From Hourly Care to Live-In Care: Helping Joyce Stay at Home

When living with care needs, having the right level of support can make a significant difference to someone’s quality of life. For Joyce, who requires person-centred care, her family wanted to ensure she could continue living safely and comfortably in the home she knows and loves.

Initially receiving hourly care, Joyce later transitioned to Live-In  care, providing her with consistent one-to-one support throughout the day. Her Live-In  Carer, Pat, joined her around Christmas time, helping the transition feel natural and reassuring for both Joyce and her family.

With support available around the clock, Joyce receives assistance with personal care, medication and meal preparation, while still maintaining as much independence as possible. Rather than adapting her life around a residential care setting, her care is built around her existing routines, preferences and the things that matter to her.

For Joyce’s family, the move to Live-In  care has also provided valuable reassurance, knowing that someone is there to support their mum when they cannot be.

Every day looks a little different for Joyce - while she often says she feels well and has enjoyed a good night’s sleep, she regularly needs to rest during the day and may fall asleep while watching programmes such as The Chase or Pointless. Her Live-In  care package allows this flexibility. Rather than expecting Joyce to follow a fixed schedule, her Carer can adapt her support according to how she is feeling.

When her energy allows, Joyce enjoys keeping her mind and body active. She works on crossword puzzles, paints and colours, and completes physiotherapy exercises for her arms and legs. She also enjoys chatting with her Carers about her life, including her former career as a typist and memories of travelling to New Zealand.

Staying connected with family and friends remains important to Joyce too. She enjoys phone calls from her family and friends. Having a familiar Carer by her side means these moments can continue to be part of her everyday life.

For families considering care options, the move from hourly support to Live-In  care can feel like a big decision. For Joyce and her family, however, it has provided a way to increase the level of support available without taking her away from the environment she knows.

Live-In  care offers a highly personalised alternative to residential care, with support provided within a person’s own home and tailored around their individual needs. This can be particularly valuable when someone’s condition, energy levels or care requirements change from day to day.

For Joyce, having Pat there means support is available when she needs it, while she can continue enjoying the familiar routines and comforts of home. Her Carer can assist with practical aspects of daily life, while also providing companionship and encouragement to remain engaged when she feels able.