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

Live-in care provides a dedicated caregiver who lives in the home and supports daily routines and evening needs, with availability during the night. Twenty-four-hour care typically involves multiple caregivers rotating shifts to provide continuous, awake coverage around the clock.

Does a live-in caregiver provide medical care?

Live-in caregivers provide non-medical support such as personal care, meals, mobility assistance, companionship, and supervision. Skilled medical care is provided separately through licensed medical professionals when needed.

Where does the caregiver sleep?

Live-in care typically requires a private sleeping space for the caregiver so they can rest during designated hours while remaining available if needed.

Can live-in care help with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Yes. Live-in care is often well suited for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, as consistent routines, familiar surroundings, and caregiver continuity can help reduce confusion and anxiety.

What if care needs change over time?

Care needs can change, and live-in care plans are adjusted accordingly. Families may transition to additional support such as overnight awake care or expanded services if required.

How quickly can services begin?

Start times depend on care needs and caregiver availability, but services can often begin shortly after an initial consultation and care plan review.

What is hourly in-home care?

Hourly in-home care provides flexible support for seniors who need help with daily activities but do not require full-time care. Services are scheduled for specific hours and can be adjusted as needs change.

How many hours of care do I need to schedule?

There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Some families start with just a few hours a week, while others schedule daily visits. Care plans are tailored based on your loved one’s needs and preferences.

What types of tasks can an hourly caregiver help with?

Hourly caregivers can assist with personal care, meal preparation, mobility support, medication reminders, light housekeeping related to care, companionship, and transportation to appointments or errands.

Is hourly care a good option after surgery or illness?

Yes. Hourly care is often used during recovery after surgery or a hospital stay, providing short-term support while helping seniors safely regain independence at home.

Can hourly care support someone with memory loss or early dementia?

Hourly care can be appropriate for individuals in the early stages of memory loss. As cognitive needs increase, families may transition to more specialized dementia-focused care or expanded support.

What if my loved one’s care needs increase over time?

Care needs often change. Many families begin with hourly support and later explore additional options such as live-in or overnight care if greater consistency or supervision becomes necessary.

What is overnight care for seniors?

Overnight care provides professional, in-home support during evening and nighttime hours. A caregiver remains in the home to monitor safety, assist as needed, and provide reassurance throughout the night.

Is the caregiver awake all night?

This depends on your care plan. Some situations require an awake overnight caregiver, while others allow the caregiver to sleep and assist if needed. Care arrangements are based on your loved one’s safety needs and routines.

Who typically needs overnight care?

Overnight care is often helpful for seniors at risk of nighttime falls, those experiencing confusion or wandering, individuals recovering from illness or surgery, or family caregivers who need uninterrupted rest.

Can overnight care help someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Yes. Overnight care can be especially beneficial for individuals with dementia who experience sundowning, agitation, or nighttime confusion. Consistent supervision and reassurance can help maintain safety and reduce anxiety.

How is overnight care different from live-in care?

Overnight care focuses specifically on nighttime safety and support, while live-in care provides broader assistance throughout the day, evening, and night. The right option depends on when support is needed most.

Can overnight care be short-term or temporary?

Yes. Overnight care can be arranged on a short-term basis, such as after a hospital stay or during recovery, or as an ongoing solution depending on your family’s needs.

How do I know when it’s time to hire dementia home care?

If safety risks are increasing, medication mistakes are happening, or family caregivers are feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to add support. Many families start with a few hours per week and expand as needs change.

Can a caregiver help with sundowning and evening agitation?

Yes. Consistent routines, calm communication, reduced stimulation, and structured activities earlier in the day can help. A caregiver can also support evening routines and provide reassurance when anxiety rises.

Do you provide 24-hour dementia care?

We offer flexible scheduling including hourly and overnight care. If extended coverage is needed, options can be discussed based on your loved one’s needs and caregiver availability.

Will my loved one have the same caregiver each visit?

Whenever possible, we prioritize consistency because it often reduces confusion and anxiety for people living with dementia. Caregiver matching and continuity are an important part of our approach.

What if my loved one resists help?

This is very common. Caregivers use respectful approaches such as gentle cueing, offering simple choices, and building trust gradually. A consistent caregiver relationship often helps acceptance over time.

How do caregivers support safety at home for someone with dementia?

Caregivers help reduce safety risks by creating predictable routines, providing supervision, assisting with mobility, and identifying potential hazards in the home. This may include guidance around wandering, fall prevention, medication reminders, and support during moments of confusion.

