Quick answer: In 24-hour care, a team of caregivers works in shifts so someone is awake and on duty at all times, billed by the hour. In live-in care, one caregiver lives in the home, sleeps there overnight and takes scheduled breaks, usually for a flat daily rate. Choose 24-hour care if your loved one needs hands-on help or supervision through the night. Choose live-in care if they mostly sleep through the night and you want one consistent person.
Families in Vancouver often ask for “24-hour care” when what they really need is someone present around the clock. The two options below both cover the full day, but they work differently, cost differently and suit different needs.
What Is 24-Hour Care?
24-hour care uses two or more caregivers in rotating shifts, often 8 or 12 hours each, so one caregiver is always awake and working. Billing is hourly for every hour covered. It is the closest home care comes to the constant attention of a facility.
What Is Live-In Care?
With live-in care, one trained caregiver moves in for a multi-day shift. They provide personal care, meals, medication reminders, mobility help and companionship during the day, then sleep in the home and are available if your loved one needs help overnight. The agreed plan sets out sleep time and a daytime break. Learn more about our 24/7 live-in care.
24-Hour Care vs. Live-In Care: Side by Side
| Feature | 24-Hour Care | Live-In Care |
|---|---|---|
| Caregivers | A rotating team in shifts | One main caregiver, with relief coverage |
| Overnight | Caregiver awake all night | Caregiver sleeps in the home and is available if needed |
| Billing | Hourly for every hour covered | Flat daily or weekly rate (sleep-in) |
| Consistency | Several familiar faces | One familiar face |
| Space needed | No spare room needed | A private place for the caregiver to sleep |
| Best for | Frequent night-time needs, wandering, complex support | Daily support with a mostly uninterrupted night |
When 24-Hour Care Is the Better Fit
- Your loved one wanders or becomes confused at night, as can happen with dementia.
- They need help to the bathroom, repositioning or transfers several times a night.
- They have a high risk of falls and cannot call for help reliably.
- Their needs are complex enough that a caregiver cannot safely sleep.
For dementia, see our dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
When Live-In Care Is the Better Fit
- They need daytime help with meals, hygiene and mobility but mostly sleep through the night.
- Familiar routines and one consistent caregiver matter to them.
- You want a predictable daily or weekly cost.
- Your home has a spare bedroom or private sleeping space.
How Much Do They Cost in Vancouver?
Live-in, sleep-in
Flat rate, currently $400 to $500 per day. The caregiver sleeps about eight hours and takes a daytime break.
Live-in, awake care
Hourly, currently $30 to $35 per hour in rotating 8 or 12 hour shifts, with the caregiver awake all night.
Because 24-hour care is billed for every hour, it generally costs more per day than a sleep-in live-in arrangement. The exact quote depends on the level of care, overnight needs and schedule. Compare options on our pricing page or see flat-rate home care.
Practical Points for Vancouver Homes
Many Vancouver seniors live in condos, apartments and older character homes. Live-in care needs a private sleeping space for the caregiver, so confirm this early. If a hospital stay is behind the request, such as after discharge from Vancouver General or St. Paul’s, tell us the discharge date and mobility needs. Our post-operative care can start the plan. Placement timing depends on the assessment and caregiver availability.
How to Decide: Four Questions
- How many times does your loved one need help between bedtime and morning?
- Is there any risk of wandering or unsafe getting up at night?
- Is there a private sleeping space for a live-in caregiver?
- Is a predictable flat rate or maximum overnight attention more important?
Needs change. If your loved one starts waking more at night, we can review the care plan and move from sleep-in to awake coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 24-hour care the same as live-in care?
No. 24-hour care uses shift caregivers who are awake around the clock and is billed hourly. Live-in care uses one caregiver who lives in the home and sleeps there, usually at a flat rate.
Does a live-in caregiver stay awake all night?
Not in a sleep-in arrangement. They sleep and are available if needed. If your loved one needs someone awake, ask about awake care or 24-hour coverage.
Which is cheaper?
Sleep-in live-in care is generally cheaper per day because it is a flat rate. Round-the-clock hourly care costs more because every hour is billed.
Can we switch if needs change?
Yes. We review the care plan as needs change, and the arrangement can be adjusted after an assessment.
Do you serve Burnaby and nearby areas?
Yes. See our care in Vancouver and Burnaby, or call us to confirm availability in your neighbourhood.
Related reading: Overnight Care vs. Live-In Care Explained.
Not Sure Which Fits? Talk to a Care Coordinator
Book a free in-home assessment and we will recommend the arrangement that fits your loved one, even if that is a smaller one.
Book Free Assessment Call 604-442-1746LivePeace caregivers provide non-medical care and do not replace nurses, physicians or other regulated health professionals. Rates shown are as of August 2026 and depend on care needs; see current home care pricing.