Live-In Care Basics

The idea of live-in care is appealing to many families because it provides an alternative to assisted living and nursing homes, by offering around-the-clock or overnight care in the home. Live-in care is quite unique because it provides more affordable solutions to families who want to keep their loved one at home and in cases that require higher levels of care continually.

Let's start by going over the most common types of live-in caregiver scenarios: those in which the caregiver maintains their own residence and those who will move in the home of the client.

Live-In Caregivers Who Maintain a Second Residence

In this case, a live-in caregiver maintains their own residence, but works and sleeps four or five consecutive days each week at the client's home. They usually work in teams and will switch with another caregiver during their days off.

Caregivers will work between 12-14 hours a day, and be on call at the residence to handle emergencies and provide assistance during sleeping hours, but this should not be expected every night.

This type of live-in care is most appropriate for individuals who require higher levels of care and are unable to be left alone.

Live-In Caregivers Who Do Not Maintain a Second Residence

Live-in caregivers who do not maintain a separate residence typically move in with the client, working and sleeping at the clients residence for 6 days and 7 nights per week. A family member or another caregiver covers their time off.

This type of live-in care is appropriate for individuals who are ok being left alone during the day, but need someone to sleep over just in case care is needed. They will get up in case of an emergency or when assistance is needed. It is not expected their help will be required every night. Some live-in caregivers can also work a second job during daytime hours, if the situation allows.

What Is The Difference Between 24-Hour Care & Live-In Care?

If around-the-clock care is needed, two caregivers are typically assigned to work 12 hour shifts where one caregiver is awake during the day, and the other during the night.

This care option is typically used when the care recipient needs physical help or constant monitoring throughout the night.

What is Live-In Care For Couples?

Couples who choose to move into a memory care home are likely to have different care needs. This will result in being cared for individually on different floors being separated.

Live-in care for couples provides practical and cost-effective live-in care assistance, whether its just for one person or both. A live-in caregiver enables them to remain in their own home together, enjoy their lives while receiving the level of care they both need.

BENEFITS OF LIVE-IN CARE

  • 1. Stay Home.

    Keep your parents safe and secure in the comfort of their home. Familiar surroundings are important, especially to those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

  • 2. Specialized Care.

    With a live-in caregiver, your loved one gets individualized attention around-the-clock.

  • 3. Continuity of Care.

    Care is tailored to your loved one’s exact needs and is provided by the same people who get to know and care for your family.

  • 4. Quality of Life.

    Your parents needs will be taken care of, giving you the peace of mind they’re safe and not alone.

  • 5. Lower Cost:

    You can save a considerable amount of money if you hire a live-in caregiver rather than 24 hour care.

Ready To Explore Your Care Options?

Contact us today at 310-822-3060 and we will help you decide if live-in care is an option for you.