Choosing the Right Support: Benefits of Hourly vs. 24/7 Home Care in Ottawa

Oct 29, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Nov 10, 2025

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Finding the right care for a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Whether you are exploring short-term support or considering around-the-clock assistance, understanding the benefits of hourly home care vs. 24/7 home care can help you make a choice that meets your family’s needs with compassion and confidence.

At 613 Home Care Services, we believe in personalized care wherever you call home. Serving families across Ottawa, we provide professional, empathetic, and flexible care options designed to promote dignity, independence, and peace of mind, whether in a private residence, a retirement home, a long-term care facility, or during hospice care.

What is Hourly Home Care?

Hourly home care provides professional caregiver support for a set number of hours each day or week. This option is ideal for seniors or those who may not need constant assistance but could benefit from help with daily tasks, companionship, or specialized support.

Benefits of Hourly Home Care:

Flexibility – Families can schedule care around specific needs, such as mornings for bathing and dressing, afternoons for companionship, or evenings for meal preparation.
Cost-Effective – By paying only for the hours of care needed, families can balance quality support with budget considerations.
Promotes Independence – Seniors maintain a sense of freedom while receiving the right amount of help.
Family Relief – Even a few hours of respite each week can give family caregivers time to recharge, reducing stress and burnout.

In Ottawa, many families also choose hourly care in retirement or long-term care homes. While these residences provide excellent services, some families prefer to hire additional caregivers for personalized attention, companionship, or extra help with daily routines. This supplemental support ensures their loved one always feels safe, seen, and cared for.

What is 24/7 Home Care?

24/7 home care provides continuous support, ensuring that a personal support worker (PSW) or caregiver is always available to meet a senior’s needs. This can involve either live-in care or rotating caregivers who provide round-the-clock coverage.

Benefits of 24/7 Home Care:

Complete Peace of Mind – Families know that a professional is present at all times, especially valuable for loved ones with complex health needs.
Immediate Response – Emergencies or sudden changes in condition are addressed quickly, minimizing risks.
Personalized Care Plans – From palliative and end-of-life care to memory support for dementia, 24/7 services are highly tailored to each individual.
Holistic Support – Care includes physical, emotional, and social well-being, offering companionship as well as medical and daily living assistance.

For families in Ottawa, 24/7 care is often the best choice for seniors with advanced conditions, mobility challenges, or those who need consistent one-on-one support.

Hourly vs. 24/7 Home Care: Which is Right for Your Family?

Choosing between hourly and 24/7 home care depends on your loved one’s needs, health, and lifestyle. Here are some guiding considerations:

Level of Independence: If your loved one manages well with some help, hourly care may be ideal. If they require ongoing assistance, 24/7 care provides reassurance.
Health Conditions: Progressive conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or post-hospital recovery may benefit from continuous support.
Family Involvement: Families who can share caregiving duties often combine their efforts with hourly care, while those unable to provide daily support may rely on 24/7 services.
Residence Type: Both hourly and 24/7 care can be provided in private homes, retirement residences, or long-term care homes, making it possible to add an extra layer of personalized attention wherever your loved one lives.
Budget: Both hourly and 24/7 care offer value, but understanding the financial aspects and available government or insurance programs is key.

Why Choose 613 Home Care Services in Ottawa?

At 613 Home Care Services, we are more than caregivers; we are part of your community. Our Ottawa-based team is made up of compassionate personal support workers (PSWs), respite care providers, and specialized professionals who deliver:

Palliative & End-of-Life Care – Dignified, comforting support for families during sensitive times.
Chore Housekeeping & Daily Support – Ensuring homes remain safe and welcoming.
Respite & Companionship – Offering family caregivers a break while enriching seniors’ lives with social connection.
Brain Changes & Memory Support – Specialized care for those experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Holistic Health & Wellbeing – Focusing on both physical and emotional needs to improve quality of life.

We understand that even in long-term care or retirement homes, families may wish to provide their loved ones with extra care and companionship. That’s why our caregivers are available to work alongside facility staff, ensuring seniors receive additional one-on-one support, comfort, and reassurance.

Final Thoughts

The decision between hourly and 24/7 home care is deeply personal. By understanding the benefits of each and recognizing that care can be provided both at home and within long-term care or retirement residences, families can make confident choices that honour their loved one’s independence, dignity, and well-being.

At 613 Home Care Services, we are here to guide you every step of the way with compassionate, professional, and community-rooted care.