How to Choose Between Live-In And 24-Hour Home Care Services in Eldersburg, MD
Here’s how 24-hour home care services can benefit seniors in Eldersburg, Randallstown, Westminster, Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City and surrounding areas in Maryland
When aging loved ones suffer impairments due to physical or cognitive decline, there comes a time when families need to reassess their current care solutions and find a more sustainable option.
While some may choose to relocate their parent or relative into an assisted living facility, live-in and 24-hour home care services present preferred alternatives that allow seniors to receive ample care and continue living safely at home for longer. The following information can help you decide what is best for your aging Mom or Dad.
Indications That It is Time for Around-the-Clock Care
Care provided by a family caregiver or a trustworthy home care agency is sometimes not enough to adequately address one’s needs. These signs can indicate that an upgrade to 24-hour home care services may be necessary for Mom or Dad:
- Recurring bruising
- Wetting the bed
- Greater dependence on assistive equipment
- Wandering inside and out of the home
- Confusion
- Increased need for feeding assistance
- Recent transition from a hospital or rehabilitation center to home
- Limited mobility due to a chronic condition or stroke
- Relocation of a family caregiver
Recognizing the Difference Between Live-in and 24-Hour Care
Although similar in their core, live-in and 24-hour home care differentiate when it comes to terms of engagement. Knowing these differences can help you opt for the best solution regarding your parent’s unique situation.
Live-In Care
Live-in caregivers typically stay in the home of the care recipient both day and night to assist whenever needed. Usually two caregivers are assigned to the client, with one performing duties over the week and other during the weekend. Caregivers are entitled to an 8-hour break and a place to rest.
Pros – Seniors can form stronger bonds with only two caregivers. This way, caregivers become better acquainted with the client’s routines, needs, and special moods, and learn how to address certain situations properly.
Cons – Seniors do not receive supervision during the caregiver break.
24-Hour Care
A team of caregivers, usually two or more, rotate shifts to ensure a caring professional is at the client’s side at all times.
Pros – Thanks to a rotating schedule, caregivers are always awake, alert, and ready to assist.
Cons – There is less consistency with caregivers and the costs of care are usually higher when compared to live-in services.
What Is the Best Choice for My Senior Loved One?
Live-in services might be a better fit if your parent:
- Does not require assistance during the night
- Does not require constant monitoring or attention
24-hour home care may be more appropriate if your loved one has a tendency to:
- Wander or pose a threat to themselves
- Wake up frequently during the night
Visiting Angels Eldersburg provides a plethora of non-medical care services at home on an hourly, overnight, respite, and around-the-clock basis. Depending on your loved one’s needs, our customized care plans can include personal care, homemaking, meal preparation, medication reminders, accompaniment to appointments, and more. We provide certified palliative care and specialized dementia care programs too.
Reach out to our Eldersburg, MD office today to learn more.