Live-in Care vs. Care Homes: Which Is Right for Your Loved One?

Choosing the right kind of care for a loved one can feel overwhelming. Many families weigh up live-in care versus moving into a care home — but what are the real differences?

Staying at Home vs. Moving Away

Live-in care allows your loved one to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. Care homes, meanwhile, offer 24/7 support in a communal setting, which can suit some but feel disruptive to others.

Personalised Support

Live-in care provides one-to-one attention, meaning care is tailored entirely to the individual. In a care home, carers must divide their time across multiple residents, often limiting how much time can be spent with each person.

Independence and Control

Home-based care supports existing routines and encourages independence. Clients can choose when to wake, eat, and go outside — something not always possible in structured care home environments.

Companionship

With live-in care, a consistent, familiar carer provides both support and friendship. This consistency is hard to guarantee in care homes with shift-based staffing.

Cost Comparison

While live-in care can seem expensive at first glance, it can often be comparable to or even more cost-effective than care home fees — particularly for couples needing support together.

Still not sure what’s best? Speak to our friendly team at McDonald Homecare for guidance tailored to your situation.