When it comes to long-term care, families often find themselves deciding between live-in care and residential care. Both options have their place, but many families are increasingly turning to live-in care for its emotional, practical, and health-related advantages. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of live-in care compared to residential care, especially for families looking to support their loved ones while maintaining peace of mind.
What is Live-In Care?
Live-in care involves a dedicated carer moving into the client’s home to provide around-the-clock support. It allows individuals to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving personalised one-to-one care. Carers support everything from personal care to medication management, companionship, and household tasks.
Discover Mumby’s Fully Managed Live-in Care Service.
What is Residential Care?
Residential care means moving into a care home where support is shared among residents. While these settings can offer professional care and supervision, residents often have to adjust to a new environment, routine, and staff rotation.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Live-in Care
1. Familiar Environment
Remaining at home means being surrounded by treasured belongings, pets, neighbours, and personal memories. This familiarity is especially beneficial for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, reducing confusion and anxiety.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety for Families
Live-in care means families don’t have to worry about sudden transitions, care home visits, or whether their loved one is being properly attended to. Knowing a trusted carer is present provides reassurance.
3. Continuity of Care
In residential homes, multiple staff members rotate throughout the day. With live-in care, there is a dedicated carer who builds a meaningful relationship with your loved one, developing trust and understanding their individual preferences.
Practical Benefits
1. Personalised Support
Live-in care is tailored entirely to the person’s needs and preferences. From dietary requirements to daily routines, the carer adapts to the individual – not the other way around.
2. Flexibility
There’s no rigid schedule. Your loved one can choose when they eat, sleep, bathe, or go for a walk. This independence often isn’t possible in care homes with fixed routines.
3. Support for Couples
Live-in care allows couples to remain living together in their home, even if only one requires care. In contrast, care homes typically charge for two residents, and often separate couples due to differing care needs.
Explore Mumby’s Couples Live-in Care Options.
Health and Safety Benefits
1. Reduced Risk of Falls and Illness
Research has found individuals receiving live-in care are almost three times less likely to suffer a hip fracture compared to those in residential homes. Round-the-clock supervision means potential health risks are managed early.
2. Tailored Nutrition and Medication Support
A live-in carer ensures medication is taken properly and that meals are nutritious and personalised. This level of attention can help prevent malnutrition, UTIs, and other avoidable hospital admissions.
3. Reduced Risk of Infection
Care homes, especially during winter months or pandemics, present a higher risk of cross-infection. Care at home minimises this exposure.
Financial Comparison
While live-in care may seem costly, when compared to care home fees (which cover accommodation, food, shared care, and administration), live-in care is comparable with residential care for individuals, and provides better value for couples.
At Mumby’s, our fully managed live-in care service starts from £1,645 per week, covering:
– Personal care
– Medication support
– Companionship
– Housekeeping
– 24/7 care coordination and supervision
And there are no hidden extras.
Learn more about Mumby’s Live-in Care Costs.
How Families Benefit
Families benefit emotionally and practically by choosing live-in care. They regain their role as a loved one—not as the sole caregiver. This change can reduce caregiver burnout, improve family relationships, and give family members peace of mind.
You’re always welcome to visit your loved one at home, call at any time, or take them on a spontaneous outing – none of the restrictions that may exist in a care home setting.
Live-in care offers a compassionate, flexible, and person-centred alternative to residential care. From emotional reassurance to better health outcomes, families choosing live-in care often find it’s the most dignified and empowering solution.
Want to learn more about our award-winning live-in care services?
Call us on 01865 391187 or visit our contact page to speak to our friendly team.