Live-in Care
A dedicated carer living in your home, providing round-the-clock personalised support while you maintain your independence and familiar surroundings.
What is Live-in Care?
Live-in care is a form of home care where a professional carer lives in your home, providing continuous support and companionship 24 hours a day. It offers a genuine alternative to moving into a care home for those with higher care needs.
Your live-in carer becomes part of your household, helping with everything from personal care and medication to cooking, housekeeping, and companionship. Unlike visiting care, there's always someone there when you need them.
Live-in care is particularly valuable for those who want to stay in their own home but need more support than visiting care can provide. It's also ideal for couples where one or both need care, allowing them to remain together in familiar surroundings.
Carers typically work on a rota basis, with two carers alternating (often 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off) to ensure they remain fresh and attentive. You'll get to know your regular carers well, building genuine relationships over time.
24/7 Availability
A carer always present, day and night, whenever you need support
Stay at Home
Remain in your own home with your belongings, pets, and memories
One-to-One Care
Dedicated attention from your personal carer throughout the day
Couples Welcome
Both partners can receive care while staying together at home
Who is Live-in Care suitable for?
- Those needing more care than visiting home care can provide
- People who want to avoid moving to a care home
- Couples who wish to remain together at home
- Those requiring overnight assistance
- People recovering from illness, surgery, or hospital stays
- Those with conditions like dementia who benefit from consistent carers
Services Typically Included
Live-in Care providers offer a comprehensive range of support services tailored to individual needs.
Personal Care
Complete assistance with washing, bathing, dressing, and grooming
Night Support
Help during the night whenever needed, not just scheduled visits
Medication Management
Ensuring medications are taken correctly and on time
Meal Preparation
Home-cooked meals prepared to your preferences and dietary needs
Companionship
Conversation, shared activities, and emotional support
Housekeeping
Keeping your home clean, tidy, and well-maintained
Shopping & Errands
Grocery shopping, prescription collection, and other errands
Outings & Social
Accompanying you to appointments, social events, or day trips
Pet Care
Helping look after beloved pets, including walks and feeding
Specialist Support
Dementia care, Parkinson's support, or post-operative care
Benefits of Live-in Care
Understanding the advantages can help you decide if live-in care is the right choice.
True Independence
Live life on your terms in your own home
Continuous Support
Help available around the clock, not just at visit times
Consistent Carers
Build real relationships with dedicated carers who know you well
Couple-Friendly
Both partners cared for together—often at lower cost than two care home places
Pet Companionship
Keep your beloved pets without worrying about their care
Flexible Lifestyle
Maintain your routines, hobbies, and social connections
How to Get Started
A step-by-step guide to arranging live-in care for yourself or a loved one.
Initial Enquiry
Contact live-in care providers to discuss your situation. They'll explain their service and give initial cost estimates.
Care Assessment
A care manager visits your home to assess needs, understand your preferences, and evaluate accommodation for a live-in carer.
Care Plan Creation
A detailed care plan is developed outlining all aspects of your care and daily routine.
Carer Matching
The agency matches you with compatible carers based on care needs, personality, and shared interests.
Meet Your Carers
Meet your primary carers before care begins to ensure you're comfortable with them.
Care Begins
Your carer moves in and care begins, with regular reviews and agency support throughout.
Costs & Funding Options
Understanding the costs involved and how live-in care can be funded.
Typical Costs
* Costs vary by location, provider, and level of care required. Contact providers for accurate quotes.
Funding Options
- Self-funding (most common for live-in care)
- Local council Direct Payments
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (for complex medical needs)
- Attendance Allowance
- Equity release or property-related funding
- Combination of savings, benefits, and family contributions
How to Choose the Right Provider
Key considerations to help you find a quality live-in care provider.
- •What is your CQC registration and rating?
- •How do you match carers to clients?
- •What happens if my carer is unwell or we don't get along?
- •What training do your carers receive?
- •How do you manage the carer changeover?
- •Is there 24/7 on-call support for emergencies?
- •What's included in your fee and what's extra?
- •Can you provide specialist dementia or nursing support?
- CQC registration and good rating
- Thorough carer matching process
- Comprehensive carer training
- Clear backup arrangements for carer illness
- 24/7 emergency support line
- Regular care plan reviews
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- No CQC registration (illegal to operate without it)
- Unwillingness to match carers to your preferences
- No backup plan if carers are unavailable
- Vague contracts or unclear pricing
- Poor communication or slow response times
- Carers with insufficient training or experience
Featured Live-in Care Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about live-in care answered by our care experts.
Related Care Types
Explore other care options that might suit your needs.
Ready to Find Live-in Care?
Search our directory of CQC-registered providers or speak to our care advisors for free, impartial guidance.
Free, no-obligation support available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm