What is live-in care? Understanding your care choices

Live-in care is a highly personalised service designed to provide one-on-one care and support around the clock, all within the comfort of your own home. It offers individuals a unique solution that ensures their independence, safety, and overall well-being while receiving the care they need. Whether it's assistance with daily activities, medical support, or companionship, live-in care is there to support people in a way that feels natural and comforting without having to move into a residential setting.

The concept is simple but powerful. A professional and compassionate carer lives in the home with you or a loved one, providing continuous support and care throughout the day and night. Typically, live-in carers work 10-hour shifts per day, with a 2-hour break, for weeks at a time. Many also offer night calls to ensure that their client—whether you or a loved one—receives full support 24/7. Carers usually work in 2-to-6-week stints, working in teams of two or three, rotating between carers to ensure continuity of care. This approach also gives your loved one the opportunity to truly get to know their team of carers. 

This means that, instead of receiving care in a hospital, nursing home or care home, with numerous carers coming and going, your loved one can maintain their routines and stay in a space that feels familiar and safe to them. The benefits of this type of care are clear: it promotes a sense of independence and helps reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with leaving home for a care or nursing facility. 

In most care facilities, the number of residents per carer can vary from two residents per carer to over ten. In contrast, live-in care is 1:1, offering personalised, consistent, and individual care at home. This allows the carer to truly develop a relationship with their client and meet their care needs within the comfort of their own home. 

What does a live-in carer do? 

A live-in carer is there to support your holistic needs, including all your care and support requirements, lifestyle preferences, and companionship. They can help with: 

• Personal care 

• Medication support 

• Mobility support 

• Companionship and emotional support 

• Meal preparation and cooking 

• Housekeeping and domestic tasks 

• Health monitoring 

• Transportation and running errands 

• Ensuring a safe and secure environment 

• Specialist care for conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s 

• Family support 

• Ensuring connections with your local community 

• Respite for family carers 

What conditions can a live-in carer offer support with? 

Live-in carers can provide support for a wide range of conditions to meet the diverse needs of those who require care. Whether you're dealing with a common condition or need more advanced care for a complex illness, live-in carers are trained to manage the demands of various conditions. Our team of experienced carers and nurses provides comprehensive, tailored care for each individual’s unique needs. Below, we’ve outlined some of the many conditions and health concerns that live-in carers are equipped to assist with: 

• Dementia 

• Parkinson’s disease

• Heart disease

• Respite care

• Stroke

• Cancer care 

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) 

• Post-operative conditions

• Rehabilitative care 

• Brain and spinal injuries

• Palliative conditions

The peace of mind that comes from having professional care available 24/7 cannot be overstated. People often feel more relaxed, secure, and happy when they’re in their own homes, surrounded by the things they love. Live-in care offers the perfect balance—compassionate, expert support while respecting the individual’s autonomy. It’s not just about giving care; it’s about providing the opportunity to live life comfortably, confidently, and independently.