What to do when hourly care isn’t enough anymore

For many families, hourly care is a reassuring and manageable way to support a loved one’s independence at home. But as care needs increase, there often comes a point where short visits no longer provide the level of support or safety required. That’s when families begin to ask: is it time to explore live in care at home?

At Radfield Home Care, we understand how emotional and complex this decision can be. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs that full time care may be needed, the key differences between hourly care and live in care, and the residential care options available. We’ll also explain how Radfield Home Care supports families through every step of this transition.

Recognising when to switch to live in care

Many families find it difficult to know exactly when to switch to live in care. However, there are common signs that suggest hourly care may no longer meet your loved one’s increasing care needs:

• More frequent falls or difficulties with mobility between visits
• Confusion, particularly in the evenings or at night (sometimes called sundowning)
• Missed medication or meals due to memory challenges
• Heightened anxiety or loneliness when Care Professionals aren’t present
• Family members feeling overwhelmed or exhausted by growing care responsibilities

These indicators often signal that 24 hour care at home may be a safer, more sustainable solution. While some people consider residential care homes at this stage, live in care provides a highly personalised alternative, allowing older people to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving full time care.

Hourly care vs live in care vs care home: what’s the difference?

Understanding the difference between hourly care, live in care at home, and residential care is key to making the right decision.

• Hourly care involves scheduled visits during the day or week. Care Professionals provide support with personal care, medication, meals, housekeeping and companionship. This service is flexible and can be regular or have long gaps between visits.
• Live in care at home provides 24 hour care at home, with a Care Professional living in the property full time. This ensures round-the-clock support, reassurance, and companionship. While Care Professionals do require breaks, Radfield Home Care works closely with families to ensure continuity of care throughout these rest periods.
• Care homes provide 24 hour care in a residential setting, where your loved one moves out of their home and into shared accommodation with other residents. Care home staff support multiple people at once, providing personal care, medication management, meals, and social activities. While care homes offer a consistent environment moving away from familiar surroundings and routines can be emotionally challenging.

Live in care offers additional peace of mind if your loved one’s care needs increase suddenly, for example, after a hospital discharge, following a diagnosis, or during recovery from illness. For many families seeking alternatives to care homes, live in care allows their loved one to stay safely in the home they know and love.

Alternatives to care homes: why live in care may be the answer

When researching residential care options, families are often surprised to discover how live in care compares favourably to care homes and residential care homes.

Benefits of live in care at home include:

• Remaining in familiar surroundings
• Preserving daily routines and independence
• One-to-one, personalised support tailored to individual needs
• Greater flexibility compared to residential care homes
• Reduced risk of infection compared to communal living environments
• Companionship and emotional reassurance from a consistent Care Professional

For many older people, staying at home enables them to remain connected to family, friends, pets, neighbours, and local communities — all of which play a vital role in emotional wellbeing.

Supporting family care decisions with empathy

Deciding to move from hourly care to full time care can feel overwhelming for families. Concerns about privacy, finances, and emotional impact are completely natural.

At Radfield Home Care, we support family care decisions with compassion, clarity, and experience. Our local care teams take time to listen and assess what is changing, working collaboratively to create a care plan that evolves with your loved one’s needs.

We recognise that many families consider residential care homes at this stage. However, live in care at home can deliver the same level of full time care without the upheaval of leaving familiar surroundings.

Full time care doesn’t mean losing independence

A common misconception is that live in care takes away a person’s independence. In reality, live in care often promotes autonomy by providing support when needed, while encouraging people to continue doing the things they enjoy and can safely manage.

At Radfield Home Care, care planning is always person-centred. Our Care Professionals respect the abilities, choices, and preferences of every person they support. This flexible approach helps older people remain safe, independent, and connected to the things that matter most.

How Radfield Home Care makes the transition smoother

We know that moving from hourly care to live in care is a significant step. Our experienced team is here to guide you at every stage.

• We begin with a thorough care consultation, getting to know your loved one’s routines, medical needs, preferences, and personal goals.
• A bespoke care plan is created, ensuring that support is tailored to meet both current and future care needs.
• We carefully match your mum, dad, or loved one with a live in Care Professional whose personality and skills complement your family’s needs.
• Our ongoing local office support remains available 24/7, providing families with confidence, reassurance, and a local point of contact.

This compassionate and structured approach helps families feel confident in their decision to increase care, knowing their loved one will continue to receive Exceptional Care by Exceptional People®.

Thinking about the next step?

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to explore live in care, Radfield Home Care is here to help. Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or ready to move forward, our team can provide the information, guidance, and support you need.

Contact your local office today to arrange a care consultation and take the first step towards safe, personalised live in care at home.