If you are looking for assisted services and support for a loved one, you should always make the right choice. Specifically, if you have to choose between live-in care and hourly domiciliary care in Kingston Upon Thames, Bromley, Croydon, or anywhere else. Because it can be challenging. So, it is common for families to face this decision when an elderly family member with medical issues requires help at home.
And both options have their own pros and cons. However, the exact choice depends on your family’s needs, the level of care required, and the patient’s lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Hourly Domiciliary Care?
Hourly domiciliary care can also be considered as visiting care. It comes with a trained caregiver who attends to the loved one’s needs at only scheduled times during the day or night. The care timing can vary from 30-minute visits to a few hours every day. These caregivers assist with tasks like managing personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping.
The most important of it all would be providing companionship. Domiciliary care is ideal for individuals who are only selectively independent and need help just to stay safe and well in the comfort of their own home. It’s also best for people who have family either living nearby or staying home after work hours. That way they require additional support only at specific times of the day.
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care involves a trained caregiver residing in the house to offer round-the-clock assistance. This allows for constant supervision, emotional support, and rapid response in case of emergencies.
It is particularly suitable for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and stroke or post-surgery patients. It is also suitable for patients with multiple chronic medical conditions and elderly people who are prone to wander or fall.
Live-in carers do daily tasks and offer reassurance. For the majority of Croydon families, this is the preferred option to care homes, allowing loved ones to remain where they feel at ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two
1. Level of Care Required
If your loved one only needs occasional help with meals, mobility, or personal care, booking hourly domiciliary care in Croydon, Bromley, or Kingston Upon Thames may suffice. However, if they require assistance throughout the day and night or have complex medical conditions, live-in care is the better option.
2. Consistency and Companionship
Hourly carers may vary depending on shifts, which can be difficult for someone with memory issues. Live-in care provides consistency and helps build trust between the carer and the client, which is crucial for mental well-being.
3. Cost and Budget
Hourly care is generally more affordable in the short term but can become expensive if the number of visits increases. Live-in care has a higher upfront cost but can be more economical when full-time support is needed. It also offers a viable alternative to residential care homes in Croydon.
4. Living Environment
When you hire a live-in caregiver, you would need a spare room or space for the carer to stay. If your home does not have that option and is short of rooms, hourly care would be a more practical option. Housing change to accommodate a carer can be challenging, so this is a better way.
Also learn how domiciliary care is suitable for cancer patients in our other blog here.
Final Thoughts
Caregiving services never have the one-size-fits-all solution, even if it is about domiciliary care. So, you will have a lot of options and types of care to choose from. Now, if you are unsure whether you would benefit from live-in or hourly domiciliary care in Kingston Upon Thames, Croydon, or Bromley, start with assessments. Evaluate your loved one’s daily routine, emotional needs, and health status first, and then see which care form is able to meet all needs.
But even after that, if you are still torn between the two, get in touch with Priory Care Services! We will help you make the best and most appropriate decision for your loved one.
