Live-In Care or Overnight Home Care – Which is Right for Your Aging Loved One?

In your time as a family caregiver for your elderly loved one you will face many decisions that you will have to make in order to ensure that they are getting the care that they need. To make sure that this is the best care possible for their specific needs and challenges, you have to approach each of these decisions carefully and with as much information as possible so that you can feel absolutely confident that you have made the decision that is right for them.

One decision that you will come to is what type of elder care would be appropriate for them if they are having difficulty at night. You likely already know the benefits of having an elderly home care services provider in the home with your parent during the day to help them handle their needs and challenges, but it can be more confusing when you are trying to decide how to help them manage their needs at night. There are two primary types of care available for when your parent needs assistance at night. These are live-in care and overnight elder care. Understanding the differences between these two types of care is important to helping you make the choice that will be best for your aging loved one’s specific situation.

Live-In Care

• Care responsibilities are divided among two or three care providers, with one being the primary provider
• Care providers are with your parent in 24-hour shifts, with the primary care provider generally being in the home 3 or 4 days of the week and the others splitting the remaining days
• This type of care provider has the expectation of getting a full night’s sleep when on duty. Their 24-hour schedule should include a day of regular care plus personal time in the morning and evening, a night of sleep, and time for personal care such as bathing and eating
• Your parent must have a dedicated sleeping area set aside for this care provider and ensure proper privacy so that they can relax, sleep, get ready for their responsibilities, and manage other needs
• This type of care is right for a senior who is generally able to sleep through the night but might have occasional needs, or who would simply feel more comfortable having someone else in the home with them but will not need care during the night on a regular basis

Overnight Elder Care

• Care responsibilities are generally managed by one or two care providers with one caring for your parent 6 or 7 days and another filling in on the other’s day off
• This care provider is separate from the elderly home care services provider who cares for your parent during the day and generally takes over for the day provider immediately or very soon after their shift ends
• The overnight care provider is awake and alert throughout the night
• This care provider does not require any kind of special accommodations just like a day care provider
• Overnight care is most appropriate for a senior who has a regular need for care and assistance during the night, such as frequently falling out of bed, incontinence, or wandering tendencies.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Villanova, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.