A Guide to 24 Hour Care for the Elderly in Their Own Home
When it comes to aging, many older adults wish to remain in their own homes to maintain a certain level of independence.
While some seniors are able to live at home without any outside assistance, others need help with daily activities like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Some seniors need in-home care to assist with daily living activities or supervise their safety.
For these seniors, there are two options that make aging in place possible: live-in care and 24-hour care. Read on to find out the difference between the two and how 24-hour care can benefit your loved one.
24-Hour Care vs. Live-In Care
While 24-hour care and live-in care may sound like the same thing, there are some distinct differences. These differences will determine which is the best option for the older adult in your life. Learn more about 24-hour care vs. live-in care in the breakdown below.
What Is 24-Hour Care?
A great option for seniors who want to maintain their independence is 24-hour care. The purpose of 24-hour care for the elderly in their own home is to provide constant access to a caretaker who can assist with anything your loved one may need, day or night.
In a 24-hour care arrangement, caregivers rotate shifts, with someone providing care during the day and another providing care overnight. With 24-hour care, there are often numerous caretakers who rotate shifts. This means your loved one may be cared for by several different people.
The goal is to ensure that there is always an awake and alert caregiver ready to tend to the person’s needs or provide supervision.
Who Is 24-Hour Care Intended For?
Numerous seniors rely on 24-hour care for the elderly in their own home. This type of home-care arrangement is meant for seniors who need constant supervision or assistance.
This may be a senior who is prone to wandering or attempting to leave the house on their own. These older adults may leave home and get lost, putting themselves in danger. Having a caregiver present and awake to monitor the day and night hours can prevent these kinds of incidents.
Seniors who have consistent medical needs can also benefit from 24-hour care. Whether it’s a chronic underlying condition or recovery from a procedure, any older individual who may need physical assistance throughout the night can rely on a 24-hour caregiver arrangement.
A 24-hour caregiver arrangement is also ideal for seniors who struggle with Sundowner’s Syndrome. This refers to older adults who become highly active and agitated during the night. Caregivers who provide nighttime supervision in a 24-hour care service can help navigate and provide assistance during these instances.
What Is Live-In Care?
One of the best options for home care that helps seniors maintain their independence is live-in care.
Live-in care differs from 24-hour care in that it provides two caregivers who remain in the residence for scheduled shifts. One caretaker is assigned to weekdays, while the other is assigned to weekends. Each caregiver is given an eight-hour break for sleeping.
The live-in care arrangement allows seniors to have the nighttime to themselves, without a caretaker providing supervision or assistance. Many people enjoy the live-in care option because having only two designated caretakers allows for a closer relationship to form.
Caretakers are able to develop a routine with your loved one, as well as learn their unique behaviors and needs.
Who Is Live-In Care Intended For?
Live-in care arrangements are intended for seniors who need assistance throughout the waking hours, but can remain on their own overnight. These older adults may have difficulty performing tasks like cleaning, cooking, or bathing.
A live-in caretaker can make sure these tasks are completed during the day and that your loved one’s needs are met when they are awake.
Seniors who benefit from live-in care are able to remain unsupervised overnight. They typically sleep through the night without the need for physical or medical assistance. This enables them to maintain an increased level of independence, only relying on caretakers during the waking hours.
Which Is the Best Care Option for Your Loved One?
Do you feel that your loved one could benefit from 24-hour care for the elderly in their own home? In-home care is an excellent way to allow seniors to age in place and maintain their independence.
If you believe that an older adult in your life is in need of this type of caretaking, trusted resources can help you determine the best option for in-home care.
Meeting with an in-home care guide can help you learn more about 24-hour and live-in options. These professionals can also assess your loved one’s needs and work with you to determine which type of care is the best fit for their circumstances.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
