Alternative to care homes
When you are faced with the realisation that your loved one or family member is struggling to cope alone, many assume the only choice is for them to move into a residential care or nursing home. This is not the case and there really is a viable alternative to care homes that can allow your loved ones to stay in their own treasured homes with the dedicated support they need.
What are the alternatives to care homes?
Home care is fast becoming a preferred alternative to care homes. According to a survey conducted by the Live-In Care Hub in 2017, 97% of people surveyed would choose to stay at home to get the care they need.
There are different ways in which you can receive care in your own home as an alternative to residential care, and this is typically determined by personal choice, care needs and financial considerations. Here we set out the various options to consider.
Domiciliary care – a care home alternative
Domiciliary care, sometimes known as hourly or visiting care, is when a professional carer visits a client directly at home to provide the care they need. A domiciliary carer can help with any of the day-to-day tasks of living, ranging from personal care and hygiene to household tasks around the home.
The major benefit of domiciliary care is its flexibility. Services can be completely tailored to provide you with just the right amount of support you need. Whether it’s popping in for a few hours a week all the way up to multiple, daily visits, you’ll receive the care you need, just when you need it.
Domiciliary care is best suited for those with low to medium needs and for people who do not need round-the-clock care.
At The Good Care Group, we have provided high-quality care at home across the UK for over 10 years. We now provide domiciliary care in London, where one of our professional carers can visit your home to provide practical assistance with everyday tasks. From light housekeeping to personal care or preparing and cooking meals. Our carers will support you with any activity that allows you to maintain your independence and quality of life.
Live-in care as an alternative to care homes
Live-in care is when a professional carer comes and lives with you in your home to provide you with round-the-clock care, companionship and support so you can live a better quality of life. Round-the-clock care is provided in the comfort and familiarity of your own home, offering a viable alternative to residential and nursing homes for people with substantial care needs.
At The Good Care Group, we are experts in providing high-quality, live-in care that enables our valued clients to live safely and comfortably in their own homes whilst improving their overall health and well-being. We offer highly personalised, one-to-one care that reflects individual needs, choices, wishes, and social preferences, allowing clients to maintain their independence and enjoy their preferred lifestyle.
A compassionate and professional care team
One of our expert, professional and compassionate carers will move into your home to provide you with one-to-one care and support around the clock, giving you peace of mind and reassurance that you are receiving the highest quality care.
A well-matched care team
A live-in care arrangement involves two carers providing care working on a two-week rota pattern. They will be carefully matched working with you and your family to ensure they are able to meet not just your care and support needs but are closely aligned with how you wish to live your life, sharing common interests and backgrounds.
A personalised plan of care and support
The carer who comes and lives in your home will provide a highly personalised plan of care. The comprehensive care plan will be created with input from not just the person receiving care but with vital input from family members and other healthcare professionals involved in your care. It will cover not just your care needs but your choices on how you live your life, your preferences and the social and emotional support required. It is a holistic approach that is focused on enhancing health and well-being whilst improving overall quality of life.
Benefits of live-in care as an alternative to care homes
There are many compelling reasons to receive the care you need in your own home rather than moving into a residential care home:
| Live-in home care | Residential home care | |
| One-to-one care delivered by the same carer that you can form a relationship with. |
✔ |
X |
| A uniquely developed, highly personalised plan of care designed to meet your needs whilst addressing how you wish to live your life. |
✔ |
X |
| Couples home care available for two people who require support and want to stay at home. |
✔ |
X |
| Improved health outcomes – fewer falls, lower rates of infection and hospital admissions. |
✔ |
X |
| Carer can cook for you or with you if you prefer. You can also choose what you’d like to eat. |
✔ |
X |
| No need to move out of your much-loved home, with all the upset and disruption that brings. The family home can then be kept in the family, instead of being sold to fund care home fees.
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✔ |
X |
Home care agency vs. a managed service
There are many reassuring benefits to using a fully managed service. As a fully managed service, The Good Care Group directly employs its professional carers – we never use agency staff. All carers undergo a robust and rigorous recruitment process and are trained to the highest level before being placed with a client. You will be supported by a dedicated regional manager and a care manager, with support from a central service centre.
Choosing a fully managed service offers peace of mind for families. You won’t have to worry about managing the care arrangement, leaving you more time to spend with your loved ones. Here are more compelling reasons:
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A fully managed service like The Good Care Group |
An introductory agency |
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| Regulated by the CQC and CIW |
✔ |
X |
| The care provided is managed by the provider |
✔ |
X |
| Cost is all-inclusive |
✔ |
X |
| A replacement carer is provided if your regular carer is unavailable |
✔ |
X |
| Support from a care manager and local team |
✔ |
X |
| Carer can cook for you or with you if you prefer. You can also choose what you’d like to eat. |
✔ |
X |
Home care costs as an alternative to care home costs
Live-in care costs are typically in line with a residential care home, and sometimes less, all with the added benefit of receiving round-the-clock, personalised care. Costs in care homes can be far greater if you need nursing care. With live-in care, you have the added value of being able to keep your family home and the fee you pay for your care is purely for the quality support you receive and not the room and board of a residential home.
If you are a couple, live-in care really is a cost-effective option. In a care home, you would be charged double for two bedrooms. With live-in care, there is only a nominal cost if two people receive care at the same address.
Domiciliary care is charged at an hourly rate. It is usually paid on either a weekly or monthly basis depending on the arrangement you have with the agency. Hourly rates for domiciliary care range from £15 to £30 per hour, depending on where in the country you receive your care.
If overnight care is required, the hourly rate is typically higher, as it is for bank holidays, so it is prudent to consider the cost of care over a longer period, for example, the cost over a year. Overnight care will start at £100 – £120 per night.
Talk to us about your live-in care needs
Find out more about the compelling benefits of live-in care as an alternative to a care home – call us today. We will help you every step of the way.