How long do families usually need post-hospital care?

Many families start with 1–2 weeks and then reassess. Some recoveries require a longer transition, especially after major surgery, illness, or falls. We can adjust the schedule as needs change.

Do you provide transportation to follow-up appointments?

We can help families think through appointment logistics and accompaniment needs. Transportation availability depends on caregiver assignment and scheduling. Reach out and we’ll discuss your situation.

Is post-hospital care the same as skilled nursing?

No. Post-hospital home care from Geriatric Resource Centre is non-medical support: personal care, meals, mobility assistance, safety monitoring, and help with daily routines. If skilled nursing is needed, we can complement the care plan alongside medical providers.

What if dementia or confusion is part of the recovery?

Cognitive changes can happen after hospitalization. If dementia is already present—or confusion increases after discharge—we can provide supportive routines, calmer transitions, and safety-focused care.

Can you start quickly if discharge is soon?

Often, yes—depending on staffing and the schedule needed. The earlier we talk, the easier it is to coordinate care around discharge timing.

What should we have ready at home before discharge?

Before your loved one returns home, it helps to plan for safe walking paths, easy access to the bathroom, and a comfortable resting area. Families often prepare meals, pick up medications, and confirm follow-up instructions. We can help you think through the home setup and daily routine so the transition feels smoother.

Not Sure What Kind of In-Home Care Your Loved One Needs?

Geriatric Resource Centre helps families across Greater Boston and Metrowest understand their options and arrange trusted in-home care …with clarity, compassion, and no pressure.

Speak With Our Dedicated Staff

You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers

Many families reach out feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or short on time. Some are navigating a recent hospital discharge. Others are facing gradual changes they can’t ignore.

At Geriatric Resource Center, our role isn’t to push a service… it’s to listen, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide what makes sense for your family. A simple conversation can bring clarity and relief.

How We Support Families Through In-Home Care Decisions

Understand Care Options

We help you understand the different types of in-home care and when each option makes sense.

Match Care to Real Needs

Every situation is different. We focus on what your loved one truly needs… not a one-size-fits-all plan.

Trusted In-Home Care

Care is provided by carefully screened caregivers, with guidance and coordination throughout the process.

Support You Along the Way

As needs change, we’re here to answer questions and adjust care… so you’re never navigating this alone.

Common In-Home Care Needs We Help Families Navigate

Hourly In-Home Care

Flexible support for daily routines, companionship, and safety … as little or as much help as needed.

Post-Hospital & Rehab Care

Support after discharge to aid recovery, reduce readmissions, and ease the transition home.

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care

Specialized memory care focused on structure, patience, and preserving dignity at every stage.

Overnight Care at Home

Overnight supervision and reassurance to promote safety, comfort, and peace of mind through the night.

Live-In Home Care

Consistent, around-the-clock care from a dedicated caregiver who becomes part of the household routine.

See Our Full Range of Care Services

A Trusted Resource for Local Families

Geriatric Resource Centre was founded in 1979 and has since been helping families across Greater Boston and Metrowest navigate aging-related care decisions with professionalism and compassion.

Our care coordinators bring experience, patience, and a deep understanding of the challenges families face during times of transition.

We’re proud to be serving Greater Boston & Metrowest families and helping them make informed, compassionate decisions about care at home.

Caregiver giving a warm and reassuring embrace for a senior in Brookline

Learn More About Our Team & Approach

Serving Families Across Greater Boston & Metrowest

We provide in-home care services throughout Greater Boston and the surrounding Metrowest area. Listed below are some of the communities we serve most often. Our local knowledge allows us to respond quickly and coordinate care that fits your family’s needs.

Brookline

Natick

Needham

Newton

Wellesley

Weston

View All Areas We Serve

Let’s Talk About What Your Family Needs

If you’re unsure where to start, a brief conversation can help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence. There’s no obligation … just guidance from someone who understands what you’re going through.

Speak With Our Dedicated Staff

No obligation. No pressure. Just help when you need it.

CONCIERGE SUPPORT

A Concierge Network of Trusted Professionals

Caring for an aging loved one often requires more than one type of support. Geriatric Resource Centre works alongside experienced professionals in care planning, advocacy, and related services to help families navigate complex situations with confidence.

These trusted relationships allow us to coordinate care thoughtfully and connect families with additional guidance when needed.

Learn more about the professionals and organizations we trust.

Trusted Partners and Resources

LOCAL SENIOR CARE PROVIDER