Live-in Care or Care Homes in Bromley
Which is right for you?
Published: 25/09/2024
Lucy Seidler | Community and Engagement Officer (and daughter)"When deciding on care for my own parents, the deciding factor was that they wanted to remain in the comfort and familiarity of the family home. It was easy to arrange quality care at home for them to allow that to happen."
As we age, we may benefit from additional care and support to maintain our independent lifestyles. In such situations choosing between live-in care and care home facilities is a life-changing and often difficult decision. Both care options have their own set of benefits to consider. Ultimately, the choice you make should prioritise your or your loved one’s unique needs and preferences.
In this blog post we will address the main differences between care home facilities and live-in care in Bromley borough. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that reflects your or your loved one’s needs and best interests.
What’s the difference between live-in care, assisted living and care home facilities?
If you or your loved one requires full time care and support there are several options available.
Live-in Homecare
Our experienced live-in Caregivers in the borough of Bromley move in with a Client. Together, possibly with assistance of family members, they devise an agreed care plan and routine. They live together full time.
24 Hour Homecare
Our 24 hour homecare service in the borough of Bromley assigns a day-time and a night-time Caregiver to each Client. Providing homecare in shifts, we ensure that our Client has round-the-clock support and care at home.
Assisted Living
Also known as ‘extra-care housing’ assisted living facilities provide some level of independence within a housing development. Residents live in purpose-built apartments with visits from care staff at agreed times.
Care Homes
Residential care homes are a shared accommodation option, tailored towards people in later life. Care homes usually provide 24 hour healthcare and catering teams on site.
Why choose live-in care from Right at Home Bromley over a care home facility?
One of the most significant advantages of live-in care is that our Client can remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home in Bromley. The home is not just a physical place but one that holds a lifetime of memories and emotional attachments. Remaining in that familiar environment can greatly reduce the stress, anxiety and emotional toll that often accompanies a move to a care facility. Live-in care from Right at Home Bromley enables our Clients to maintain their routine, environment and cherished possessions whilst still receiving the necessary care and support.
Receiving a Personalised Care Plan
Live-in Caregivers from Right at Home Bromley provide highly personalised care plans, tailored to our Client’s specific needs and preferences. Our Caregivers spend much time getting to know each individual Client, understanding their unique requirements, routines and even their preferred foods, hobbies and interests. Above all, our live-in Caregivers create a supportive and compassionate environment that revolves around our Client’s well-being, comfort and happiness.
Maintaining Independence
Live-in care encourages independence by allowing our Client to continue with their daily routines and decision-making about day to day life. At Right at Home Bromley the live-in Caregiver’s role is not to ‘take over’ but to provide the necessary support whilst allowing our Clients to retain as much control and autonomy as possible.
Forming Genuine Friendships
Loneliness and isolation can be terribly challenging for our Clients, impacting their emotional and mental well-being. Live-in Caregivers from Right at Home Bromley are matched carefully to our Clients and together they build genuine bonds. They offer practical and emotional support as well as social interaction. Live-in Caregivers engage in conversation, share stories, play games and participate in activities that bring joy and meaning to our Client’s lives. This genuine friendship promotes a sense of belonging and comradery, whilst enriching daily experiences.
The benefits of Residential Care Facilities in Bromley
Fostering a sense of community
Care home facilities offer residents a valuable sense of community and social interaction. These environments enable those resident to engage in group activities and build connections with fellow residents. Through shared experiences and common spaces, residents can make new friends and enjoy regular socialising if they so choose. Whether participating in group games or social events, these interactions can enhance the overall quality of life and contribute to emotional well-being.
A similar sense of community involvement can be found through regular companionship care visits at home. Whilst residential care facilities offer the opportunity to join in with the social events on site, our live-in Caregivers from Right at Home Bromley support and promote engagement with the wider community in the Borough of Bromley.
Many of our Clients get involved with community activities such as
Right at Home Bromley’s ‘Love to Move’ group
Regular walks around Kelsey Park with our Caregivers
Lunch clubs at local Churches such as Christ Church in Beckenham
Seasonal parties with other clients and carers from Right at Home Bromley
Providing Safety and Security
Care home facilities offer a degree of safety and security for their residents. Similar to 24 hour homecare in Bromley, care home facilities offer trained and experienced staff on site 24 hours, 7 days a week. Furthermore, residential care facilities are designed with safety in mind to strict regulations. Wheelchair -accessible spaces, handrails and slip-resistant floors are required to minimise accidents and create a secure living environment.
However, depending on the Client’s needs or condition, a hospital-like setting maybe uncomfortable for some. For example, people with Dementia may struggle to adjust to an unfamiliar situation and could feel more secure with full time care at home.
To retain a sense of security at home, our Caregivers at Right at Home Bromley are discreet. No one needs to know that our Clients are benefiting from our homecare services. For example, uniforms are not worn.
Comforting Routines
Care home facilities provide a structured and comforting routine for residents. For many elderly individuals or those in need of specialised care, routines provide a comforting sense of stability and predictability. Care home facilities set daily schedules including set meal times, recreational activities and exercise. A daily structure can provide a sense of security as residents know what and who to expect each day.
For those who prefer a little more flexibility, live-in care at home allows the Client to set their own schedule with their Caregiver. Flexibility is an important part of maintaining independence. Personalised homecare care plans offer a wider range of routines than residential care facilities can provide for.
Read our guide to the benefits of personalised care plans.
Live-in care vs. care home facilities in Bromley: which should you choose?
The choice between live-in homecare and care home facilities comes down to individual needs and preferences. Live-in care offers more independence and a familiar setting for Clients who may require assistance with daily tasks. On the other hand, care home facilities can provide greater supervision for those with more complex medical needs.
Naturally, it’s important to carefully consider all care options and choose the one that is best suited to the specific needs of the person requiring care.
Click here to find out more about our live-in care at home services
