Why Live in Care at Home Is a Better Alternative to Care Homes

As we age or face health challenges, choosing the right type of care is one of the most important decisions we can make. While many people traditionally turn to care homes for support, an increasingly popular alternative is Live in Care at Home. This option offers a personalised approach that allows individuals to remain in their own homes while receiving 24-hour support and companionship.

At Caremark Bromley, we believe that Live in Care at Home provides an unmatched level of comfort, independence, and dignity compared to care homes. In this article, we will explore why Live in Care is a superior alternative and how it can significantly improve quality of life for those needing support.

The Comfort of Home

One of the most significant advantages of Live in Care at Home is that it allows individuals to remain in familiar surroundings. Home is where memories are made, and many people feel emotionally attached to their environment. Staying in the comfort of one’s own home can offer a sense of security and well-being that a care home setting simply cannot provide.

Benefits of Staying at Home:

• Familiarity: Surrounded by cherished belongings, familiar routines, and the local community, individuals feel more at ease.
• Personal Space: A person’s home offers privacy and space to maintain their hobbies, interests, and lifestyle preferences, which may be restricted in a care home.
• Independence: With live-in care, individuals can maintain control over their daily lives, from meal choices to activity schedules, which is often lost in institutional settings.

Remaining at home with the support of a professional carer allows individuals to live with dignity, while still receiving the personalised care they need.

Personalised, One-to-One Care

Unlike care homes, where staff must manage the needs of multiple residents, Live in Care at Home provides one-to-one care. This means that the care is entirely focused on the individual, with no distractions from other residents’ needs. As a result, the level of attention and support is significantly higher.

Tailored Care Plans:

• Customised Support: Live-in carers tailor their care to the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and routines, ensuring a personalised approach that evolves as needs change.
• Building Relationships: One-to-one care allows for the development of a close bond between the carer and the person receiving care, creating a sense of companionship and trust that is vital for emotional well-being.
• Specialised Care: Whether it’s assistance with mobility, managing medications, or more specialised support for conditions like dementia, live-in carers provide the expertise needed for comprehensive care.

This highly focused care helps ensure that individuals receive the support they need, while maintaining a sense of independence and control over their lives.

Flexibility and Freedom

One of the most appealing aspects of Live in Care at Home is the freedom it offers. Unlike care homes, where daily schedules are often dictated by the needs of the facility, live-in care allows individuals to maintain their routines and choose how they spend their time.

Advantages of Flexibility:

• Choice of Activities: With live-in care, individuals can engage in their favourite activities, from gardening to reading, or simply spending time with family and friends.
• Meal Preferences: Meals can be prepared according to personal tastes and dietary requirements, and mealtimes can be flexible, rather than fixed as they often are in care homes.
• Outings and Socialising: Live-in carers can assist with outings and social visits, enabling individuals to stay connected to their communities, friends, and social networks.

This level of flexibility is crucial in maintaining a fulfilling and active lifestyle, allowing individuals to enjoy their favourite activities at their own pace.

Maintaining Family Connections

One of the challenges of moving to a care home is the impact it can have on family dynamics. Care homes often have visiting hours and can be difficult for family members to access regularly. With Live in Care at Home, family members can remain closely involved in the care of their loved ones.

Benefits for Families:

• Regular Visits: Family members can visit as often as they like, without the restrictions of care home visiting hours.
• Continued Involvement: Families can actively participate in the care plan and communicate regularly with the live-in carer to ensure their loved one’s needs are met.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that a loved one is receiving dedicated care in the comfort of their own home provides reassurance and peace of mind for family members.

Maintaining close family connections is vital for emotional well-being, and live-in care facilitates these important relationships without the restrictions of a care home environment.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Studies show that individuals who receive care at home often experience a higher quality of life than those in care homes. This is largely due to the personalised attention, comfort of familiar surroundings, and the ability to maintain independence.

Improved Mental and Emotional Health:

• Reduced Stress: Staying at home helps minimise the stress and anxiety associated with moving to a new environment, especially for those with cognitive impairments like dementia.
• Sense of Control: Having control over daily routines, choices, and environment contributes to a sense of independence and dignity, which can improve mental health.
• Companionship: The companionship provided by a live-in carer can help combat loneliness, which is a common issue for older adults living in care homes.

By focusing on the individual’s overall well-being, Live in Care at Home offers a more holistic approach to care, resulting in enhanced physical, mental, and emotional health.

Cost-Effectiveness of Live in Care

While the costs of care homes can be high, many people are surprised to learn that Live in Care at Home can be a more cost-effective option, especially for couples. In a care home, both partners would need to pay for separate care. However, with live-in care, one carer can support both individuals, making it a more affordable choice.

Financial Advantages:

• Shared Care: For couples, the cost of live-in care is often more affordable than two separate care home fees.
• No Relocation Costs: Staying at home eliminates the costs associated with selling a property, moving, or transitioning to a care facility.
• Flexible Care Plans: Live-in care offers flexible plans, meaning that you only pay for the care you need, rather than a fixed care home package.

By offering a flexible and personalised approach, live-in care can provide a higher standard of care without the often prohibitive costs associated with care homes.

Wrapping Up

Live in Care at Home provides a superior alternative to care homes for those who wish to remain in the comfort of their own surroundings while receiving personalised, one-to-one care. By offering flexibility, independence, and enhanced emotional well-being, live-in care allows individuals to live their lives with dignity and comfort, while providing peace of mind for family members.

At Caremark Bromley, we are dedicated to providing high-quality live-in care that is tailored to the unique needs of each individual. If you or a loved one is considering care options, explore the benefits of Live in Care at Home and discover how it can transform your quality of life.