Private and fully personalised home care in London

Phone Number: 02035 194 718

Email Us: [email protected]

The Most Common Live-in Care Questions Answered

  • Posted by:
  • Admin
  • Tags:
  • Live In Care, Live In Care Costs, Carers Accommodation, Suitability of Live In Care
  • Posted date:
  • 24-04-2024
The Most Common Live-in Care Questions Answered

We look at Common Live-in Care Questions. Get informed on how live-in care works, its benefits, and how it compares to other care options. 

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is a type of in-home support that offers a range of services to many people in the UK who need assistance around the clock due to issues such as ageing, disability, or illness. These services are offered by professional carers, who reside in their clients' homes in order to offer care and support for up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The purpose of live-in care is primarily to ensure that individuals are able to continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes. This means that your loved one won't need to move into a residential care home or assisted living facility if they require full-time care. Instead, a professional live-in carer will live with them and be available to provide care and support on a continuous basis, giving you and your family peace of mind.

This form of care is very flexible, meaning it will be solely customised to fit the needs of your loved one. The carer not only provides medical and physical aid but also offers companionship, reducing the risk of social isolation and loneliness.

What services are typically provided in live-in care?

Live-in carers provide a wide range of services, ensuring an individual's care and comfort. From personal care to companionship, and household support, they cater to each individual's needs, helping to maintain their health and happiness. They play a pivotal role in not just sustaining physical health but also providing emotional support and ensuring a smoothly running household.

Common Live-in Care Questions Answered | Live In Care Islington

Personal Care

At the crux of live-in care services is personal care, which addresses fundamental daily necessities such as assistance with bathing, dressing, and using the facilities. This level of provision is designed to facilitate the individual in upkeeping their personal cleanliness as well as helping to capably manage their respective health conditions. 

These services may extend to administering and managing the medication required by the client, thereby ensuring that they adhere to recommended dosages which is pivotal in sustaining optimal health.

Companionship

Another salient feature running concurrently with live-in care is companionship. This invaluable service takes cognizance of the loneliness and seclusion that many individuals often experience when they are unable to leave their homes as regularly as they desire. 

The role of a live-in carer hence extends past the provision of physical care and delves into emotional support. This can entail engaging in meaningful conversations, company on social outings, and even participating in shared activities to invigorate the spirit of the care recipient.

Household Support - Live-in Care Questions

Household Support

The term 'household support' encapsulates all the tasks imperative to keep the home functioning seamlessly. Generally, this could constitute meal preparation, laundry, and cleaning services – essential activities to maintain a clean, orderly, healthy environment.

Additional responsibilities may also surface, further easing the life of the client, such as shopping for household items or groceries and managing bills. Therefore, apart from being a source of personal and emotional support, a live-in carer also doubles as a household assistant, significantly reducing the daily burdens of the client.

How much does live-in care cost? (UK)

The costs associated with live-in care can vary significantly and depend on several critical factors. Crucially, the level of care required will be a significant determinant regarding the costs associated with any live-in care provision. If a person's care needs are more extensive, the costs are likely to be higher.

The location within the UK also plays a role in determining the cost. Some regions and cities have a higher cost of living, influencing the cost of live-in care.

Moreover, different care providers may offer additional services, such as physiotherapy or dietary supervision, which could potentially increase the overall costs.

In general terms, it would not be unusual for the cost of live-in care in the UK to vary from around £700 up to over £1,500 per week. It is essential to remember that this cost encompasses a comprehensive set of services. Services provided within this cost range include personal care tailored to your loved one's needs, companionship to ensure that they always have someone there for them, and household support that covers tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping.

Most importantly, these costs also ensure the peace of mind that comes from knowing a professional carer is present at all times to look after your loved one. Hence, while the costs can seem substantial, it is worth keeping in mind the extent of the support and care your loved one receives in a live-in care arrangement in the UK.

How much does live-in care cost?
Do carers need their own room?

Do carers need their own room?

Live-in caregivers indeed often require their own individual rooms in the homes where they provide support and care. This necessity arises from the fact that they reside in the home full-time and therefore need a dedicated area for resting, unwinding, and storing their personal possessions.

A live-in carer's room serves not only as a place for sleep but also as a safe haven where they can find respite and solitude when not attending to their duties. The comfort and amenability of this space are important considerations.

The carer's room should not only be cosy but it should also be well-ventilated, ensuring a comfortable temperature and good air quality. These factors contribute towards a relaxed environment that is conducive to refreshing sleep. Space and storage are other essential factors.

The room should be sizeable enough to comfortably fit a bed and offer adequate room for general movement. Storage facilities, such as wardrobes and chests of drawers, should also be provided for the carer's clothes, personal belongings, and any other items they might need or want to keep to hand.

You must keep in mind that the provision of a comfortable, private room for the live-in carer is not just a matter of practicality. It is also an integral part of ensuring the well-being of the carer and promoting a positive working environment. Ensuring that they not only have a place to sleep, but also a space where they can take a break away from their caring responsibilities, facilitates a healthier work-life balance.

Consequently, this also enables them to execute their care duties more effectively and with greater satisfaction, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care they deliver.

Is live-in care suitable for my loved one?

Is live-in care suitable for my loved one?

Live-in care is a service that is designed to be flexible in order to accommodate a broad range of needs and circumstances. This makes it ideally suited to many individuals looking for appropriate care for their loved ones. However, it's vital to remember that the decision to opt for live-in care should be influenced by a variety of factors.

The level of care that your loved one requires is one factor worth careful consideration - some may need minimal assistance, while others might require more comprehensive support throughout the day and night. It's crucial to assess their individual needs properly before making a final decision.

Another vital consideration is financial resources. Given that it is an around-the-clock service, live-in care might have a higher cost associated when compared to other care options, and you should consider this in relation to your financial capabilities and commitments.

The living space that the person requiring care has available in their home is another significant point to evaluate. There should be enough space for a carer to live in comfortably while maintaining a respectful and professional boundary between carer and patient.

An often underrated but absolutely essential factor in considering live-in care is the feelings and attitudes of the person who will be receiving the care. They should be part of the decision-making process and their feelings about having a carer living in their home 24/7 need to be respected and taken into account. It's crucial that family members work to understand and honour the desires and comfort levels of the individual receiving care.

Ensuring they receive the right kind of assistance is key to not just their physical well-being but also their mental and emotional health. If your loved one finds the prospect of a live-in carer appealing and reassuring, values their independence, and prefers to stay in familiar surroundings as opposed to moving to a care home, then choosing live-in care as their primary form of support would certainly be an appropriate and suitable choice.

By carefully considering these various aspects, you can take a step in the right direction towards ensuring your loved one's long-term care and well-being.


We offer specialist home care services and live-in care for vulnerable adults throughout London. Get in contact today if you have a loved one that would benefit from care at home.