Live-In Care

For many seniors, maintaining independence is possible with minimal support through hourly home care. However, when a higher level of care becomes necessary—either temporarily or permanently—live-in home care may be the safest and most supportive solution.

Live-in caregiver services offer 24-hour assistance with the added benefit of continuity, safety, and peace of mind. Unlike multiple caregivers rotating through shifts, a live-in caregiver provides personalized, consistent support. In many cases, the cost of live-in senior care is equivalent to 8-10 hours per day of hourly care, making it a practical and cost-effective option, especially for families who do not live nearby or are available to provide consistent care and oversight. 

Is live-in care right for your loved one? Ideal candidates for live-in home care services often share one or more of the following characteristics: 
 

• Experience memory impairment (e.g. Alzheimer's disease)

• Have an unsteady gait or are non-ambulatory

• Require intermittent personal care through the day and night 

• Lack nearby family support for daily caregiving needs

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At Boardwalk Homecare, every live-in care case begins with a thorough consultation. Our experienced case managers ensure that seniors, family members, and our certified home health aides have a clear understanding of expectations, responsibilities, and procedures, as outline in our Home Care Policy Manual. 

Before setting up live-in services through a licensed agency or on their own, families should be familiar with key labor and legal regulations, including:
 

• Live-in domestic service worker rules

• Overtime and minimum wage requirements

• Record-keeping obligations

• On-duty vs. off-duty time distinctions
   

Whether you hire a licensed home care agency like Boardwalk Homecare or choose to employ a private caregiver, both options must comply with U.S. Department of Labor employment laws and IRS tax guidelines. Families hiring private caregivers are also encouraged to seek legal guidance regarding:
 

• Risk management and compliance

• Proper insurance coverage (professional liability, worker's compensation)

• Medicaid spend-down eligibility

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Understanding these factors can help families protect themselves from potential liabilities such as workplace injuries, property damage, or fraudulent activity.