Care Home or 24hr Live-In Home care

Choosing between a residential care home and 24/7 live in care at home is not always an easy decision. Thats why we have created a simple decision tool to help.
Things to consider to help your decision
24hr care at Home:
Pros:
- Comfort of Home: Home care allows individuals to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, surrounded by cherished belongings, memories, and loved ones. This familiarity can contribute to a sense of security, independence, and emotional well-being.
- Personalised Care: Home care services are tailored to the individual’s specific needs, preferences, and routines. Caregivers can provide personalised attention and support, focusing on maintaining independence, promoting dignity, and enhancing quality of life.
- Flexibility and Autonomy: Home care offers greater flexibility and autonomy compared to residential care settings. Individuals can maintain control over their daily routines, activities, and lifestyle choices, allowing them to retain a sense of independence and self-determination.
- Family Involvement: Home care encourages family involvement and participation in the care process. Family members can play an active role in providing support, companionship, and assistance, fostering closer relationships and shared experiences.
- 24hr Support and Supervision – Care agencies can provide 24hr care, just like a care home. Live-in care provides round-the-clock support and supervision from trained staff, ensuring that individuals receive assistance and care whenever needed. This constant availability of support can offer peace of mind to both individuals and their families.
Cons:
- Limited Resources: Home care may have limitations in terms of available resources, equipment, and specialised services compared to residential care settings. Individuals with complex medical needs or mobility challenges may require additional support or accommodations that are not readily available at home.
- Social Isolation: Home care can sometimes lead to social isolation, particularly for individuals who live alone or have limited social support networks. Without regular interaction with peers or caregivers, individuals may experience feelings of loneliness or isolation, impacting their mental and emotional well-being.
Residential Care:
Pros:
- 24/7 Support and Supervision: Residential care homes provide round-the-clock support and supervision from trained staff, ensuring that individuals receive assistance and care whenever needed. This constant availability of support can offer peace of mind to both individuals and their families.
- Access to Resources: Residential care settings offer access to a wide range of resources, amenities, and services such as medical care, recreational activities, social events, and transportation assistance. These resources can enhance quality of life and promote overall well-being.
- Socialisation and Community: Residential care facilities provide opportunities for socialisation and community engagement, allowing individuals to interact with peers, participate in group activities, and build meaningful relationships. This social support network can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, promoting mental and emotional health.
Cons:
- Loss of Independence: Residential care settings may require individuals to relinquish some level of independence and autonomy, as they must adhere to facility rules, schedules, and routines. This loss of control over daily activities and decisions can be challenging for some individuals, impacting their sense of identity and self-esteem.
- Adjustment Period: Transitioning to residential care can be emotionally challenging for individuals, as they must adapt to a new environment, routines, and social dynamics. This adjustment period may cause feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness, particularly during the initial stages of admission.
- Cost: Residential care can be costly, with fees varying depending on factors such as location, level of care, and amenities. While some individuals may have financial resources or long-term care insurance to cover these expenses, others may face financial strain or difficulty affording the high cost of care.
