Many families caring for elderly loved ones find live-in caregivers attractive because they have around-the-clock or overnight treatment in the home as an alternative to assisted living or nursing homes. We’ll look at how live-in caregivers function, how much they cost, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and other financial aid and payment options in this report.
Live-in caregiver cases can be divided into two categories. Those in which a caregiver must be given a place to sleep (and a bed) and those in which a caregiver is not required to be given a bed or a sleep break. This distinction has an impact on the amount and type of treatment given, as well as the cost of care. In any case, the care recipient must be present to provide care at all times of the day and night. The words “live-in” and “24-hour” treatment are commonly used interchangeably. Despite the fact that both forms of treatment are basically live-in caregiver arrangements, there are significant variations between them. Which will be discussed further down. A third choice for live in caregiving is “overnight” / “daytime” care, which is available in addition to “live in” and “24-hour” care.
Live-in Caregiving
When “live in” caregiving is used, a primary caregiver typically operates four to five days per week, offering 24-hour care during that period. At night, the caregiver is given an 8-hour cycle to sleep (with this type of care a bed must be provided). Although his or her sleep will be interrupted, he or she will be able to provide treatment during the night. During the day, the caregiver is often given a four-hour break. Depending on the care recipient, his or her needs, and the family’s decision, another caregiver will or may not cover for the primary caregiver during this break. When the main caregiver is unavailable, an additional caregiver fills in.
24-hour Caregiving
Two or three caregivers will work 8-12 hour shifts in the care recipient’s home and provide “round the clock” care and “24-hour” caregiving. This form of live-in treatment is more suited to those who need further assistance. Sleeping breaks are not included with this form of treatment unless a family wishes to allow the caregiver to sleep.
Overnight/Day time Caregiving
When providing overnight care, the caregiver typically provides care a few hours before the care recipient goes to bed, during the night (if necessary), and a few hours when the care recipient wakes up. In most cases, the caregiver will sleep through the night as long as the care recipient’s needs allow it. In some cases, the caregiver and the care recipient may share a residence. Alternatively, a caregiver may provide daytime assistance, remain in the house, and provide “as needed” nighttime assistance. The caregiver’s presence in the home at night is seen as a safety precaution or as a “on call caregiver” in this situation. It is unlikely that their assistance would be needed every night.
Cost and Compensation for Caregiving
Unlike other forms of aged treatment, estimating the expense of live-in caregivers is extremely difficult. The costs are estimated to range from $1,000 to $5,000 a month. The wide variation can be attributed to a number of factors. The location of the care recipient, the amount of care required, and whether or not the caregiver has a separate residence are the most important factors. Working as a live-in caregiver in return for room and board would obviously help to defray costs. To estimate this portion of the payout, one should look at the cost of renting a single room in one’s city. Other considerations include whether or not a caregiver can have transportation. If the care recipient gives the caregiver access to a vehicle that can be used for personal purposes, or vice versa. Finally, the anticipated level of sleep disturbance during the night is a sensitive topic for caregivers, and it is often overlooked by the care recipient’s family.
In other words, the expense of a live-in caregiver is typically less costly than full-time home care or nursing home care for people who need full-time care or supervision. However, as compared to assisted living, it is comparable in terms of cost. Home ownership, mortgages, rents, and other utilities, of course, all factor into the equation. As a result, everyone’s situation is special.
You can determine all of your Home care options with us at Right Choice Home Care. We give full and free consultations to all who are interested in and in need of quality home care for their loved one. No question is too big or small. Make the Right Choice!
