What is live-in care?

Live-in care involves a fully trained carer moving into your home full-time so they can dedicate themselves to providing you with everything you need to function as independently as possible.

The range of duties that your carer is able to assist you with is large and bespoke to your needs as an individual. From personal care to housekeeping, meal preparation to pet care, a live-in carer is equipped to support you at a level and price that is comparable with a residential home, but gives you the added comfort of being able to stay in your own home.

How does it work?

While it is normal practice for agencies to examine the home of the person who needs care to check it is safe, in general the only real requirement is that the carer is provided with their own private bedroom to rest and relax comfortably. They may make recommendations if there are any potential dangers within the home, for example missing safety alarms, and you are expected to provide any equipment needed, such as hoists, for the carer to do their job adequately.

The benefit of live-in care is that you will always have someone present and on-call should needs arise. However, it is important to stress that your carer will not be expected to work 24 hours a day. Most carers will work 8-10 hours, seven days a week, giving them at least two hours of free time per day on top of other breaks for meals, showers etc.

You will also find agencies that have two carers assigned to you who rotate in and out every couple of weeks.

Live-in carers can deal with occasional night-time disturbances, but if they begin to happen regularly then you will need to consider hiring a dedicated night carer to ensure your live-in carer gets the rest he/she needs, or allow your carer extra time off during the day to compensate for a busy night.

Who is Live in Care for?

There are varying reasons why someone might opt for live-in care. Here are some of the more common ones:

Struggling to settle in a care home

Care homes aren’t for everyone. A change in routine and surroundings can be difficult to adapt to, and some people find building relationships and living with other people challenging. So live-in care removes these issues and allows you to get the care you need in the comfort of your own home.

Couples want to stay together

Some care homes do offer couples rooms if both need help, but live-in care can help ensure both individuals receive the support they need without the upheaval of a partner moving into a new home.

You require specialist care

Maybe you wish to return home from hospital but need further care while you recover, or you’re living with a life-altering illness such as dementia. Live-in care is effectively 24-hour care, so this can be ideal for those who need help to either regain or retain a sense of normality.

What are the different types of live-in care?

Everyone’s needs are different, and just like with home care, live-in care providers cater for a variety of different needs. Live-in carers generally aren’t nurses, which means any medical care that requires things like injections will require you to arrange further specialist support through the same agency.

However, live-in care covers many different care types, including:

Complex Care

This involves giving specialist support to those with challenging conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s. The carer will be someone with considerable experience in dealing with such illnesses.

Respite Care

Respite Care is mainly for the primary caregiver of an individual, rather than the individual themselves. A carer will take over all necessary duties for a limited time, allowing the primary caregiver to step away to relax and focus on their own wellbeing without any disruption to the routine of the one who they take care of.

Convalescent Care

This is short-term care given to those who need further support in their recovery after surgery or illness. It allows them to continue their recovery in the comfort of their own home, rather than remaining in hospital.

Palliative Care

For those with life-limiting conditions and illnesses, palliative care focuses on relieving the person of their symptoms and pain in order to improve their quality of life as much as possible. This will usually be offered alongside other treatments that the individual may be receiving.

How much does live-in care cost?

As with any care service, how much it will cost you will depend on the type of needs you have. While live-in care can appear expensive, it is generally comparable to a residential/nursing home, where you might be paying extra for certain services you may not be interested in, and you wouldn’t receive the same amount of one-to-one assistance as with live-in care.

Autumna’s website has the starting prices of each organisation where information has been given, so this is a valuable resource in your search if cost is important to you. Here, you will see that prices can vary wildly from agency to agency.

You can expect to pay anywhere between £800 to £1500 per week depending on the organisation, however most price points start nearer the £1000 mark.

For couples, while you can expect to pay more due to the demands required of the carer, live-in care can be a very cost-effective option compared to residential care because you are paying for someone’s time, as opposed to two spaces in a home.

How can I find the right live in carer for me?

Autumna has the most comprehensive directory of elderly care services across the UK, so this is a great starting point as you seek the right care for your needs. You can request a free shortlist from us, which will help narrow down your search to providers in your area and budget requirements.

Service providers will then work with you to fully understand your needs and ensure that you are paired with a carer that is equipped to support you. Just as importantly (as you are living with them), they match you with carers who share your interests and are happiest to encourage you in your hobbies and lifestyle.

What are the benefits of live-in care? 

Choosing a live-in carer or support worker over other care options has the following advantages: 

Fall Prevention 

Falls are a common concern for older adults due to age-related changes and medical conditions, but proactive measures can promote safety. Live-in care aids recovery from injury or illness, providing comfort and potentially shortening the healing process. 

Customisable Support 

Live-in care offers personalised support tailored to individual needs, from round-the-clock assistance to help with daily activities. This flexibility ensures you receive the exact level of support needed, maintaining independence in the comfort of your own home. 

Companionship and Support 

Live-in care provides not only practical support but also invaluable companionship and friendship. A dedicated carer offers a consistent, friendly presence, often becoming a trusted friend who enriches your daily life. 

Stay in Your Home and Avoid Disruption 

Live-in care allows you to stay in your own home, preserving comfort and familiarity while avoiding the disruption of moving. This continuity is crucial for emotional well-being, providing stability and security without the stress of relocating. 

Keep Up with Hobbies and Routines 

Live-in care supports you in enjoying your favorite hobbies and maintaining daily routines, contributing to physical and emotional well-being. Your carer encourages you to stay active and engaged in activities you love. 

Minimal Changes to Your Routine 

Live-in care integrates seamlessly into your life, providing necessary support without altering your schedule or lifestyle. This stability maintains a sense of normalcy and comfort, enhancing your overall quality of life. 

What does a live in carer do? 

A live-in carer can vastly improve your quality of life. Their duties include things such as: 

• Medication administration 

• Food preparation 

• Physical assistance and mobility support  

• Personal care 

• Household Chores 

• Emotional support 

• Looking after pets 

• Help with appointments and outings 

Beyond the basic duties above, in some cases their duties may also extend to: 

• Monitoring dietary changes – tracking changes in diet, weight or cognitive function 

• Continence care – including catheter care 

• Gastronomy care - gastrostomy care, including PEG feeding, stoma, and urostomy management 

What do live in care agencies do? 

A live-in care agency provides professional caregivers who reside with clients in their homes to offer personalised support and assistance. These agencies match caregivers with clients based on their specific needs, whether it's for companionship, help with daily activities, personal care, medical assistance, or specialised care like dementia support. The agency manages the selection, training, scheduling, and supervision of caregivers to ensure quality care and support for clients who prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes. 

Where can I find more information about live-in care?

If you have more questions about live-in care that are specific to your needs, Autumna has an advice line you can call on 01892 335 330. It is open seven days a week (8:30am – 5:30pm Mon-Fri, 10am – 5pm Sat, 10am – 4pm Sun).

Alternatively, feel free to email us via info@autumna.co.uk.