Live-In Care or 24/7 Care?
There IS a Difference!
We know that most seniors prefer to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Family members usually try to do everything possible to keep their loved one comfortable and happy right at home. But, safety must always come first. When care needs change, and a senior requires round-the-clock care, there is often confusion about what exactly this means. Family members, along with an experienced company such as Comfort Keepers, can assess which option is best for the senior: live-in care or 24/7 care? What are the differences and what factors need to be considered?
Live-in Care is when one caregiver is at the residence of the client for 24 hours yet sleeps for eight hours. The caregiver has their own private area of the client’s residence to sleep uninterrupted during the night. Live-in care reduces the number of caregivers that are in contact with the client compared to 24/7 care and can be more cost-efficient. Typically, two caregivers rotate working three or four days a week. Clients who need limited assistance with activities of daily living and who usually sleep through the night, are appropriate for live-in care. Clients who wake frequently during the night, need to be monitored continuously, or who have dementia are not appropriate for live-in care; they need 24/7 care.
24/7 Care is when continuous care is needed. Clients who need extensive care, require continuous monitoring, wake often, have dementia, or who wander are more appropriate for 24/7 care. Usually, there are three or more caregivers who work rotating eight or twelve hour shifts to ensure the client’s needs are met at all times. The costs are generally higher because the caregivers are working 24 hours and not taking a sleep break.
With both options...
• It is important for the client, family members, caregivers, and service provider to have an open flow of communication.
• The client needs to be evaluated by the service provider to ensure that an appropriate Plan of Care is devised for the client’s needs. Also, follow-up evaluations ensure that the seniors’ needs continue to be met as circumstances change.
• In addition, a modified version can be custom-tailored for the client who prefers live-in care, but has needs through the night. Instead of 24/7 care, a relief caregiver can be assigned to cover the eight hour shift while the live-in caregiver sleeps. This situation allows the live-in caregiver to sleep uninterrupted and still provides the client the care they require.
