Live-in care is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families across the UK who want to ensure their loved ones receive personalised, round-the-clock care in the comfort of their own homes.
But what exactly is live-in care, how does it compare in cost to traditional care homes, and what funding options are available? In this blog we will delve into all these questions and explore why you should consider New Age Home Care stands out as your provider for live-in care.
What is Live-in Care?
Live-in care refers to having a Professional Carer reside with the person needing assistance, providing tailored support 24 hours a day. This option allows individuals to remain in their own homes while receiving the help they need with everyday tasks, personal care, mobility, medication management, and companionship.
For many, the prospect of leaving their home can be distressing. This is especially the case for people with Dementia. The familiarity of surroundings, cherished memories, and the comfort of staying in a place they've known for years can make all the difference to one’s wellbeing. Live-in care provides the best of both worlds—continuous support without the upheaval of moving into a residential care facility.
The Benefits of Live-in Care
Personalised, One-to-One Care
One of the primary advantages of live-in care is the level of personalisation it offers. Unlike in care homes, where staff ratios often mean limited time with each resident, live-in care ensures that the carer's entire focus is on one individual. This leads to better understanding of the person's needs, preferences, and routines.
Independence and Familiarity
Staying in one’s home promotes independence and allows individuals to maintain their daily routines in a familiar environment. The person receiving care remains surrounded by their possessions, community, and often beloved pets.
Tailored Support for Couples
Live-in care can be a more economical and practical solution for couples. Instead of payingfor two separate care home places, both individuals can stay together while receiving the support they need under one roof.
Companionship and Emotional Wellbeing
With a dedicated Care Professional, live-in care offers not only physical assistance but emotional support and companionship, reducing the feelings of loneliness and isolation that can sometimes accompany ageing or disability.
Avoiding the Disruption of Moving
Moving into a care home can be a stressful experience. Live-in care eliminates this upheaval, allowing individuals to continue living in the home they love, surrounded by their personal history and familiar routines.
Cost Comparison: Live-in Care vs Residential Care Homes
When evaluating live-in care against residential care homes, it’s important to consider both the quality of care and the financial implications.
Residential Care Homes
The cost of staying in a care home can vary greatly depending on the level of care required and the location. In general, care homes charge weekly fees, with additional costs for specialist or nursing care. For couples, these expenses can be significant, as each person is charged separately, making the total cost higher than some may anticipate.
Live-in Care
Live-in care generally involves a single weekly fee that covers one-to-one support in the individual's own home. For couples, this can be more cost-effective as the care provided is for both people, with no need for separate charges. Moreover, live-in care often includes assistance with everyday tasks, personal care, and companionship.
While the costs of live-in care and residential homes can appear similar, live-in care offers higher value due to the personalised, dedicated support and the ability to remain in familiar surroundings. Many families find live-in care to be the better choice when aiming to provide a loved one with comfort, independence, and a high quality of life.
Funding Options for Live-in Care
Funding for live-in care can come from various sources, and it's important to explore the options available to you:
Local Authority Funding
Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be eligible for funding from your local council. A financial assessment will determine whether you qualify and how much you might be entitled to. Bear in mind that councils typically expect individuals with savings above a certain threshold (currently £23,250 in England) to contribute towards their care costs.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If your loved one has complex health needs, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care. This funding is not means-tested, but eligibility is assessed based on health needs.
Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Those over retirement age may be eligible for Attendance Allowance, while younger individuals with disabilities might qualify for PIP. These benefits can help cover care costs and are not means-tested.
Equity Release
Some families opt for equity release, allowing them to unlock the value of their property to pay for care. This option can provide a flexible source of income to cover long-term care costs.
Self-Funding
Many individuals self-fund their care, either using savings, pensions, or family contributions. It’s worth discussing options with a financial advisor to ensure you're making the most of available resources.
Why Choose New Age Care for Live-in Home Care?
At New Age Care, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional live-in care tailored to each individual's needs. Here are a few reasons why we stand out:
Experienced and Compassionate Carers
Our Care Professionals are carefully selected, highly trained, and fully committed to providing compassionate, professional support. We ensure that our team not only meets the physical needs of our clients but also provides emotional and social support, building meaningful relationships along the way.
Flexible, Person-Centred Care Plans
We work closely with families to create bespoke care plans that evolve as needs change. Whether your loved one requires assistance with personal care, help around the house, or companionship, we can tailor our services to fit.
Competitive Pricing
While live-in care can be a significant investment, we ensure our services are competitively priced, offering excellent value for money. Our transparent pricing structure means there are no hidden fees, and families can plan their finances with confidence.
Commitment to Wellbeing
At New Age Care, we are committed to not just meeting but exceeding expectations when it comes to the wellbeing of our clients. Our carers go above and beyond to ensure that those in our care feel valued, respected, and supported in every way.
Live-in care provides a personalised, flexible, and often more affordable alternative to residential care homes. If you're considering live-in care for a loved one, New Age Care is here to help, offering top-quality care that allows individuals to maintain their independence and enjoy life in the comfort of their own home. If you're considering live-in care and would like to learn more about how New Age Care can help, please contact us on 0808 808 5000.