If you have a loved one who requires advanced medical care due to a chronic disease or old-age, then you do have the option of having someone care for them at home. And, you can choose between 24 hour and live-in care. There are some differences between these types of care, so keep reading to learn about a few so you can make the right choice. 

Level Of Care

Live in care involves a single caretaker who lives with an individual for a set period of time. This person will often stay with the client for several days, up to five days in most cases, and then another care person will take over for the next several days. The caregiver is responsible for staying the full 24 hours, but they are allowed a sleep period as well as a four hour break period during the day. This means that there may be lapses in the care provided due to the rest periods of the worker.

When it comes to 24 hour care, several workers are responsible for providing care over the course of the 24 hour period. Typically, three caregivers are hired for this and they work specific shifts that cover the entire 24 hours. Since each caregiver is responsible for an 8 hour shift, you can be sure that medical and care needs are met continuously. 

24 hour care is ideal in situations where your loved one needs constant supervision and requires specific medical needs. However, if your family member can complete some tasks on their own, then a live-in professional may be best. 

Care Consistency

If you opt for 24 hour care, you can choose to hire either nurses or aides to provide the services. And, if medical professionals are providing the care, then this can ensure consistency. However, if the caregivers are not medically trained, then the shift workers may not provide a stable and consistent environment. 

Since live-in caretakers are staying with each client for several days, this is far more likely to provide consistency. This is something that may be important if dementia or Alzheimer's is a concern or if your loved one likes a specific routine. Also, if your loved one is not quick to trust individuals, then a rotating shift of professionals may be stressful. However, one or two caregivers who live-in have more of an opportunity to gain trust.

If you want to know more about live-in care or 24 hour nursing care services, speak with a nursing care professional. 

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