Finding the best type of care for an ageing parent can be difficult, especially with so many options to choose from and the pressure of such a big decision. Domiciliary and live-in care involve similar attributes, but with a few significant differences that often make one more relevant for your loved one than the other.
This guide aims to help you understand the difference between these two types of care and why many families are switching from domiciliary to live-in care. Our goal is to support you in your choice, helping you and your loved one feel confident and reassured throughout every stage of seeking home care.
What is the Difference Between Domiciliary Care and Live-In Care?
Private caregivers provide both domiciliary care and live-in care in the client’s home. The main difference is how extensive the care a client requires. Domiciliary care is often referred to as visiting care, as it’s given in small segments at a time. Live-in care is delivered by a carer who is with their client 24/7, offering more extensive support for those who need it round-the-clock.
With domiciliary care, scheduled visits are made to your loved one’s home to support with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care. While this can be flexible, the time carers spend is often limited and may not always be enough to cover complex or changing needs.
By contrast, live-in care provides continuous, one-to-one support in the comfort of home. It ensures that every need, practical, care, and emotional, is met without time restrictions. This makes live-in care suitable for everyone, from those needing a little extra daily help to individuals requiring more comprehensive, ongoing support.
Live-in care involves a professional carer moving into a client’s home full-time, allowing for constant monitoring and support. This includes both planned care and reassurance in emergencies. Live-in care is tailored to individual needs, promotes a strong relationship between carer and client, and fosters independence as much as possible.
Why Families Switch From Domiciliary Care to Live-In Care
Both domiciliary care and live-in care offer clients their own benefits, so different arrangements may call for a specific type of care. Many families begin with domiciliary care because of its affordable nature and flexibility, but most move to live-in care in the future.
There are several reasons why you might be considering the switch to live-in care, such as:
- Increasing care needs: Older adults with complex conditions, such as dementia or mobility decline, often need more extensive round-the-clock care as time goes on.
- Gaps in care: Some people become increasingly worried about being left alone for long stretches between domiciliary care visits.
- Continuity and consistency: Live-in care often involves one trusted carer instead of multiple different visitors, which can be more comforting for older adults.
- Night-time support: Domiciliary care rarely covers nights, so families switch to live-in care for more complete support throughout the day and night.
- Companionship and emotional support: Live-in carers offer much more opportunity for friendship and bonding, reducing loneliness and negative emotions.
- Family reassurance: Friends and family members can rest assured that someone is always caring for their loved one.
- Boosted independence: Live-in carers can offer more support for independent activities, rather than having time constraints force them to rush to do everything.
Domiciliary Care vs. Live-In Care Costs
At first glance, domiciliary care appears to be the more affordable option, as you only pay for the care you require. A person who requires three 30-minute visits a week will pay less than someone receiving live-in care. However, as care needs change and increase, domiciliary costs add up with multiple daily visits. Additional fees may also be required for night visits or longer, unplanned stays.
Live-in care, on the other hand, appears more costly upfront but can be cost-effective when 24/7 care is needed. The value of one-to-one support from an experienced carer justifies the price for many, and there’s no concern about renting a room in a residential care facility. Many families find live-in care more sustainable once their loved ones’ needs exceed a single visit per day.
The Benefits of Live-In Care With IP Care
There are several benefits to choosing live-in care with IP Care, including:
- Comfort of home: IP Care live-in care services offer your loved one professional support in comfortable, familiar surroundings.
- Personalised one-on-one support: Our live-in carers are around 24/7 to provide tailored support and adjust care plans as and when necessary.
- Promoting independence and dignity: Where possible, we encourage our clients to remain independent at home for as long as possible while ensuring dignity.
- Companionship: Our live-in carers are always available to offer emotional support and companionship when it’s needed.
- Health and safety benefits: IP Care live-in carers are trained to provide safe, professional support and assistance should emergent care be required.
- Peace of mind for families: We work with our clients’ families to ensure that everyone is comfortable and confident with the level of care we provide.
- Professional, trustworthy standards: IP Care services are regulated and monitored by the Care Quality Commission, meaning we provide high standards that you can depend on.
Is It Time to Consider Switching to Live-In Care?
Whether it’s time to switch from domiciliary to live-in care depends on your loved one and how they’re feeling about their current situation. If you’ve noticed them becoming socially isolated or anxious between carer visits, it might be time to look at a more permanent situation.
Similarly, if their care needs are increasing or becoming more complex, a live-in carer may be able to reassure the family. Round-the-clock care also reduces the risk of falling, accidents, and hospital admissions.
While switching care avenues sounds stressful and difficult, it doesn’t have to be. IP Care can support you every step of the way and help your loved one remain independent at home for longer with complete live-in care services.
Take the Next Step with IP Care
If you are starting to think about care for a parent, you do not have to face the journey alone. Our dedicated team at IP Care can guide you through every stage with compassion and expertise, whether you need urgent support or just want to explore your options.
Call us today on 0808 304 0500 for free advice and discover how live-in care can help your loved one remain safe and independent in the home they know and love.