Around-the-Clock Care: What’s the Difference Between Overnight, Live-In and 24-Hour Care?

When it comes to around-the-clock care, there are two types that families usually go with: Live-In and 24-Hour Care. Why might someone need around-the-clock care? In this blog post we aim to answer that question and highlight the differences between these types. As well, we hope to preemptively answer questions that could come up for those searching for and weighing care options. While every question you have might not be addressed, we hope this can help you begin the process of getting the care that you or a loved one needs. 

Why Do People Need Around-the-Clock Care?

This can vary as every case is different, but typically around-the-clock care is meant for those who can’t be left alone and need constant care. Some, as is the case for those who utilize the 24-Hour option, need care even through the night. This could be because they can’t sleep through the night and are at risk to get out of bed and fall, or they need to be turned or reminded to take their medication every few hours. For those who do Live-In Care, they can typically sleep through the night but need someone with them during the day to help them get around, keep them company, etc. 

What is Live-In Care?

As the name might suggest, this is when a caregiver moves into a client’s home. The caregiver must be given a private space to sleep and have time away from the client, as well as access to bathroom facilities, including a space to store toiletries. Given they live there full-time, these are absolute requirements. Depending on the state they must be given between six to eight hours of uninterrupted downtime. They can use this time to sleep or relax and not be relied on to care for their client. This downtime usually comes when the client is sleeping as well. With the downtime factored in, a live-in caregiver is typically available 16 hours a day. If the caregiver cannot be given the proper amount of uninterrupted downtime, then the client needs more support, and the 24-Hour option might be more appropriate. 

Live-In Care remains the more popular option though as it is not only more cost-effective, but it allows for emotional attachment between the client and caregiver. This has tremendous benefits for the client as they gain a friend as well as someone who takes care of them. The caregiver living with the client allows for them to bond in a way that other care types don’t.

Please note that not every state allows Live-In Care.

How is 24-Hour Care Different?

While more expensive and less emotionally attached than Live-In Care, 24-Hour Care certainly offers more support as it is truly around-the-clock. Two, or even three, caregivers monitor the client in twelve-hour shifts, or eight-hour shifts if there is a third caregiver. This means that a caregiver is available 24 hours a day and is monitoring and caring for the client without the daily break period that a live-in caregiver is required to take. 

What About Overnight Care?

The least common of the three types, Overnight Care, is usually temporary or an escalation of service. It could be that family is with the client through the day but unavailable overnight, or the client recently had surgery and needs extra support during the recovery process. If a client has a caregiver during the day but eventually needs one overnight on a daily basis as well, that becomes 24-Hour Care. This happens often as clients age and their condition worsens. They go from needing a caregiver a few hours throughout the week to needing 24-Hour Care. 

Breaking Down Costs

As mentioned before, Live-In Care is the most cost-effective care type as caregivers are paid one flat rate per day during the duration of their service. This typically falls under what the hourly rate would be. They do not pay rent while living in the home as they are providing the client with their service.

On the other hand, caregivers working with a client 24/7 are paid hourly as well as overtime. This can add up but remains necessary if the client requires that type of support. 

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In Summary…

We’d like to answer our top 10 most asked questions regarding the different types of around the clock care:

Why might someone need Around-the-Clock Care?

The main reason would be that someone can’t be left unattended during the day or, in some cases, can’t be left alone through the night either. The reasons can vary from that person having mobility issues to being a wanderer who could fall when left alone.  

What is a live-in caregiver?

A caregiver who lives in the home with the client. They move into the home and live there around the clock. They must be given their own bedroom and bathroom and have 6-to-8 hours off a day. These off hours usually happen while the client is sleeping.

What does a live-in caregiver do?

This varies based on what clients need but most often live-in caregivers assist with homemaking, companionship, and personal care. They also provide care for those who need support due to certain conditions, illnesses, or injuries. Because they live in the home, they often form bonds with their clients and give them much needed social interaction, improving their overall quality of life. 

Do live-in caregivers pay rent?

No. As they live in the home to provide a service, they do not pay rent.

Do live-in caregivers get breaks?

Yes. Live-in caregivers must have six-to-eight hours of uninterrupted downtime. They can take this time to sleep or relax. 

How many hours can a caregiver work in a day?

Between 16 to 18 hours a day, depending on the state. Essentially while their client is awake, the caregiver is working. 

What does 24-Hour Care mean?

This type of service is when the client is never left unattended. A caregiver is always present no matter the time. This can be split between two or three caregivers working 12 or eight hour shifts respectively. 

What is the difference between 24-Hour and Live-In Care?

As mentioned in the previous answer, 24-Hour Care means that there is always a caregiver on the clock, available to assist the client. A live-in caregiver has down time where they must not be needed or interrupted. If the client is unable to be left unattended for those six-to-eight hours, then Live-In Care might not be for them.

Do overnight caregivers sleep?

If the caregiver is there specifically for Overnight Care, they will not sleep. The only time an Around-the-Clock caregiver will sleep is if they are a live-in using their allotted downtime.

How can I find a live-in caregiver?

Please note that not every state allows Live-In Care. If you are looking for a live-in caregiver or want to learn more about around-the-clock care, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find more information about the care types here.