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The main differences between live-in care and a care home in the UK usually revolve around the setting, level of personalised attention, flexibility and cost structure. We’re going to set out a simple comparison of some key points to inform you and help you make a decision on the right care for you, or a loved one.
Choosing between live-in care and a care home depends on the individual’s needs, preferences, financial situation, and the level of support required. Take a look at some of the points below to help you make your decision:
The general setting
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Live-in Care:
- Location: The individual stays in their own home.
- Environment: Familiar surroundings with personal belongings, pets, and a sense of normalcy and independence.
- Lifestyle: Live-in care provides the ability to maintain existing routines, hobbies, and social connections within the local community.
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Care Home:
- Location: The individual moves into a facility nearby or in a different area, depending on the chosen home.
- Environment: New surroundings, often with shared communal areas and more structured routines.
- Lifestyle: Adaptation to the care home’s schedule, activities, and rules, with less control over daily routines.
The level of personalised care
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Live-in Care:
- Care Ratio: One-to-one care provided by a dedicated care professional who lives with them at home.
- Personalisation: Tailored care plans that adapt to the individual’s specific needs, preferences, like, dislikes and routines.
- Consistency: Continuity of care from the same care professional allows for growth in a strong and trusting relationship.
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Care Home:
- Care Ratio: Depending on size, the care is shared among residents, often leading to higher staff-to-resident ratios.
- Personalisation: Care plans are standardised, though efforts are made to tailor support to individual needs, this can be limited due to the home’s resources.
- Consistency: Care is provided by different staff members, which can lead to varying levels of familiarity and continuity.
The flexibility offered
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Live-in Care:
- Adaptability: Care plans can be adjusted quickly as needs change, allowing for flexible and responsive care.
- Choice: More freedom in choosing daily activities, meals, and general control of how the way will go.
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Care Home:
- Structured: Routines and schedules are generally more fixed, with less flexibility for individual preferences – although not impossible!
Limitations: Changes to care plans are of course possible but may take longer to implement due to the availability of resources.
An look at cost structure
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Live-in Care:
- Costs: Generally speaking, a fixed fee covering the care professionals salary, living expenses, and care providers fees. It can also be very cost-effective for couples as one care professional can support both.
- Value: Includes personalised, round-the-clock care that is tailored to the individual’s needs.
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Care Home:
- Costs: Fees typically cover accommodation, food, and care services. Can be more cost-effective for individuals, but costs can add up with additional services.
- Value: Generally includes all-inclusive care, but personalised attention may be slightly limited due to staff ratios.
Decision Factors
- Live-in Care: Ideal for individuals who value their independence, prefer staying in their own familiar surroundings, and require personalised, one-to-one care.
- Care Home: Suitable for those who need comprehensive care, benefit from structured routines, and seek a community living environment.
At GoodOaks, we believe that live-in care is a solution that you can trust. Our aim is to keep people living in the home that they have spent their whole lives building, for as long as possible. Our highly trained care professionals are valued and supported by us, allowing them to do the best job they possibly can. To find out more about our live-in care services speak to our care team today.
