Live-In Care

There are many different options that exist when it comes to addressing the care needs of older adults. From assisted living communities, to nursing homes, to home-based care offered by family or a Senior Helpers caregiver in Westford, Massachusetts, there are options that work for almost all seniors and families.  

It can be difficult to care for a loved one, especially when you work, live far away, and/or have children that require care and attention. And as your loved one’s needs and demands increase as they grow older, you can’t always be available or on call 24/7 to help them. Scheduling regular visits from caregivers and family members to attend to their needs can help, however, life can change in an instant. A decline in physical or cognitive functions or a change in a living situation may prompt you to consider round-the-clock care.

What are some signs to watch for where additional care may be necessary?

• Decrease in agility or mobility that has led to an increase in falls or trips
• Increased confusion or wandering around and away from the home due to advancing Alzheimer’s or dementia 
• A recent discharge or move from rehab, long term care facility, or hospital
• Wetting the bed or incontinence from an inability to make it to the bathroom without help
• Increased dependence on assistive equipment around the home
• Feeling isolated, depressed, or overwhelmed caring for themselves alone
• Family caregiver is no longer able to provide care

Is my loved one a good candidate for live-in care?

• Have a strong desire to age-in-place in their home
• Live in a safe home environment with necessary adaptive equipment
• Have a spare bedroom in close proximity to the client's/their own bedroom
• Regularly sleep through the night
• Ambulate with minimal assistance
• Have limited skilled medical needs

If this is a situation you are faced with for yourself or a loved one, and around-the-clock care is needed, you do not need to feel limited to a facility as your only option. A great alternative, at a comparable cost to a facility, is a Senior Helpers live-in caregiver in the home, which ensures that a caregiver will be there throughout the day and night, allowing your loved one to receive the daily care and attention they need (and deserve!), while in the comfort of their home.

Live-in care is comparable to a live-in nanny some families hire to help care for children and infants. This type of care is best suited for seniors needing assistance day and night, those who could benefit from the companionship of a caregiver, or could use help with tasks like remembering to take their medication or getting up on occasion throughout the night.

The caregivers stay in the home to perform duties outlined in the care plan for your loved one. It is possible to have two or three caregivers who could help cover these duties throughout the course of the week. For example, typically a week of live-in care is split between two caregivers.  One caregiver works 3 days/week; the second works 4 days/week, with the weekend covered by both individuals. Massachusetts state guidelines require that live-in caregivers get a minimum of 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep and two 1-hour breaks every 24-hour period and a bed where they can sleep or rest.  

What are the benefits of live-in care for our family?

• 1-on-1 dedicated care
• Fewer shift changes, making live-in care less disruptive than hourly care
• Transportation to appointments and shopping
• Approximately half the cost of 24x7 hourly care

Senior Helpers of Westford will work with you to provide you with caregivers who live in your home in the Acton, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Devens, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Hanscom AFB, Harvard, Lincoln, Littleton, Lowell, North Chelmsford, North Billerica, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, or Westford areas.

Contact us today to learn more or get started.