Elderly care options: care home vs. live-in care in Cardiff & Newport.

As our loved one’s age, they may require additional care and support to uphold their quality of life. In such situations, deciding between live-in care and care homes is a life-changing and often challenging decision. Both care options have their own set of advantages and benefits to consider. But ultimately, the choice you make should be tailored to and prioritise your loved ones' unique needs and preferences.

In this blog post, we will explore the important differences between care homes and live-in care in Cardiff & Newport. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that aligns reflects your loved ones' needs and best interests.

What is the difference between live-in care, 24-hour homecare, assisted loving and care homes?

If your loved one/family member requires full-time care/support, there are several options available

Live-in homecare: Our trusted live-in Caregivers in Cardiff & Newport take residence with the Client. Together, they define an agreed timetable on how and when the care required to suit the individual needs and live together full-time.

 24-hour homecare: Our 24-hour homecare at home service in Cardiff & Newport assigns a day-time and a night-time Caregiver to each Client. Supporting homecare in shifts, we ensure that your loved one has a permanent presence and round-the-clock support at home.

 Assisted living: Also known as to as ‘extra-care housing’, assisted living accommodations provide some level of independence within a housing development. Residents live in self-contained apartments, with visits from Caregivers at agreed times.

 Care homes: Residential care homes are a shared accommodation tailored towards people in later life. Care homes usually offer/provide 24-hour healthcare and catering teams on-site.

Why choose live-in care over of a care home?

Remain in a familiar environment

One of the most significant advantages/benefits of live-in care is that your loved one can remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home in Cardiff & Newport. The home is not just a physical space; it holds a lifetime of memories and emotional attachments. Staying in a familiar environment can significantly reduce your loved one's stress, anxiety, and the emotional toll that often accompanies a move to a care facility. Live-in care preserves your loved one’s routine and it enables your loved one to maintain their routine and cherished possessions, while receiving essential care and support.

Receive a personalised care plan

Live-in Caregivers in Cardiff provide highly personalised care plans, adhering to your loved one's specific needs and preferences. These Caregivers take the time to get to know each individual, understanding their unique requirements, routines, and even their favourite hobbies and activities. Above all, live-in Caregivers create a supportive and compassionate environment that revolves around your loved one's well-being, ensuring comfort and constant care.

Maintain independence

Live-in care encourages independence by allowing your loved one to continue with their routines and make decisions about their daily/everyday/day-to-day life. The live-in Carer’s/Caregiver's role is not to take over but to provide the necessary support/support required, whilst allowing/enabling your loved one/individuals/Clients to retain a sense of control and autonomy.

Form genuine friendships

Loneliness and isolation can be particularly challenging for our Clients, impacting their emotional and mental well-being. Live-in Caregivers serve as consistent companions, offering both practical and emotional support, as well as social interaction. Live-in Caregivers engage in conversation, share stories/play games and participate in activities for example, attend their favourite community centres together. This genuine companionship promotes a sense of belonging, whilst enriching daily experiences.

The benefits of care homes & assisted living facilities in Cardiff & Newport

Sense of community

Care homes offer residents a valuable sense of community and social interaction. These environments create opportunities enable individuals to participate in group activities and build connections with fellow residents. Through shared experiences and common spaces, residents often make new friends and enjoy regular socialising. Whether participating in group games or social events, these interactions can enhance overall quality of life and contribute to emotional well-being.

A similar sense of community engagement/involvement can be found through regular companionship care visits at home. Whilst care homes offer the chance to participate in social events on site, live-in Caregivers encourage engagement with the wider community in Cardiff & Newport.

Many of our Clients get involved with community activities such as:

• Elderfit
• Cardiff city 1927 club
• Singing music in mind
• Chair yoga

Safety and security

Care homes offer a reassuring degree of safety and security for their residents. As with 24-hour homecare in Cardiff & Newport, care homes offer trained and experienced nurses on-site 24/7. Furthermore, care homes are designed with safety in mind, the physical environment of care homes provides a high level of safety. Care homes feature handrails, slip-resistant flooring, and wheelchair-accessible spaces, to reduce the risk of accidents and creating a secure living environment.

However, depending on your loved one’s condition and needs, a hospital-like living environment may be unsettling. For example, people with Dementia may struggle to adjust to unfamiliar environment and could feel safer with full-time care at home or receiving homecare instead.

To retain a sense of security at home, our Caregivers are discreet. No one needs to know your loved one receive homecare services.

Comforting routines

Care homes provide a structured and comforting routine for residents. For many elderly individuals or those in need of specialised care, routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability . Care homes set daily schedules including set meal times, recreational activities and exercise . A daily structure can provide a sense of security as residents know what to expect each day.

For people who enjoy a little more flexibility, live-in care at home allows you to set your own routine with your Caregiver. Flexibility is an essentially aspect of maintaining independence. Personalised homecare care plans offer a wider range of routines than care homes and assisted living facilities can provide for.

 Live-in care vs. care homes in Cardiff & Newport: which should you choose?

The choice between live-in/full-time homecare and care homes comes down to individual needs and preferences. Live-in care offers more independence and a familiar setting for individuals who may still require assistance with daily tasks. On the other hand, care homes can provide greater supervision for those with more complex medical needs.

It's important to carefully evaluate all care options and choose the one that is suitable for the specific needs of your loved one.