Live-In Care vs Residential Care: What’s Best for Your Loved One?
Compare live-in care and residential care to find the best option for your loved one’s comfort and wellbeing.
Which Care Option Offers the Best Quality of Life?
When considering long-term care for an elderly loved one, families often face a significant decision: should they opt for live-in care or residential care? Both options provide essential support, but they offer different experiences, levels of independence, and comforts.
To understand the differences, we spoke with Sally, a former social worker who has been receiving live-in care for the past year. Her journey highlights why staying in familiar surroundings, maintaining daily routines, and keeping beloved pets can be vital factors when making this decision.
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care involves a dedicated Care Professional moving into an individual’s home to provide continuous support. This option ensures that the person receiving care remains in familiar surroundings while benefiting from one-to-one assistance tailored to their specific needs.
Benefits of Live-In Care
- Staying at Home – Individuals continue living in a familiar and comfortable environment.
- Personalised Care – The care provided is tailored to individual preferences, ensuring routines remain unchanged.
- Keeping Pets – Unlike many residential care homes, live-in care allows individuals to remain with their beloved pets.
- Ideal for Couples – Couples can stay together rather than being separated in different care facilities.
- Specialist Support – Those living with conditions such as dementia benefit from consistent, specialist care within their own home.
Challenges of Live-In Care
- Social Interaction – Additional effort may be needed to maintain social activities outside the home.
- Home Adjustments – Some modifications, such as stairlifts or handrails, may be necessary for safety.
- Space for a Carer – A spare room is required for the live-in Care Professional.
What Is Residential Care?
Residential care provides accommodation and support for those requiring full-time assistance. Care homes offer structured care, social engagement, and medical supervision within a communal setting.
Benefits of Residential Care
- 24/7 Support – Staff are available around the clock to provide assistance.
- Social Engagement – Group activities, communal dining, and planned outings reduce isolation.
- No Home Maintenance – Household tasks are managed by the care home.
- Medical Supervision – Some care homes offer nursing support for those with complex health needs.
Challenges of Residential Care
- Leaving Home – Moving away from a familiar environment can be an emotional adjustment.
- Loss of Independence – Residents must follow set schedules for meals and activities.
- Higher Costs – Residential care can be expensive, particularly for long-term stays.
- Limited Personalisation – Care is shared among multiple residents, meaning one-to-one attention is not always possible.
- Pet Restrictions – Many care homes do not allow residents to bring pets with them.
Sally’s Story: Why She Chose Live-In Care
Sally, a former social worker, had been receiving daily care visits but found she needed additional support as her dementia progressed. After discussing her options with her family, they considered increasing her care calls, moving into a care home, or choosing live-in care.
For Sally, the choice was clear. Staying in her rural village with her beloved cat and maintaining her independence was the most important factor. With a live-in Care Professional, she could continue living in the place she called home, following her own routines, and receiving one-to-one support from a familiar face every day.
Comparing Costs: Live-In Care vs Residential Care
Live-In Care Costs
- Weekly costs all depend on care requirements.
- More cost-effective for couples, as they can share a Care Professional rather than paying for two care home places.
- Potential costs for home modifications to improve accessibility.
Residential Care Costs
- The average cost of a care home in the UK is £1160 per week.
- Nursing homes, which provide medical care, cost £1410 per week or more.
- Fees may increase over time, particularly if additional care is required.
Financial Support and Funding Options
Families may be eligible for financial assistance to help with care costs. Options include:
- Local Authority Funding – Available based on financial assessments.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare – Full funding for those with significant medical needs.
- Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Financial support for individuals requiring extra help with daily tasks.
When Is Live-In Care the Best Choice?
Live-in care is often the preferred option for individuals who:
- Want to remain in their own home and maintain familiar surroundings.
- Require one-to-one care tailored to personal routines and preferences.
- Need specialist support for conditions such as dementia or mobility issues.
- Have a pet they wish to keep.
- Are a couple who want to stay together while receiving care.
When Is Residential Care the Best Choice?
A care home may be a better option for individuals who:
- Prefer a structured environment with planned activities and group interaction.
- Require continuous medical supervision.
- Have complex care needs that are difficult to manage at home.
- Enjoy a social setting with communal meals and activities.
Making the Right Decision for Your Loved One
Choosing between live-in care and residential care is a deeply personal decision that depends on individual needs, lifestyle preferences, and financial considerations. Some individuals thrive in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, while others benefit from the structured support of a residential care setting.
At Home Instead Bedford, we provide compassionate, tailored live-in care that prioritises independence, dignity, and quality of life. If you would like to learn more about our services and how we can support your loved one, contact us today.
Speak to Our Team
📞 Call: 01234 868820
🌍 Website:www.homeinstead.co.uk/bedford
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106A Bedford Rd, Wootton, Bedford MK43 9JB, UK
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