Difference Between Live-In Care And Domiciliary Care

elderly woman talking with her live-in carer

What is domiciliary care? How does live-in care differ from domiciliary care? What is the importance of quality healthcare services? Find out more by reading this article.

Finding the kind of healthcare service that is perfect for your elderly parent or relative may be difficult. It is crucial that you make the right choice regarding the care service your ageing loved one needs.

This article aims to show you the difference between live-in care and domiciliary care and help you determine the best fit for you.

Live-In Care Service Vs. Domiciliary Care Service

Domiciliary care (also popularly referred to as hourly care) is a care service that is agreed upon for a predetermined, set or specific time frame (hours daily or weekly). In this healthcare service, the caregiver visits you or your loved one’s residence or home and helps with meal preparation, house chores, groceries and companionship within the agreed time.

On the other hand, live-in care is a service that allows the caregiver to reside in your place of residence, providing personalised care and daily support to you or your ageing loved one. Live-in care is preferable for people seeking a high level of privacy and independence.

How to choose between live-in care and domiciliary care

Here are factors you should consider before choosing domiciliary care:

  •     Domiciliary care assists you or your ageing loved ones to remain in the comfort of your home while enjoying some level of independence.
  •     Staying in a familiar environment can bring comfort and a sense of domesticity.
  •     It is characterised by flexibility, as you can adjust the frequency and level of care.
  •     Domiciliary care is more popular and affordable than other services, as you only have to pay for essential care and support.
  •     The lack of consistency associated with domiciliary care can be uncomfortable for ageing people. Interacting, bonding and building rapport with people constantly coming and going can be very challenging.
  •     The fact that care is only available during fixed periods can raise serious concerns about hazards, vulnerabilities and stability if assistance is required outside these hours.
  •     Domiciliary care may not be adequate for serious medical conditions.

 

Here are factors you should consider before choosing live-in care:

  •     You can create a personalised care plan tailored specifically to you or your loved one’s unique healthcare and residential needs.
  •     Live-in care has a high level of independence, comfort and convenience. The service user is in the midst of treasured belongings and cherished memories. This can greatly benefit their quality of life and health.
  •     It is possible to keep in contact with friends, loved ones and family nonstop; established routines can remain intact without interference.
  •     It is characterised by consistency in the caregivers who support you or your ageing loved ones. The service user will bond well and grow a trustworthy and loyal companionship with the caregiver.
  •     There is round-the-clock care which provides peace of mind and comfort.
  •     It will require a living space and a residential facility for the caregiver.
  •     Some people may find it difficult to live with strangers.

 

Importance Of Quality Healthcare Services

Here are some important reasons why quality healthcare services are vital for your ageing loved ones:

Access to a healthcare professional

For your loved ones who need care from afar, caregiving professionals can give them a sense of security and comfort. They can identify potential hazards and take safety measures around the house, such as laying a rug on a wet floor or providing ambulatory support.

Assistance in activities of daily living (ADLs)

Caregivers can assist elderly adults in getting the daily assistance they need. This promotes their dignity and improves their quality of life. It includes support in activities of daily living like grooming, medication reminders and bathing.

Provision of professional in-home nursing services

Your ageing loved ones can access expert medical services through quality healthcare services.  Most caregivers are nurses, qualified and knowledgeable about the latest medical equipment. This will ensure that the complex health challenges of your loved ones will be adequately catered for.

Diet and nutrition help

Your loved ones need to consume the essential nutrients to maintain good health. Those discharged from elderly care facilities or hospitals, seniors aged 55 and over, and people with chronic diseases are prone to nutritional disorders. The ageing process, ailments, injuries, immobility and being bedridden can cause a decrease in lean body mass. To combat malnutrition in your elderly dear ones, caregivers may give nutritional advice as well as assist in the preparation of nourishing meals.

Provision of social interaction and activities

Social connectedness and interaction are important for healthy ageing. Caregivers can evolve into reliable companions accompanying their clients on road trips, table games, walks, watching films, book readings and other social engagements.

Assistance with household tasks and domestic duties.

Because your elderly loved ones may find daily household chores challenging, caregivers can routinely assist in keeping their living spaces secure, safe and pleasant.

Conclusion

Regardless of your choice, you must conduct comprehensive research. Contact Vivid Care Services. We have a  good reputation for offering excellent services tailored to each client.

Endeavour to contact us if you or your loved ones need more details about your home care options. We will be pleased to assist.