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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Live-in Care

Everything families ask us most often about live-in care — answered honestly and clearly. If you can't find what you're looking for, call us on 0800 368 8558.

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Live-in care is when a trained, professional carer moves into your loved one's home to provide around-the-clock support. They help with personal care, medication, meals, housekeeping, and companionship — while your loved one stays in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

Live-in care starts from around £1,300 per week for standard care, £1,450 per week for specialist care (such as dementia), and £2,900 per week for advanced care with two carers. These are fixed weekly rates with no hidden costs. For couples, one carer can often support both partners, making it more cost-effective than two care home places.

For individuals, the costs are comparable. For couples, live-in care is almost always significantly cheaper, as one carer can support both partners — potentially saving thousands of pounds per month compared to two care home placements. Live-in care also has no hidden extras for laundry, activities, or personal items.

We can usually have a carer in place within 24–48 hours for urgent situations. For planned care, we recommend contacting us at least a week in advance to ensure the best possible carer match. Emergency same-day placements may also be possible.

Yes, the carer will need their own bedroom in the home. It doesn't need to be large — just a private space where they can sleep and have downtime during their breaks. If there isn't a spare room, we can discuss alternatives.

Compatibility is essential for successful live-in care. If the match doesn't feel right for any reason, simply tell us and we'll find an alternative carer at no extra cost. We invest heavily in matching to minimise this, but we understand that personal chemistry matters.

Every carer undergoes enhanced DBS checks, comprehensive reference checks going back five years, face-to-face interviews, practical skills assessments, and verification of all qualifications and right to work. We accept fewer than 5% of applicants.

Yes. We have specialist carers trained in dementia and Alzheimer's care. They understand how to communicate effectively, manage challenging behaviours, create structured routines, and provide the calm, familiar environment that people with dementia need.

Live-in carers typically work on a rota system — for example, two weeks on and one week off. During their time off, a relief carer takes over. We ensure thorough handovers so that care is seamless and consistent.

Absolutely. One live-in carer can support both partners, even if they have different care needs. This keeps couples together in their own home and is often significantly cheaper than two care home places.

Yes. We offer respite care (to give family carers a break), post-hospital care (to support recovery after a hospital stay), and trial periods. There's no minimum commitment period.

Options include self-funding, Attendance Allowance (up to £114.60/week in 2026/27, not means-tested), NHS Continuing Healthcare (full funding for complex health needs), local authority support (means-tested), and various charitable grants. We can help you understand and access the funding you're entitled to.

Many of our carers hold driving licences. If driving is important — for example, to get to medical appointments, shops, or social activities — we'll make sure to match a carer who can drive and is comfortable using your loved one's car.

Pets are one of the great advantages of staying at home! Your loved one keeps their pets, and the carer can help with walking dogs, feeding, and getting to the vet. We match carers who are comfortable with the specific pets in the home.

We provide live-in care across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — including rural and remote areas. Carers travel to live with the people they support, so location is rarely a barrier. Call us on 0800 368 8558 to confirm.

Simply call us on 0800 368 8558 or fill in our online form. We'll arrange a free, no-obligation care assessment — either over the phone or at your loved one's home. We'll listen to your situation, explain your options, and help you decide what's best.

Related pages

Understanding Live-in Care

Everything you need to know about how live-in care works.

Live-in Care vs Care Homes

An honest comparison of the two main care options.

Cost Calculator

Get an instant estimate for your care needs.

Funding Your Care

Understand NHS funding, local authority support and self-funding.

Meet Our Carers

Learn about the dedicated professionals who provide our care.

Our Care Services

Explore the full range of live-in care services we offer.

Independent reviews

What families say about us

The Live-in Care Agency is powered by Live-in Care Direct. These are reviews families have left for Live-in Care Direct on Trustpilot and Google - follow the links to read them all.

Trustpilot
Rated Excellent
Google reviews
Trustpilot

"Urgent live-in care needed in Devon for elderly mom having been let down by another agency. Response from Jason was compassionate and effective — live-in carer in place the next day, arranged in just 3 hours. Thank you so much."

Daughter in DevonMay 2023
Trustpilot

"Jason makes our lives as a family caring for my mother with Alzheimer's so easy. He creates a family for my mother by his choice of carers and we have consistency of care. He listens to our concerns and overcomes them. This agency is to be highly recommended."

Family CarerAugust 2025
Trustpilot

"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. Great communication with the carer and competitive pricing. Highly recommended."

Satisfied CustomerJuly 2025
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