The difference between live-in care and care homes in 2022

It can be difficult to identify the type of care that would best suit a loved one. From full-time residential care options to assisted living, there are several kinds to choose from, all offering their own benefits.

When you think about adult care, whether it is for a specific condition or in older age, care homes are often front of mind, however, in 2022 there are a whole range of care structures which might better fit an individual. Live-in care is growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional residential care.

What is live-in care?

‘Live-in care’ describes an individual receiving full time support from a carer living with them in their own home. It ensures round the clock, one-to-one bespoke care without an individual having to move from where they are settled. 

What are the benefits of live-in care in 2022?

Greater protection from the Covid-19 pandemic

In care homes, multiple members of staff, contactors and people making deliveries enter the premises everyday. In contrast, with live-in care, only the dedicated carer and a few friends and family members can drop by. In a time when there is still uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, live-in care reduces the chance of coming into contact with the virus and is safer for those clinically vulnerable or shielding.

The care home staffing crisis

At the beginning of the year, UK care homes had 30% less staff than they needed, leaving many struggling to provide the support their residents required. Live-in care bypasses that challenge. Most live-in carers are either attached to an agency or are referred through specialised channels such as the one we, Devoted, offer. Carers are carefully vetted and selected to make sure they have the experience and skills to provide care to the highest standard. Plus, with one-to-one care, there is no risk of your loved one missing out on the attention they need due to staff shortages.

Proximity to family

In 2022, the whole world is reconsidering their priorities. For some, this means changing their careers, but for many families who spent the best part of two years separated, it has confirmed that being close to family is what really matters.

Often, care homes only provide limiting visiting hours and can be difficult to travel to. Opting for live-in care means that loved ones can remain close to family and friends, usually in a house where they are comfortable and have been living for years. Plus, there are no restrictions on the number of people who can visit at once when living at home.

Fully personalised and adaptable care

Live-in care is determined by the needs and wishes of the individual, and them alone. Meal times can be set for when they prefer, they can carry on with their favourite hobbies, continue to visit the places they love, and they have full freedom to choose where they live. Care homes provide rigid and generic care, which although may cover the basics, usually don’t fully accommodate your loved one’s lifestyle choices. Having this flexibility and a familiar setting also benefits dementia patients, for whom the move into a care home could cause unnecessary disruption and potentially worsen their symptoms.

Most live-in care programs are determined by a detailed live-in care plan which will help structure the relationship between your loved one and their carer. This sets clear expectations about the kind of support your loved one needs, establishing simple lines of communication and greater transparency. 

Live in care is often a cheaper option

Financing care can be complicated. Although there are many pricing options and financial support schemes available, they include complex means testing processes and often require individuals to sell personal assets, including their homes to meet costs. Live-in care allows individuals to continue ownership of their own homes, and because care is structured using a flexible and clear care plan, pricing is often more transparent, and as result, can be cheaper too.

Greater control in an uncertain time

With rising costs of living, variable fuel prices, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the government’s non-committal stance to funding adult care, it's important that your loved one has as much control over their own life and care as possible. Working with individual live-in carers makes sure they, or family members have the final say on how their care is executed and that it always remains responsive to changing needs and circumstances.

At Devoted, we work with individuals and families to help them devise a bespoke care plan that prioritises their needs and wishes. Whatever your circumstances or budget we can help connect you to the carer with the perfect experience and specialist skills to support you loved one. Simply contact our team to find out more.