Learn the Difference Between 24 Hour Care vs Live-In Care and How Both Help Keep Elderly Safe

It happens to be common for the elderly to require home care service for a variety of reasons. Given certain situations or medical conditions, it is specifically accommodating to have a carer present at the house around-the-clock. In many states in the United Kingdom, families have a couple of options to consider: 24-hour care or live-in care services. These couples of options are different in ways. In today’s blog, we will help you understand the fine lines between 24-hour care and live-in care services, and which one can possibly best fit your needs. Live-in care and 24-care services both are available throughout all the states in the U.K. 

Elderly family members with mobility issues might have a chronic and erratic requirement for care. Seniors with dementia often face troubles with their safety – for example – agitation, cooking, falling, using household equipment and even wandering. The difference between live-in care and 24-hour care services has been elaborated below. Understanding how each function will help you determine which service is best for your loved ones. Remember that as requirements change, you might decide to pick one over other, irrespective of how you started in the first place. All these services are a good way to keep your elderly family member happy and safe.

When should you consider 24-hour care or live-in care services?

The reasons why one might need 24/7 live in home care services are many – 

Agitation and wandering --- For seniors who have dementia, to manage sundowning is a serious concern. Sundowning has been typified by periodic agitation and late-day confusion, which are very much common dementia symptoms. Having an experienced medical professional to manage and monitor this on a regular basis can be priceless. A carer is trained to redirect someone by shifting their attention from one thing to another. This seems to be a common method which has calming effects on elderly people with dementia.

Transfers and personal care --- Sometimes help is required with dressing, bathing, and transferring. This is due to a physical problem related to any chronic medical problem or dementia. Some also might require assistance with toileting. Safe bathing is a big concern for many elderly people. 24-hour care or live-in care can be an immense relief to the other members of the family who have a life outside their houses. A carer also helps with undressing, personal hygiene and dressing.

Fall prevention --- A carer helps prevent accidental falls for elderly ones. Accidental falls are likely to happen during night time, for example – on the way to the bathroom. A 24-hour or live-in carer accompanies your loved one to the bathroom during night time. During their waking time, the carer can monitor your loved one’s movements and also encourage secure activities to strengthen their muscles. If there are any physical activities involved, carers will help by making sure clients pull off their exercise safely and mindfully.

Help with cooking and eating --- Dementia and neurological conditions often impact your elderly loved one’s ability to cook and eat on their own. Losing appetite is a common symptom for seniors with dementia. A live-in or 24-hour carer can cook, provide hydration reminder and also help with eating. They can also go out shopping and plan prescribed meals as per dietary precincts. Having a carer around to eat with helps increase the appetite.

Stimulation and companionship ---  There is a combination of factors necessitating live-in care and 24-hour care. Companionship and stimulation have a substantial positive impact over en elderly one’s wellbeing and mood. A carer help keep them stay busy and also provide recreational activities. Examples include movies, puzzles or games.

Medication reminders – Carers create a medication list and give reminders to help maintain consistency. A carer also reports medication compliance concerns. They also monitor the potential side effects of the medications.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care provides two carers to live at someone’s house for 24 hours. Although the hours tend to differ by state:

• The carer has to be offered a place to sleep
• They are allowed a break during the 24 hours and a private sleeping place in a homelike environment.

What is 24-hour care?

24-hour care makes an ideal choice if your elderly family member needs care at all times. If they are facing difficulties to expect so the carer has to be available 24/7 to timely respond to wandering, aiding in their bathroom visits, meal preparation and medication intake. For the elderly people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, 24-hour care will mean there is someone available to keep them safe at all times. 24-hour care services also mean peace of mind, knowing that there’s someone available at all times to respond to emergencies and report accordingly.

Perks of 24-hour or live-in care service during this social distancing

We have been familiar with the word “social distancing” very well at this point. This concept has been grown out of the COVID-19 outbreak recommending people must stay at 6-10 feet apart to flatten the curve.  In such a situation, 24-hour live care makes an ideal choice to look after your elderly loved one.

• Safety and Quality of Life.
• Helping clients comply with protocols.
• Running errands.
• Coping with social isolation.
• Fears and anxieties.

Surveys have shown – as people age, they wish to live in their own homes. They seek care at all times and in the comfort of their homes. Understanding your choices and being prepared help you make an informed decision for your elderly loved ones. We suggest not to wait for any crisis to occur. Keep your suggestions, handy and wide to make the quick and best decision.

Need a recommendation? Contact Live-in Carers Direct – one of the largest and trusted live-in carers agency in the U.K.