How is live in care different from life in a care home?

When an elderly parent or loved one can no longer support themselves or live in complete independence, it becomes necessary to find the best form of care that bolsters and retains both their safety and quality of life.

For many of the families we speak to, moving their relative to a care home or Olympia Hospice Care is the only option they’ve considered – with live in care remaining a relatively unknown solution in the care sector.

To help you make the best choice for you and for your family, we’ve created this mini guide which explores the differences between the two – helping you identify the ideal care solution for you.

The benefits of live in care

Live in care bridges the gap between full independence and the need for support, by placing a dedicated carer in the home of the individual. By allowing them to stay at home, surrounded by the familiarity of their everyday life and routine, live in care is often regarded as a more comfortable stepping stone or transition into full time care – and it’s more accessible than you might think.

While many believe live in care to be the more expensive option, in many cases it can actually be more cost effective – it simply depends on the level of care required. That’s why we always offer prospective clients a chance to speak directly to us in a no obligation consultation before making any decisions for themselves or a loved one.

The benefits of care home living

Aside from the fact that life in a care home can often be more sociable, especially for those individuals who live alone and crave company and someone to talk to, life in a care home presents a wealth of benefits attributing to the individual roles that are outsourced and handled with expertise and professionalism.

From laundry to the kitchen team, cleaners and carers, there is an expert for every role in a care home – allowing residents to focus only on themselves. In addition, care homes are designed to support and help those in need, making them safe spaces with far fewer fall and trip hazards.

What are the main differences – and is one better than the other?

The primary difference between live in care and life in a care home is the location and surroundings, with live in care presenting all the benefits of life in a care home but from the comfort of the residents’ own setting or home.

The fact is, an Ivy Palmer offers so much more than just the nursing care expected as part of their role. Becoming a part of your relative or loved one’s everyday routine and life, an Ivy Palmer carer becomes a confidante, a friend, a companion, and someone who can help and offer hands-on support when it’s needed.

If this sounds like something you’d like to discuss with our team, we’re here to help. Simply pick up the phone and have a chat with a member of our team.