When it comes to arranging care for a loved one, one of the biggest questions families face is:
“Do we need live-in care, or is hourly support enough?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Every family is different. Every person’s needs, routines, and living arrangements vary.
At Care with Confidence, we help families weigh up their options every day — balancing care needs, family dynamics, and emotional wellbeing to find the right fit.
So, if you’re feeling uncertain, this guide is for you.
Let’s break down the differences between live-in and hourly care — and help you figure out what’s best for your family.
What Is Hourly Care?
Hourly care is flexible support provided at set times during the day or week. This could be as little as 30 minutes or several hours per visit, depending on your needs.
Ideal for:
- People who are largely independent but need help with specific tasks
- Families looking for support during key times of day (e.g., mornings or evenings)
- Situations where family members are already providing some care but need backup
Hourly care typically includes:
- Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
- Meal preparation
- Medication support
- Companionship
- Housekeeping/light chores
- Mobility support
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care means a carer lives in the home full-time, offering support throughout the day and night (with scheduled rest periods).
Ideal for:
- People with more complex needs who require round-the-clock supervision
- Clients who may become anxious, confused, or unsafe when alone
- Families who want the reassurance of consistent, continuous care
Live-in care typically includes:
- All the services of hourly care — plus
- Night-time support
- Emotional reassurance and companionship
- Full continuity (same person providing care throughout)
- Flexibility if needs change suddenly during the day
Cost Comparison
Many families assume live-in care must be more expensive than hourly support — but that’s not always the case.
Hourly care:
- Typically charged by the hour
- Costs add up with longer or more frequent visits
- Can become expensive if daily visits are required multiple times a day
Live-in care:
- Charged as a daily or weekly rate
- Offers value when compared to multiple daily visits or residential care
- Often more cost-effective than a care home, especially for couples
At Care with Confidence, we’ll help you compare both options based on actual need — not just assumptions.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
If you’re unsure which route is right, ask:
-
Is my loved one safe to be alone?
- If yes, hourly care may be enough
- If no (due to falls risk, confusion, anxiety, or medical needs), live-in care is likely a better fit
-
Are care needs predictable — or unpredictable?
- If support is needed at consistent times, hourly care works well
- If care is needed at irregular intervals (e.g., night time wandering, sudden mobility issues), live-in may offer better peace of mind
-
What does your loved one want?
- Some people feel more comfortable with short visits
- Others enjoy the companionship and consistency of live-in care
-
What’s your capacity as a family?
- If you’re doing most of the care already but need breaks or coverage, hourly care can fill the gaps
- If caregiving is affecting your health, career, or emotional wellbeing, live-in care can lift that pressure
Real-Life Scenarios
Let’s look at two examples:
Case 1: Mary (Age 83)
Mary lives alone but is mostly independent. She needs help in the mornings with washing and getting dressed and a visit at lunch to take medication.
Hourly care is ideal — scheduled support keeps her safe while allowing privacy and independence.
Case 2: George (Age 76)
George has mid-stage dementia and lives with his wife. He wakes frequently at night, gets confused about where he is, and sometimes becomes agitated.
Live-in care offers reassurance for both George and his wife, ensures safety around the clock, and provides rest for his spouse.
What Families Say
“We started with hourly care, but as Mum’s dementia progressed, we found ourselves constantly adjusting the schedule. Live-in care has completely changed our lives — she’s calmer, and I sleep again.”
– Rachel, daughter and carer
“Dad was reluctant about care at first, so we began with a short morning visit. It gave him confidence — and gave us peace of mind.”
– Tom
Still Not Sure?
We’ve put together a video guide explaining the difference between hourly and live-in care — with real stories, examples, and advice to help you decide.
Watch the Care with Confidence Playlist
Subscribe to get weekly guidance, answers to your biggest questions, and support from our team.
Follow @bigsisterhomecare for ongoing updates.
Download Our Decision Guide
Want a simple side-by-side comparison to help talk things through with your family?
Download the Home Care Decision Guide: Live-In vs Hourly (Coming Soon)
Includes pros, cons, costs, and care scenarios to help you make an informed choice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose hourly care or live-in support, the most important thing is finding care that works — for your loved one, and for you.
At Care with Confidence, we never pressure families into one path or the other. Instead, we listen, understand, and guide you to what’s right for your situation.
Download our brochure or book a call
Because care isn’t just about who turns up — it’s about how they make your family feel.
Let’s figure it out together.
