Blog
21 July 2025
Choosing home care: Live-in vs 24-hour support
When exploring home care services, it’s common to think that live-in care
and 24-hour care offer the same kind of personal support. Both involve a
caregiver staying in your home. However, these two care packages meet
very different needs.
This guide will help you understand the key differences and decide what’s best for you or your loved one, whether you’re managing dementia care, post-surgical recovery, or need help with everyday living activities.
Discover the differences
What is Live-in care?
Live-in care involves a consistent caregiver moving into the home and
providing support during scheduled hours. They sleep at night but remain
available for emergencies. This care option is for ageing adults who need
help around the house but don’t require round-the-clock supervision.
Key benefits
- Support during fixed, planned hours
- One consistent caregiver – more personal and private
- Ideal if you don’t need help around the clock
- A simpler setup than 24-hour care
- Great for companionship, light personal care, and respite care
What is 24-hour care?
24-hour home care involves a rotating team of caregivers providing
continuous support in active, awake shifts. This care service is ideal for
people with complex care needs, such as those living with dementia or
mobility challenges.
Key benefits
- Awake caregivers available 24/7
- Structured routines with a team-based approac#
- Essential for high-risk individuals needing constant safeguardin
- Ideal for those recovering from surgery or living with advanced condition
- Provides full governance and peace of mind for families
Common situations and what care we recommend
“My mother lives alone and feels anxious at night.”
Go with live-in care . It ensures someone is nearby, offers companionship, and provides help with everyday activities, such as meal preparation and reminders, without the intensity of full-time care.
“My father has dementia and wanders at night.”
Choose 24-hour care. For individuals requiring dementia care, a team of awake caregivers ensures continuous supervision, swift response, and structured support.
“I just want someone nearby in case I fall”
Live-in care is a good fit. You’ll receive planned assistance and reassurance from a live-in caregiver who is on-call for emergencies.
“My spouse is recovering from surgery and needs help day and night”
Opt for 24-hour care. Post-surgical situations often require regular personal care, repositioning, and medication support, which is best handled by a dedicated caregiving team.
Live-in care vs 24-hour care
In short, live-in care involves a dedicated caregiver residing in your or your loved one’s home, providing support and companionship throughout the day and night, but typically taking breaks and sleeping at night.
24-hour care ensures continuous, round-the-clock assistance by rotating shifts of caregivers, guaranteeing someone is always awake and available to help at any hour.
This makes live-in care ideal for those who need regular support but not constant supervision, while 24-hour care is best suited for individuals with complex needs or those who require immediate assistance at all times.