Difference Between 24-Hour Shift Care and Live-In Care
Senior care consists of various types of care, from a simple need for companionship and household duties, to palliative or end-of-life care. Families may also need to consider the decision between hourly work shifts or live-in care. For many of these care types, the purpose and benefits are clear. However, choosing between 24-hour shift care and live-in care presents a challenge for many seniors and their loved ones. This article aims to help distinguish between the two types of care and how to choose which one is right for you and your loved ones.
What is 24-Hour Shift Care?
When a client is in need of round-the-clock attention and care, multiple caregivers split 24-hours of care, working anywhere from eight to 12 hours at a time to support their client. Unlike live-in care, no sleeping quarters are required, as sleeping breaks are not optional. With 24-hour shift care, seniors are always under the watchful eye of a caregiver so loved ones can have peace of mind.
Many people choose 24-hour shift care because it offers scheduling flexibility and ensures someone is always with their loved one, awake and alert. Patients living with dementia often benefit the most from 24-hour shift care.
What is Live-In Care?
A single caregiver attends to a senior in a live-in care situation. Sleeping quarters are required, as the caregiver is entitled to sleep at night and breaks throughout the day. The live-in caregiver remains in the home at all times and for an extended period. Many seniors and their loved ones prefer live-in care because it offers the consistency of a single caregiver and the familiarity and comfort that comes from bonding with your live-in caregiver, while being less expensive than the round-the-clock hourly alternative.
The live-in caregiver remains responsible for assistance with all activities of daily living, and the presence of a responsible, licensed caregiver at all times often removes the worry family members have about incidental, off-schedule needs.
The difference between 24-hour shift care and live-in care is subtle but may be worth investigating for many seniors and their loved ones. In addition, you may consider consulting your senior loved one’s physician for guidance on which type of care is best suited to their needs.
Visiting Angels Matawan Senior Care Services
Visiting Angels Matawan specializes in various types of senior home care services. Our live-in caregivers help seniors with personal care (toileting, dressing, and bathing), medication reminders, meal preparation, companionship, and light housekeeping. We also offer the Visiting Angels Concierge Service, which represents home care that goes beyond standard senior care services.
In addition to offering 24-hour shift care and live-in care, Visiting Angels Matawan also provides the following resources:
- How to Know When You Need Home Care
- Live-in or 24-Hour Care Allowing Elderly Adults to “Age in Place” in Their Homes
- Get the Most Out of a Free Home Care Consultation
- How In-Home Care Can Support Stroke Recovery
- Working From Home While Caring for a Senior
If you’d like to learn more about how a Visiting Angels Matawan caregiver can help you or an aging loved one, contact us for a free consultation. Our care coordinators are happy to help craft a personalized care plan that suits your needs and brings peace of mind to everyone involved.