Live-in care or care homes in Barnet & Edgware: which is right for you?

Published: 11/03/2024

As our loved one’s age, they may benefit from additional care and support to maintain their quality of life. In such situations, deciding between live-in care and care homes is a life-changing and often difficult decision. Both care options have their own set of benefits to consider. But in the end, the choice you make should be tailored to your loved ones' unique needs and preferences.

In this blog post, we will discuss the main differences between care homes and live-in care in Barnet & Edgware. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your loved ones' needs and best interests.

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

Live-in care

If your loved one requires full-time care, there are several options available

Live-in homecare: Our experienced live-in Caregivers in Barnet & Edgware take residence with a singular Client. Together, they define an agreed routine and are plan and live together full-time.

24-hour homecare: Our 24-hour homecare service in Barnet & Edgware  assigns a day-time and a night-time Caregiver to each Client. Providing homecare in shifts, we ensure that your loved one has a permanent presence at home.

Assisted living: Commonly referred to as ‘extra-care housing’, assisted living facilities some level of independence within a housing development. Residents live in purpose-built flats, with visits from Caregivers at agreed times.

Care homes: Residential care homes are a shared accommodation option tailored towards older adults. Care homes usually provide 24-hour healthcare and catering teams on-site.

The benefits of assisted living facilities in Barnet & Edgware

Sense of community

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

A similar sense of community involvement can be found through regular companionship care visits at home. Whilst care homes offer the chance to engage with social events on site, live-in Caregivers encourage engagement with the wider community in Barnet & Edgware.

 

 

Safety and security

Care homes offer a reassuring degree of safety and security for their residents. As with 24-hour homecare in Barnet & Edgware ,care homes offer trained and experienced Caregivers on-site 24/7. Additionally, care homes are designed with safety in mind. Care homes include handrails, slip-resistant flooring, and wheelchair-accessible spaces, to reduce the risk of accidents and creating a secure living environment.

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

To retain a feeling of security at home, our Caregivers are discreet. No one needs to know that your loved one/ benefit 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 predictability and stability. Residential homes set daily schedules including set mealtimes, recreational activities and exercise. A daily structure can provide a sense of security, as residents know what to expect each day.

For people who prefer a little more flexibility, live-in homecare allows you to set your own schedule with your Caregiver. Flexibility is an important  of maintaining independence. Personalised homecare care plans offer a wider range of routines than residential care homes can provide for.

 

Live-in care vs. care homes in Barnet & Edgware: which should you choose?

Deciding between live-in homecare and care homes depends on individual needs and preferences. Live-in care offers more independence and a familiar setting for Clients who may still require assistance with daily tasks. On the other hand, care homes can provide a higher level of supervision for individuals with more complex medical needs.

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