Elderly care options: care home vs. live-in care in South Liverpool & Widnes

As our loved ones age, they may benefit from additional care and support to maintain independence, living in their own home if possible. In such situations, knowing what to do for the best is difficult, choosing between live-in care in their own home and a residential care homes is a significant and often difficult decision that can weigh heavily on your mind. Both care options have their own pros and cons to consider. The choice you make should with the unique needs, wishes and wellbeing of your loved ones' at the forefront.  All too often Mum or Dad’s preferences can be diminished by weighty issues such as funding, wait lists and what is best for the family.

In this blog post, we will look at the differences between care homes and live-in care in South Liverpool and Widnes. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision that meets your loved ones' needs and best interests.

What is the difference between live-in care, assisted living, and care homes?

If your family member requires full-time care, there are several options available

Live-in homecare: Our experienced live-in Carers in South Liverpool & Widnes take move in with a singular Client or with a couple if they both require care. Working together the home care provider, the live in carer and your loved one, a personalised care plan and routine is tailored to meet your loved one(s) needs and preferences. This care plans includes trips out to activities that your loved ones enjoy such as community groups, the park, the garden centre or to their local favourite café or place to sit and watch the world go by.

24-hour homecare: Our 24-hour homecare service in South Liverpool and Widnes assigns a day-time and a night-time Carer to each Client who take care of your family members in shifts. This ensures that your loved one has round the clock care focused soley on your loved one(s) ensuring the highest quality of care and companionship all in the comfort of their own home. 

Assisted living:  Also known as ‘extra-care housing’, provide some level of independence within a housing development. Residents live in self-contained apartments with visits from caregivers at agreed times.

Care homes: Residential care homes are a shared accommodation tailored towards older adults. Care homes usually provide 24-hour healthcare and catering teams on-site with residents having their own room to stay in and larger communal rooms during the day.

The benefits of live in care in South Liverpool and Widnes

Remain in a familiar environment

One of the most significant benefits of live-in care is that your loved one(s) can remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home in South Liverpool and Widnes. The home is not just a building; it holds a lifetime of memories and emotional attachments. Staying in a familiar environment can greatly reduce your loved one's stress, anxiety, and the emotional toll of moving to a residential care facility to live with strangers. Live-in care enables your loved one to maintain their routine and cherished possessions, while receiving the necessary care, stimulation and companionship in the familiarity of the place of such significance and memories; their home.

Receive a personalised care plan

Live-in Caregivers in South Liverpool and Widnes provide highly personalised care plans, tailored to your loved one's specific needs and preferences. These experienced Carers take the time to get to know each Client, understanding their unique requirements, routines, and even their favourite hobbies and activities. Above all, live-in Carers create a supportive and compassionate environment  that revolves around your family member’s well-being, comfort, and happiness. Furthermore, this approach not only takes care of their physical and medical health, but their mental health. Spending in the garden, our meeting up with friends, or a walk in the park or a trip to the coast reduces anxiety and increases happiness and well being.  You feel so much happier knowing that Mum or Dad are getting the care, support and stimulation they need.

Maintain independence

Live-in care enables independence by allowing your loved one to continue with their routines and make decisions about their day-to day life. The live-in Carer’s role is not to take over but to provide the support and encouragement required, whilst allowing your loved one(s) to retain a sense of control and autonomy.

Form genuine friendships

Loneliness and isolation can be a particularly challenging for the elderly, affecting their emotional and mental well-being. Live-in Carers build genuine bonds with their Clients, providing practical and emotional support as well as social interaction. Live-In Caregivers engage in conversation, share stories, play games and participate in activities that bring joy and meaning to your loved one’s life. This genuine bond fosters a sense of belonging, whilst enriching daily experiences.

The benefits of care homes / assisted living in South Liverpool and Widnes

Sense of community

Care homes provide a valuable sense of community and social interaction. These environments can create opportunities for your loved one to participate in group activities and build connections with fellow residents. Through shared experiences and common spaces, residents often make new friends and enjoy regular socialising. Whether taking part in group games or social events, these activities enhance overall quality of life and contribute to emotional well-being.

A similar sense of community engagement can be found through regular companionship care visits at home. Whilst care homes offer the chance to participate in social events on site, live-in Carers support engagement with life long friends and with the wider community in South Liverpool and Widnes

Many of our Clients enjoy community activities such as:

• Going to dementia friendly community groups or choir groups
• Taking a trip to the Garden centre or the coast to appreciate nature
• Going for a coffee in town
• Playing connect 4 or Jenga over a cake and coffee with like minded people at our Rest & Reminisce groups or Golden Cinema in South Liverpool.

Safety and security

Care homes offer a reassuring degree of safety and security for their residents. As with 24-hour homecare in South Liverpool and Widnes, care homes offer trained and experienced staff on-site 24/7. Furthermore, care homes are designed with safety in mind.  Care homes  feature handrails, slip-resistant flooring, and wheelchair-accessible spaces to create a safe physical environment.

However, depending on your loved one’s needs, a hospital-like environment may be off-putting. For example, people with Dementia may struggle to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings and could feel more secure with full-time care at home instead.

To retain a sense of security at home, our Care Givers are discreet. No one needs to know that your loved one benefits from homecare services.

Comforting routines

Care homes provide a structured and comforting routine for residents. For many elderly individuals or those in need of specialised care, routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability. Residential care homes set daily schedules including set meal times, recreational activities and exercise. A daily structure can provide a sense of security, as residents know what to expect each day.

For those who prefer the option of either a little more flexibility or a structured routine, live-in homecare allows you to set your own schedule with your Caregivers. Flexibility is an important part of retaining independence. Personalised homecare care plans offer a wider range of routines than care homes can provide for.

You can read more about the benefits of Home Care and how it enhances well-being here.

Live-in care vs. care homes in South Liverpool and Widnes: which should you choose?

The choice between live-in homecare and care homes comes down to individual needs and preferences. Live-in care offers more independence and a familiar setting for those who may still require assistance with daily tasks. On the other hand, care homes can provide a sense of community surrounded by other residents.

It's important to weigh up all care options and choose the one that best meets the specific needs of your loved one.

Find out more about our live-in care at home available in South Liverpool & Widnes, and the added value we provide through our community Rest & Reminisce and Golden Cinema events. Or consider our comprehensive 24 hour home care options.

Take a look at our guide on how to prepare for homecare, to make the process go as smoothly as possible.