When older people require more support than occasional visits or part-time help can offer, families often look into more permanent solutions. For those wanting to stay in their own home rather than move into a residential nursing home, 24 hour nursing care at home is a practical and increasingly popular option.
Understanding how to get 24 hour care for elderly at home can help families make informed decisions about care needs, manage homecare costs, and ensure the right balance between independence and support for their loved one.
Understanding 24 Hour Care at Home
24 hour care refers to round the clock care provided in a person’s own home, either by a live in carer or by a team of carers working in shifts. It allows people living with complex conditions, dementia, or increasing frailty to continue living in familiar surroundings while receiving full-time personal and medical support.
This type of care typically includes assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, cooking, medication management, and mobility support. In many cases, it also includes emotional companionship and reassurance—especially important for older people living alone.
Live In Care Versus Residential Care
Families often debate between arranging live in care or moving their loved one into a care home. While both offer benefits, live in care means the person stays in their own home, maintaining control over daily life and remaining close to their community, neighbours, and personal belongings.
Residential care may suit those needing highly structured medical attention, but it can feel impersonal and disruptive. For individuals who value their space and routines, remaining at home with a live in carer or round the clock care offers peace of mind and continuity.
What Does 24 Hour Care Include?
A live in carer or rotating carers can provide a wide range of services, depending on the individual’s specific care plan. These typically include:
- Personal care such as washing, grooming, and dressing.
- Assistance with mobility and using walking aids or hoists.
- Preparing and serving meals.
- Managing medication and liaising with healthcare professionals.
- Night-time supervision and support.
- Companionship and emotional support.
- Help with household tasks like laundry, shopping, and cleaning.
For people with complex conditions such as Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, or dementia, this kind of care ensures they are safe and supported at all hours.
How to Arrange 24 Hour Home Care
Arranging 24 hour homecare begins with assessing the individual’s care needs. This can be done through the local council’s social care services or a private assessment via homecare agencies. A care needs assessment will help determine what level of support is required, whether nursing care is needed, and whether short-term or long-term assistance is appropriate.
The next step involves choosing a care provider or agency. Reputable homecare agencies will offer a bespoke care plan tailored to the person’s needs, along with trained and vetted carers.
Finding the Right Live In Carer
Choosing the right carer is crucial to ensuring both safety and quality of life. All carers should go through a rigorous training process and be capable of providing both personal and nursing care if needed. Many agencies allow families to be involved in selecting the carer, ensuring compatibility in terms of personality and communication style.
Good carers not only provide support—they also help maintain independence, confidence, and routine. Compassionate carers make a significant difference in the emotional wellbeing of the person receiving care.
Costs and Funding Options
Homecare costs for 24 hour care vary depending on location, the level of care required, and whether care is provided by an agency or hired independently. Live in care through an agency generally costs less than a residential care home but more than part-time support.
Funding can be managed in several ways:
- Local council support: If eligible, the council may cover part or all of the care through means tested support. The council thinks about income, savings, and assets in their calculation.
- Direct payment: Instead of arranging care directly, councils may offer direct payment, allowing families to choose and pay for their own care service.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: In some cases, full funding is available through the NHS for those with complex medical needs.
- Benefits: Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments can contribute to costs. Age UK offers guidance on what’s available.
It’s advisable to seek financial advice or use independent resources to understand entitlements and ensure funding is maximised.
How Long Is Care Needed?
Not all care is permanent. Some families require 24 hour care for a few weeks following a hospital stay or during recovery from surgery. Others may need long-term care for ongoing conditions like dementia. Having the option for flexible, tailored support is what makes homecare so effective in meeting a variety of needs.
Regulation and Quality Assurance
Any care service operating in the UK must meet standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Families should check that the homecare provider is CQC-registered and review inspection reports to understand the level of service offered.
In addition, carers should have appropriate training in areas such as dementia care, first aid, manual handling, and safeguarding. Agencies should also provide ongoing training to ensure carers are equipped to handle the evolving care needs of the person they support.
Peace of Mind for Families
Having 24 hour support in place gives families peace of mind, knowing their loved one is cared for even during the night. It also allows for greater flexibility and involvement, as relatives can remain closely connected to the daily life and wellbeing of the person receiving care.
Families can visit at any time, maintain normal relationships, and take part in key decisions—something that can be harder in a care home environment.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get 24 hour care for elderly at home involves understanding the individual’s care needs, exploring funding options, and selecting a high-quality care provider. For many people, live in care offers a more personal, flexible, and dignified alternative to residential care. With the right support, older people can remain in their own home, enjoying continuity, independence, and compassionate, professional assistance every day and night.
Whether for complex care, recovery, or long-term support, 24 hour care ensures that no one has to face life’s later stages alone or unsupported.
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