0800 368 8558

Free Live-in Care Guide

Download or print this guide to share with your family

Start Assessment

The Live-in Care Agency

Your Complete Guide to Live-in Care

Everything you need to know about arranging expert, one-to-one care at home — from what to expect, to costs, to how to get started.

£1,300

Weekly prices from

1:1

Dedicated carer

Free

Care assessment

0800 368 8558

7 days a week, 8am — 10pm

About Live-in Care

What is live-in care?

Live-in care means a professionally trained carer moves into your home, providing personalised around-the-clock support. You keep your independence, your routines, your pets, and the life you've built — with expert help always on hand.

Unlike residential care, there are no visiting hours, no shared rooms, and no institutional schedules. Just thoughtful, one-to-one care designed entirely around the person who matters most.

The carer typically works a pattern of five to six weeks on, followed by one or two weeks off. During their time off, a carefully matched relief carer steps in so that care is continuous and uninterrupted.

Over time, most carers become much more than a professional presence. They get to know your habits, preferences, and sense of humour. They become a trusted companion — a friend, and genuinely part of the family.

Carer holding hands with elderly woman

"Within two hours of Elva arriving my mum began to relax. She has brought kindness, warmth, love and calm into the house."

— Trustpilot review of Live-in Care Direct, September 2023

A typical day with a live-in carer

Morning

Help with getting up, washing, dressing and medication. A freshly prepared breakfast and planning the day ahead.

Afternoon

Activities based on interests — a walk to the shops, gardening, puzzles, or a trip to a café. GP appointments if needed.

Evening & Night

Dinner preparation, medication, help getting ready for bed. The carer sleeps in the home and is available if needed overnight.

The benefits of live-in care

Live-in care offers significant advantages over residential care homes. Here's why many UK families choose it.

Stay in your own home

Continue living in familiar surroundings with your own belongings, pets, and garden. No upheaval, no moving — just support where you're happiest.

One-to-one dedicated care

A live-in carer is focused entirely on you — not shared between 20+ residents. Truly personalised attention every single day.

Around-the-clock support

Day and night, your carer is on hand. From early morning routines to overnight reassurance, help is never more than a call away.

Couples can stay together

Partners don't have to be separated. One carer can support both, keeping couples together in the home they've shared for years.

Home-cooked meals & nutrition

Meals prepared to your preferences and dietary needs — your favourite recipes, at times that suit you. No canteen, no set mealtimes.

Medication management

Complex medication schedules managed precisely and on time. Critical for conditions like Parkinson's where timing affects symptom control.

Maintain your routines

Wake when you like, eat what you enjoy, visit favourite places. Care fits around your life — not the other way around.

Household support included

Light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and keeping the home tidy are all part of the service. You focus on enjoying your day.

Did you know?

Research shows people receiving care at home have better health outcomes, greater happiness, and maintain independence for longer.

Who is live-in care for?

Live-in care is suitable for almost anyone who needs support and has a spare room. It works particularly well for:

  • People who want to stay in their own home
  • Those needing more help than visiting care provides
  • People with dementia who benefit from familiar surroundings
  • Couples who want to stay together
  • Pet owners who don't want to leave animals behind
  • Those recovering from a hospital stay
  • People needing end-of-life care at home
  • Anyone who values independence and routine
Elderly couple enjoying time in their garden

92%

of people prefer to stay at home

40%

cheaper than two care home places

Conditions we support

Our carers are trained to support people with a wide range of conditions. Every care plan is tailored to the specific needs of the individual.

Dementia & Alzheimer's

Familiar surroundings reduce confusion. Consistent carers build trust and understanding.

Parkinson's Disease

Precise medication timing, mobility support, and adapting to fluctuating symptoms.

Stroke Recovery

Continuous rehabilitation support throughout the day, not just during therapy hours.

Motor Neurone Disease

Flexible, immediate response to rapidly changing needs with dignified support.

Cancer Care

Practical support during treatment — managing side effects, nutrition, and emotional comfort.

Arthritis & Mobility

Help with daily tasks, pain management, gentle exercise, and home adaptations.

Elderly person maintaining independence at home

We also support

Complex care needs, palliative and end-of-life care, post-hospital recovery, couples care, companionship for those feeling isolated, and respite care to give family carers a much-needed break.

Live-in care vs residential care

When it comes to quality of life, independence, and personalised attention, live-in care consistently outperforms traditional care homes. Here's how they compare on the things that matter most.

Couple enjoying their garden
FeatureLive-in CareCare Home
Stay in your own home—
One-to-one dedicated carer—
Keep your pets—
Maintain daily routines—
Couples stay together—
Full control over food choices—
No set visiting hours—
Higher quality of life—
Continuity — same carer daily—
Better value for couples—
24/7 support available

How to get started

Arranging live-in care is simpler than you might think. We guide you through every step and can have care in place in as little as 24 hours.

1

Call us for a chat

Speak to our friendly care team. We'll listen to your situation, answer your questions, and explain your options. No obligation, no pressure.

2

Free care assessment

We arrange a detailed assessment of your care needs. This helps us create a personalised care plan tailored to you.

3

Meet your carer

We carefully match you with a carer based on your needs, personality, and preferences. You'll meet them before care begins.

4

Care begins at home

Your carer moves in and starts providing support. We stay in regular contact and adjust the plan as needs change.

Carer helping prepare a mealCarer and client enjoying tea together

Understanding costs & funding

£1,300–£1,450

Typical weekly cost

Based on individual care needs

40%

Cheaper for couples

vs. two care home places

£0

Hidden fees

Transparent, honest pricing

The cost of live-in care depends on the level of support required. For couples, one carer can often support both partners, making live-in care significantly cheaper than two separate care home places.

Ways to fund live-in care

  • Local authority funding — Your council may contribute after a needs assessment and financial assessment.
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare — Fully funded care for those with a primary health need. Assessed by your local Clinical Commissioning Group.
  • Attendance Allowance — A non-means-tested benefit of up to £114.60/week (2026/27) for people over State Pension age who need care. You don't need to have paid National Insurance.
  • Self-funding — Using savings, pensions, investments, or equity release on your property.
  • Deferred payment agreements — Your council may agree to defer charges, secured against your property, so you don't have to sell your home.

What families say

Reviews left for Live-in Care Direct, which powers The Live-in Care Agency.

"We currently have a live-in carer provided by Live-in Care Direct. She is doing a fantastic job with mum, we feel she is being very well looked after."

Satisfied Customer — Trustpilot, July 2025

"Jason was able to find a live in carer for my mother, on her discharge from hospital, with only 24 hours notice. The carers were kind and professional."

Grateful Daughter — Trustpilot, October 2024

"My wife recently suffered a stroke and after being in hospital for almost 2 months she has finally returned home. Without the help of Live-in Care Direct this would not have been possible."

Loving Husband — Google, November 2023

"We had a wonderful carer called Elva care for my nan. She showed such kindness and compassion. Having a live-in carer meant our nan could remain living in her own home safely."

Family Member — Google, June 2024

Excellent

Trustpilot

5 stars

Google reviews

Ready to talk about care?

Call us for a free, no-obligation chat about your care needs. We're here 7 days a week, 8am — 10pm. We can arrange care in as little as 24 hours.

0800 368 8558

hello@theliveincareagency.co.uk

Nationwide coverage

Urgent starts possible

DBS-checked carers

The Live-in Care Agency • Expert Care at Home

www.theliveincareagency.co.uk