Live-In Care vs 24-Hour Hourly Care in Bellevue: What’s Best for Your Loved One?
Feb 5, 2025
When a senior needs round-the-clock support, families in Bellevue often ask: Should we choose live-in care or 24-hour hourly care? Both provide continuous in-home assistance—but they differ in structure, staffing, and cost. In this guide, we break down live-in care vs 24-hour hourly care in Bellevue, so you can choose the right solution for your loved one’s needs, lifestyle, and budget.
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care means a caregiver resides in the client’s home and provides care during the day and night with built-in rest periods.
Key Features:
One caregiver stays in the home 4–5 days at a time
Caregiver sleeps at night (but is on call for emergencies)
Family must provide a private room for the caregiver
Typically less expensive than 24-hour care
Best for:
Clients who need daytime help and occasional overnight assistance
Families wanting consistency and companionship
Seniors who sleep through the night and don't need frequent waking care
What Is 24-Hour Hourly Care?
24-hour care means two or three caregivers rotate shifts to provide nonstop care—day and night—without needing sleep breaks.
Key Features:
Typically divided into 8- or 12-hour shifts
Caregivers are fully awake and alert during overnight shifts
Ideal for high-acuity or fall-risk clients
More expensive due to staffing requirements
Best for:
Seniors with dementia, nighttime wandering, or medical instability
Patients recovering from surgery or a recent hospital stay
Clients who need hands-on assistance at all hours
Cost Comparison in Bellevue
Care Type | Typical Daily Rate | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
Live-In Care | $400–$550/day | One caregiver, sleep time included |
24-Hour Hourly Care | $650–$800+/day | Two or three caregivers, no sleep breaks |
At Caringene, we offer affordable options for both, with transparent pricing and no long-term contracts. We serve clients throughout Bellevue, including Clyde Hill, Medina, and Lake Hills.
When to Choose Live-In Care in Bellevue
Live-in care is a great choice if your loved one:
Sleeps well through the night
Needs companionship and daily help, not constant supervision
Has a safe, quiet home with a spare bedroom
Wants consistent interaction with the same caregiver
Learn more about our live-in care options →
When 24-Hour Hourly Care Makes More Sense
24-hour hourly care is better suited when your loved one:
Wakes frequently due to dementia, pain, or confusion
Requires frequent medication or toileting overnight
Is recovering from surgery, stroke, or ICU stay
Needs mobility help around the clock to prevent falls
Caringene can help you transition smoothly from hospital to home and build the right shift-based care team in as little as 24–48 hours.
FAQ
Is live-in care really 24/7?
Live-in caregivers are available throughout the day but require 8 hours of sleep at night. If your loved one needs frequent overnight help, 24-hour care is more appropriate.
What if I’m unsure which care type is right?
Caringene offers free consultations. We’ll help you assess your loved one’s needs and recommend the right plan.
Do I need to provide a bedroom for live-in care?
Yes, live-in care requires a private room for the caregiver to sleep in during their overnight rest period.
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Need help deciding? Contact Caringene today to discuss live-in vs 24-hour hourly care options—and start building the perfect plan for your family in Bellevue.