Choosing Between Live‑In and Hourly Care
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Families often ask us questions like:
- “Is live-in care better than hourly visits for my mum in Bath?”
- “How much does live-in care cost compared with hourly care in Bristol?”
- “When should we switch from hourly care to live-in care in Bournemouth?”
If you’re facing these same questions, you’re not alone. Deciding between live-in care, hourly (visiting) care, or other alternatives is one of the biggest steps families take when a loved one needs help at home. At Gladys, we work with families across Bath, Bristol, Bournemouth, and throughout the South West Our goal is simple: to help you feel confident in choosing the right type of care.
Understanding Live‑In Care
What Live‑In Carers Do
Live‑in carers move into your home and provide around‑the‑clock support. Families often choose this option when their loved one needs continuous reassurance or help both day and night.
Their role may include:
- Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Meal preparation and household support
- Companionship and emotional support
- Assistance with medication
- Help with mobility and attending appointments
💡 In Bath and Bristol, families often tell us the biggest benefit is simply knowing someone is always there, especially when supporting elderly parents living alone or loved ones with dementia.
Benefits of Live‑In Care for Families in Bath & Bristol
- Continuity of Care: One familiar face providing consistent support.
- Independence at Home: Your loved one stays in familiar surroundings rather than moving to a care home.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing someone is there day and night.
- Flexibility: Carers can adjust routines to suit the client’s preferences.
💡 In Bath and Bristol, many families choose live‑in care when round‑the‑clock reassurance is needed, especially for elderly parents living alone or with dementia.
What Is Hourly (or Visiting) Care?
When Hourly Care is Most Suitable
Hourly, or “visiting care”, is when a carer visits for set times during the day. Common scenarios include:
- Help with morning routines like washing, dressing, and breakfast
- Medication prompts throughout the day
- Light domestic support such as cleaning or shopping
- Companionship visits to prevent loneliness
This is ideal if your loved one is largely independent but needs regular assistance.
Typical Services Included
- 1 hour to multi‑hour visits
- Flexible scheduling around your family’s needs
- Support tailored to specific times of day (e.g. meal prep or bedtime routines)
💡 In Bristol, many families use hourly care as a stepping stone before transitioning to overnight or live‑in care.
Comparing Costs and Flexibility
Typical Costs in Bath, Bristol & Bournemouth
- Hourly Care: From £29 per hour depending on complexity and time of day
- Live‑In Care: From £200 per day, including food and accommodation for the carer
Cost Considerations
The cost of live-in care is influenced by several factors, including:
- Level of care: Costs increase for more complex needs such as dementia or specialist medical care.
- Number of people: Providing care for a couple is more expensive than for a single person.
- Provider type: Independent carers or those from introductory agencies may be less expensive than those from a fully managed agency, which typically charges higher fees to cover administration, recruitment, and training.
Budgeting Tips
- Factor in potential funding support such as Attendance Allowance or local authority contributions.
- Consider the cost savings of staying at home vs moving into residential care.
- Self‑employed carers (like those you’ll find through Gladys) often offer more flexibility and competitive rates.
🧭 Which Care Model Works Best for You?
- Choose Hourly Care if your loved one is mostly independent but needs routine support.
- Choose Overnight Care if your loved one feels anxious at night, wakes frequently, or needs medication during the night.
- Choose Live‑In Care if your loved one requires continuous care and companionship or has complex needs.
💡 In Bournemouth, families often start with hourly care and transition to live‑in care as needs increase, ensuring a smooth, sustainable approach.
🤝 How Gladys Helps Families Decide
At Gladys, we know that every family’s situation is unique. That’s why we:
- Work with self‑employed, vetted carers in Bath, Bristol & Bournemouth
- Match carers to your loved one’s needs, personality, and lifestyle
- Offers flexible arrangements, from short-term respite to long-term live-in placements
👉 Ready to explore care options? Contact Gladys today to find a carer who’s the perfect fit for your family.
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