Finding the right home-care solution is a deeply personal decision that balances care needs, family involvement, and budget. At Reynolds Care Services, we offer two main models:
Live-In Care: A dedicated carer lives in the client’s home 24/7.
Visiting (Domiciliary) Care: Professional carers make scheduled visits ranging from 30 minutes to overnight shifts.
Below, we explore each option in depth to help you decide which model best supports your family’s needs.
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care places one (or occasionally two) qualified carers in your loved one’s home around the clock. This model delivers uninterrupted support for daily living, personal care, and companionship.
Key Features
24/7 Presence: Carers are on-site day and night, ready to assist immediately.
Personalized Routine: The carer adapts to your loved one’s preferences—meal times, activities, and rest patterns—promoting continuity and comfort.
Companion & Support: Beyond physical assistance, live-in carers offer emotional support, reducing loneliness and anxiety.
Ideal Candidates
Individuals with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s who benefit from familiar surroundings and constant reassurance.
Clients with complex mobility issues requiring frequent transfers and supervision to prevent falls.
Those needing regular medication administration and health monitoring throughout the day and night.
Cost & Breaks
Weekly Fee: £1,050 per week.
Daily Carer Breaks: An additional £18 per day covers a one-hour relief period for the live-in carer.
What Is Visiting (Domiciliary) Care?
Visiting care involves scheduled home visits by trained carers. You choose the length and frequency of calls to match your loved one’s needs, from short 30-minute check-ins to overnight “waking night” shifts.
Service Options & Rates
30-Minute Call: £15.50
45-Minute Call: £17.50
60-Minute Call: £18.50
Over-60-Minute Visits: Charged at £16.00 per hour
Waking Nights (8 pm–5 am): £180 per night.
Typical Uses
Medication Administration & Personal Care: Prompt assistance with bathing, dressing, and medications at predetermined times.
Companionship Visits: Social interaction, meal preparation, and light housekeeping during daytime hours.
Overnight Support: For clients requiring periodic checks, repositioning, or reassurance during the night.
Cost Comparison
| Care Model | Key Benefit | Typical Weekly Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Live-In | Constant support and companionship | £1,050 + breaks (£18/day) |
| Visiting | Flexible scheduling, pay-as-you-use | From £15.50 per 30 min call |
*Plus any applicable “long hours” or double-carer rates.
Pros & Cons
| Aspect | Live-In Care | Visiting Care |
|---|---|---|
| Continuity | Seamless, consistent carer support | Multiple carers may rotate visits |
| Flexibility | Less flexible—carer lives on-site | Highly flexible—choose visit length |
| Cost Structure | Flat weekly fee | Pay per visit; ideal for intermittent care |
| Family Relief | Full relief for family caregivers | Complements family involvement |
| Socialization | Fewer external visitors, but 1:1 companionship | More varied social interaction |
Key Considerations When Choosing
Level of Dependency:
High dependency → Live-in care keeps a steady hand and watchful eye.
Low to moderate dependency → Visiting care can address specific needs without full-time support.
Budget & Funding:
Compare weekly live-in fees versus cumulative visitation costs.
Check eligibility for local authority funding or NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Home Environment:
Live-in care requires suitable accommodation (e.g., a private room).
Visiting care has no space requirements beyond normal living areas.
Family Involvement:
Families desiring a hands-off approach may prefer live-in care.
Those wishing to remain actively involved can use visiting care alongside personal visits.
Client Preference & Well-Being:
Some clients thrive with constant one-on-one support; others prefer periodic visits to maintain independence.
Real-Life Scenarios
Case Study A: Mrs. Patel, an 82-year-old with advanced Parkinson’s, benefits from live-in care. Her carer assists with transfers, medication every four hours, and companionship during long evenings, reducing her fall risk and anxiety.
Case Study B: Mr. Jones, a 78-year-old recovering from hip surgery, receives two daily 45-minute visits for physiotherapy exercises, meal prep, and light housekeeping—ideal for his short-term, fluctuating needs.
How to Decide & Next Steps
Book a Free Assessment:
We’ll visit your home to assess medical, personal, and emotional needs.Get a Tailored Care Plan:
Choose between our live-in and visiting packages, or a combination that evolves with changing needs.Meet Your Carer:
We match you with a qualified carer whose skills and personality align with your loved one’s preferences.Begin Care:
Start with confidence, knowing we’re regulated by the CQC (Reg. No. CRT1-18852078529) and held to the highest standards of professionalism and compassion.
