21 Dec The Difference Between Domiciliary Care and Live-in Care
Finding the right kind of care for an ageing parent or relative can be a complex balancing act for families. The first step is for the person who will be receiving the care to acknowledge that care is needed. Many older people find this a frightening step to take. The option to remain at home is key. It’s far easier to accept support whilst remaining independent in your own home, than it is to agree to living in a residential facility.
“My mother has to go in a care home in the end, and she pretty much gave up once she left her home. I was determined the same thing wouldn’t happen to me, and hourly care has been brilliant, so far.”
– Maddie
What is the Difference Between Domiciliary Care and Live-In Care?
Both domiciliary care and live-in care take place in the home. Domiciliary care is also known as hourly care because it’s administered in small chunks. Live-in care is delivered by care workers who are with you 24/7 in your home. This delivers all the benefits of one-to-one care, with the added advantage of being in your home environment.
“My mum was caring for my dad but it all started to get too much for her. None of us wanted him to go in a home, so we arranged for live-in care. Now dad gets all the specialist attention he needs, with mum on hand as well. And mum does as much as she can, but she gets support too.”
– Sarah
What Kinds of Services Are Available in Hourly Care?
Hourly care covers domestic tasks that may have become too difficult over time. These could include cooking light meals, cleaning and clearing up, doing the shopping and managing the washing and ironing. It might be that support comes in the form of phone calls. Professional carers can check in to make sure that you’re eating regularly, or remembering to take medication.
Domiciliary care isn’t just about daily domestic routines though. It can take the form of sitting and chatting, sharing a hobby, or accompanying you to the shops, or a social visit. At Francis House we work out what’s needed together with the family and our client. Regular company can be as important on ongoing good health as eating regularly.
What’s Covered With Live-in Care?
Live-in care provides a tailored, personal kind of support within the home. A carer living with you will manage domestic tasks such as cooking, shopping cleaning, but they can also provide more complex support. This may include dementia care, medication management and physical health needs. Live-in carers also offer the development of a professional relationship based on respect, compassion and trust.
Many families use the provision of live-in care to allow for family carers to take a break. It can also come in useful if a loved one is coming home from hospital and needs a period of recovery before taking on household tasks once more.
“When I was diagnosed with dementia I wanted to be sure that there was a care plan in place so I wouldn’t be a burden to my children. Francis House Homecare worked on it with me and the family, and it was a real relief to me to know I could remain in my home, whatever my symptoms.”
– James
About Francis House Homecare
We provide personalised care for older people in the comfort of their homes. Highly trained Francis House Homecare staff combine versatility and experience in delivering care to people with a range of different conditions. We not only care for our clients’ physical well-being, we also cater to their cultural, spiritual and lifestyle preferences by taking great care when matching care-givers.
Would you like to know more about hourly care or live-in care at Francis House Homecare? Call our friendly team today on 01234 841808