Live-In Care and 24 Hour Care: What’s the Difference?
What is Live-In Care?
Live-In Care and 24 Hour Care are often used interchangeably, but the reality is that they apply to different services. Live-In care describes a situation where the care provider resides within the client’s home. They would sleep there at night and would help with basic tasks such as going to the restroom during this time. During the day they would provide assistance in the same way any other care provider would.
In contrast, 24 Hour Care means that the caregivers are on duty 24 hours a day with only quick breaks in between. A common form of 24-hour care will be a rotation of three 8-hour shifts from separate caregivers so they can remain alert and vigilant at all times. There are benefits to both forms of in-home care, and which type of care is required will be based on the specific care needs of the client.
Comparing Live-In and 24 Hour Care
As far as the basic duties go, Live-In Caregivers and 24 Hour Caregivers will do many of the same tasks around the house. The general care regimen typically includes:
- Light housekeeping (laundry, vacuuming, etc.)
- Monitoring diet and preparing meals
- Assistance in getting to social activities
- Running errands and providing transport to appointments
- Assistance with bathing, hygiene, and getting dressed
- Companionship and socialization
Clients who require 24 Hour Care typically require much more attention and may need to be monitored as much during the night as they are during the day. Clients that utilize 24 Hour Care may:
- Need turning in bed every two hours to avoid bed sores and other inactivity-related complications
- Be individuals with dementia who cannot be left unattended for even short periods of time, and have a disposition to wandering or different forms of agitated sleeplessness
- Be diabetics who need regular monitoring and dispensation of insulin
- Have a high fall risk, or someone on a strict medication regimen
In contrast, patients who opt for Live-In Care generally need minimal attention at night.