Seniors discover a deep well of comfort while aging in the familiarity of home. Older individuals who feel secure in accustomed surroundings yet who benefit from daily support are likely to find a compassionate in-home caregiver to be an invaluable resource. In-home caregivers are skilled in providing assistance with the activities of daily living. Help with bathing, cooking, transportation and an abundance of pleasant companionship are all common services in-home caregivers provide.

A loved one who eventually comes to require constant support may turn to either live-in care or 24 hour care. Both support a senior’s needs around the clock. Family members considering either of the two forms of care should become knowledgeable about the advantages and disadvantages of live-in care and 24-hour care in order to make the most appropriate choice that would benefit their loved one’s unique circumstances.

The Commonality: Uninterrupted Care

Continual supervision during day and night is the primary advantage of both live-in care and 24-hour care. Caregivers who provide live-in care or 24-hour care are situated at the senior’s home around the clock to promote the well-being and safety of the care recipient.

Nonstop, 24/7 care is essential if the senior is suffering from dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, has had a stroke or is recovering from a recent surgery. A skilled caregiver will be at the senior’s home to monitor the individual’s condition throughout the day and night and provide assistance.

The Six Differences: Live-in Care vs. 24 Hour Care

While both live-in care and 24-hour care offer continual attention, the two types of services vary in several ways. Knowing the differences can help you decide which form of care is best for your loved one and family.

#1 Number of Caregivers

Live-in care provides one caregiver. Live-in care is provided by one individual caregiver per shift. Caregivers who provide live-in services often work four to five days each week. The remaining days of the week are covered by a different live-in caregiver.

24-hour care includes multiple caregivers. At least two caregivers are assigned to a care recipient when 24-hour care is hired. Each caregiver works a daily, 8 to 12 hour shift. Three caregivers might work daily eight hour shifts each week to ensure a continual, high level of alertness in care.

#2 Breaks

Breaks leave gaps in live-in care. Each live-in caregiver is entitled to a four hour break within each 24 hour period. Family members decide whether or not they’d prefer to fill in the four hour gap with additional coverage.

Breaks are limited in 24-hour care. Thirty minute breaks are often included during the shifts. Sleep breaks are not included in a 24-hour caregiver’s shift. The caregiver providing 24-hour care is awake during the entire 8 to 12 hour shift to provide optimum support.

#3 Rapport

Relationships form with live-in care. The benefit of navigating the live-in caregiver route is that the care recipient has the opportunity to develop a trusting relationship with the caregiver. Consistent care offers the chance for relationships to strengthen.

Rapport seldom develops with 24-hour care. The drawback to 24-hour care is the possibility of a lack of rapport. Inconsistent care among caregivers fails to allow the formation of robust relationships between the caregiver and care recipient. However, this is only considered a disadvantage when the senior seeks familiarity.

#4 Night Attendance

Nighttime supervision is relaxed or unavailable with live-in care. Live-in caregivers are given a sleeping break. During the caregiver’s nighttime sleep break, the care recipient will lack direct supervision. If additional assistance is not sought, the care recipient will be unattended during those hours.

Attentiveness at night is provided in 24-hour care. Nighttime supervision is a major benefit when enlisting 24-hour care. The caregiver is awake during the night to ensure the senior is comfortable throughout the shift. The inclusion of at least two caregivers in rotation allows for each caregiver to have adequate rest and, as a result, offer optimal attentiveness during care.

#5 Price

Live-in care is cost-efficient. Live-in care is the least costly option of around the clock care, with daily costs averaging $160 to $250. Costs vary by location, however.

24-hour care is pricier. Hourly rates are common with 24-hour care situations. Typical hourly rates range from $10 to $25 per hour. Urban locales often see higher prices.

#6 Preparation

Live-in care requires preparing a space. Families who choose live-in care must provide a private sleeping area for the live-in caregivers. A designated room in the home is one option to prepare for the services of a live-in caregiver.

Prep time is unnecessary for 24-hour caregivers. Caregivers who operate on a 24-hour caregiving schedule do not sleep during their 12-hour shifts. As a result, families do not need to provide separate sleeping accommodations for the caregivers.

When your loved one finds comfort in knowing continual care is available in an instant, seek the dependable services of Assisting Hands Home Care. The reliable home care agency has earned a reputation for excellence in senior care. Assisting Hands Home Care is licensed and bonded, providing quality caregivers skilled in delivering invaluable non-medical home care to seniors in need of around the clock support.

Assisting Hands Home Care is positioned to offer both live-in care and 24-hour care to families in the Miami, FL community. Two caregivers are assigned when live-in care is chosen. Every three to four days, the caregivers alternate shifts so that your loved one receives attention every minute of the day. When 24-hour care is hired through Assisting Hands Home Care, two caregivers are assigned and alternate every 12 hours. This schedule ensures complete coverage 24/7. The senior in your life is never alone when you hire the dedicated Assisting Hands Home Care team of professional live-in and 24-hour caregivers.