Home Care vs Live-In Care: What's the Difference?

Both keep someone in their own home. The difference is how much support is there, and when.

Choosing between visiting home care and live-in care comes down to how much support someone needs across the day and night.

Home care visits A care worker visits at agreed times, for example morning, lunchtime and evening. Visits can be short or longer where more time is needed. This works well when someone is mostly independent but needs help with particular parts of the day.

Live-in care A care worker provides ongoing support within the person's own home, where this is appropriate to the agreed care package. It suits people who need reassurance and support throughout the day, or where family would otherwise be providing constant care.

Overnight options Waking night care means a care worker stays awake through the night. Sleep-in care means a care worker stays in the home and is available if needed.

Which is right? There is no single answer. The right arrangement depends on routines, risks, preferences and how needs may change. We are happy to talk it through honestly, including when a different type of service might suit better.