What is Live-In Home Care?

Live-in home care is a service that provides around-the-clock assistance and support for seniors in their own homes. For many, in-home care offers an appealing alternative to assisted living facilities. A live-in caregiver resides in a senior's home, offering personalized daily support tailored to their needs, promoting safety, independence and well-being.

An AARP study from 2021 shows that more than three-quarters of adults aged 50 and older plan to age in their current homes or communities rather than in a residential setting, such as assisted living. Several types of in-home care exist, catering to varying degrees of need and medical care. 

Live-in home care serves as an ideal option for seniors with conditions or impairments that prevent them from living safely on their own. This option includes individuals with chronic health conditions, severe mobility limitations, Alzheimer's or dementia and those recovering from recent surgery or illness. With the support of a live-in home care aide, seniors can comfortably age in place while receiving the necessary assistance and supervision to maintain their quality of life.

Live-in home care encompasses a range of services tailored to seniors' unique needs. These include:

• Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping
• Transportation

Live-in home care aides also provide continuous supervision and companionship that seniors with more complex health conditions may require.

Unlike hourly home care, where caregivers come and go, live-in caregivers reside in the home. This allows for continuous support and supervision, ensuring immediate assistance in an emergency. Additionally, a live-in aide supports a higher level of continuity of care. Working with the same senior each day, caregivers develop a keen understanding of their needs, abilities, personal preferences and schedules. As a result, daily activities and meals receive a higher level of personalization. This arrangement can also help caregivers monitor and detect changes in seniors' conditions.

Many important considerations arise when deciding to age in place. Families considering live-in home care should thoroughly research and vet potential caregivers or home care agencies, checking credentials, references and backgrounds. They should establish clear communication channels and expectations from the outset, including duties, schedules and emergency procedures. Families may consider drafting a personal care agreement that formally denotes care specifics, the length of the agreement, the frequency of caregiver payment and any house rules, including guest or pet policies.

In most cases, payment for live-in home care comes out of pocket. Long-term care insurance and certain Medicaid HCBS Waivers may cover some aspects. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for guidance on accessing financial support.