What is 24-hour Home Care?

There are times when you or your loved one may require around-the-clock care. Depending on your individual situation, you might not need to enter hospital or another care facility to receive full-time care. It is possible to have 24-hour care in your own home.

If you have complex or high care needs and want to remain living in your own home, 24-hour care could be the right solution for you. Realistically, as a long-term solution it is not a viable option for everyone; the costs of having someone in your home caring for you full time are high.

Perhaps you have been in hospital and want to return to your own home but aren’t quite ready to be independent? Short-term 24-hour care could be a great option for you – and might not be as expensive as you think!

If you’re recovering from a recent illness or injury, 24-hour care gives you complete peace of mind and allows you to redevelop your confidence and regain your independence.

Can I use a Home Care Package to pay for 24-hour care in my home?

Yes! Your Home Care Package funds can be used to pay for 24-hour care. Contact your provider to discuss adding 24-hour care to your care plan, and to see if they offer around-the-clock care. If they don’t, or if you don’t yet have a provider, contact CareAbout Today.

Depending on the length of time you access 24-hour care, it is very likely that you will be required to “top-up” the payment privately, as your Home Care Package funds will not be sufficient to pay for a long period of 24-hour care.

Learn more about Home Care Packages.

How much does 24-hour care at home cost?

It isn’t a cheap option, but it may not be as expensive as you think. Some providers offer a set fee for 24-hour care, rather than charging their normal hourly rate. As each provider is different, you will need to get in touch with your current provider to confirm their fees.

How does 24-hour Home Care work?

With 24-hour care, it is common for you to have two or more carers, who rotate in shifts. The number and length of shifts depends on each provider, but they are often broken up into blocks of three 8-hour shifts.

What is the difference between 24-hour care and live-in care?

Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, and 24-hour care can also refer to live-in care. There is a difference though. Live-in care is when a care worker will move into your home to care for you at all times of the day and night. The carer will help you with any and all support required, and provide you companionship throughout the day.

24-hour Home Care services

As it is a consumer-directed service, you can choose any Home Care services you wish! However, the most common services accessed by those receiving 24-hour care are the following:

  • Personal care
  • Dementia care
  • Nursing care and wound management
  • Meal preparation
  • Companionship
  • Housekeeping and laundry
  • Gardening
  • Medication management
  • Chronic illness management
  • Allied health such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy

24-hour Home Care can be very expensive and is beyond the means of a lot of families. However, as a short-term solution, it can help you or your loved one get back to a level of health and fitness where independence is regained. A short stint of 24-hour care can even prevent the need to move into Residential Aged Care.

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