nurses. They’ll have access to professional medical care and support, as well as assistance with daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing. Staff often organise social activities, too, including games and outings for their residents.
What is live in care?
Live in care is a service that provides vulnerable and disabled people with a dedicated carer who lives with them 24/7.
Not only do carers assist with day-to-day tasks like dressing and eating, but they also act as a companion who can accompany your relative during their weekly activities and meet-ups with friends and family.
They’re perfect for everyone from young adults to those with severe disabilities in need of a helping hand and emotional support.
Depending on the needs of your loved one, a live in carer can help with domestic tasks, meal preparation, and pet care, as well as administering medication.
Differences between live in care and care homes
Cost
When looking at a care service, it’s essential to consider what is included in the cost.
With live in care, you or your loved one will have access to 24/7 care covering a range of different needs, from general companionship to help with taking medication. With Lifted, there are no hidden fees, just excellent value for money that provides your loved one with constant care and support.
In a care home, however, one-to-one care isn’t guaranteed due to the number of other residents in the home, meaning residents’ care needs aren’t always met.
Levels of care
It’s important to note that the level and type of care provided can vary greatly between different care homes. Your loved one isn’t guaranteed the level of care they require, due to carers having to spread their time equally across residents.
Here at Lifted, our live in carers go through a rigorous recruitment and selection process to maintain high professional standards and quality of care. They complete an application process that includes full vetting and interviews, as well as background checks, before being selected to join our team. Your loved one will then be paired with a carer who is best suited to them in terms of personality, sense of humour, and interests, as well as being trained to provide the correct levels of care.
Location
Care homes aren’t always the most convenient option when it comes to location. It will take time to pack up their belongings and move your loved one into a new home. This also means they’ll be away from their home comforts, friends, family, and favourite activities.
A live in carer will move into the home of a loved one, so the person receiving care can keep their home comforts. As a friend or family member, you can also visit them as often as you like – no need to wait for visiting hours.
Independence
With live in care, your loved one can maintain a level of independence with the support of a trained carer. They can continue with their social groups and activities with a personalised care plan that meets the exact needs of the individual.
Having a routine in place that supports the individual both physically and mentally means they’ll live as independently as possible, with a carer on hand when they need some extra assistance.
However, care home residents are more restricted in what they can do in their day-to-day life, and usually have a stricter routine in place to follow.
Flexibility
Due to the number of occupants in a care home, it’s unlikely everyone will have tailored care specific to their needs. They also have fixed routines, which can have their benefits, but people who are used to being more social and doing things at their own pace might find it difficult to adjust.
A live in carer will fit into the individual’s current lifestyle while providing necessary care. Maintaining their social life, continuing their personal routines and habits, and being able to keep any pets are just a few reasons why live in care is a much more flexible option than care homes.
Other things to consider
Pets
If your loved one has a pet, live in carers can help with walking, feeding, and taking care of them.
However, not all care homes allow pets, meaning they must stay with a friend or family member if your loved one moves into a care home.
Social life
Social interaction plays a big part in care home life. For those who are able, they can join in on organised activities and games. However, if they’re used to their own social calendar or have physical disabilities, they won’t be able to join in, leaving them feeling isolated.
With live in care, your loved one will have a tailored care plan that takes their hobbies and interests into consideration, as well as their physical and mental capabilities.
Learn more about live in care with Lifted
If you’re interested in organising live in care for you or your loved one, contact Lifted today.
We have a team of passionate and empathetic carers who go above and beyond every day to ensure the highest levels of care are provided for everyone that requires our services.
Find your perfect carer today.