Mar 06, 2025 | News
Choosing live-in care for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision, and it’s becoming a more and more popular choice of care. Naturally, if it’s on the cards for you or a family member, you probably have a lot of questions about how it works, who it’s suitable for and what to expect. Here are some of the most common questions – and answers – about live-in care in the UK, to help you make an informed choice.
1, What is live-in care?
Live-in care is a service where a professional carer moves into your home to assist you with daily tasks, personal care and to provide companionship. The many benefits of live-in care is that it allows individuals to remain in the comfort of their own home while receiving dedicated one-to-one support tailored to their specific needs.
2, Who is live-in care suitable for?
Live-in care is suitable for individuals who require ongoing support but wish to stay in their own home rather than move into a residential care facility. It is ideal for:
- Older people who need assistance with daily activities
- Those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Individuals with mobility issues or disabilities
- Those recovering from hospital stays or illnesses
- Couples who require support but want to remain living together at home
3, What does a live-in carer do?
A live-in carer can provide a wide range of services, depending on the needs and preferences of their client. Some of the things a carer will often help with include:
- Personal care (such as bathing, dressing and going to the toilet)
- Meal preparation and assistance with eating
- Mobility support and help with exercise
- Medication management and administration
- Household chores such as cleaning and laundry
- Companionship and emotional support
- Attending social activities and appointments
4, How much does live-in care cost?
Live-in care costs vary depending on the level of care required, which part of the country you live in and the care provider. On average, live-in care costs between £900 and £1,600 per week, though it can be more or less depending on your individual needs and care plan. For couples, live-in care can be a cost-effective option as they can share the cost of one carer rather than paying for two separate care home places.
5, How do I arrange live-in care?
It’s best to go through a specialist live-in care agency, like OxleyCare, when arranging your care. They’ll be best placed to support you with answers to your questions, information about the process and advice on the sort of care that’s best for you.
Step 1: Enquire – get in touch with a live-in care agency to discuss your needs and ask any questions. With OxleyCare, this is free and confidential.
Step 2: Assessment – a professional care assessment will be carried out with a visit to your home to determine the level of care required.
Step 3: Bespoke care plan – a personalised care plan will be created based on your preferences and medical needs.
Step 4: Carer matching – you’ll be matched with a suitable carer, with things like personality, experience and skills taken into account.
Step 5: Care begins – your live-in carer moves in and begins providing support, with regular check-ins from the agency to make sure everyone’s happy.
6, What if my needs change over time?
One of the great things about live-in care is how flexible it can be, meaning the level and type of care can be adjusted as needs and preferences change. Whether additional medical care is required or a different level of support is needed, care agencies like OxleyCare work closely with families to ensure ongoing, appropriate care.
7, Is live-in care regulated?
Yes, live-in care providers in England are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Always choose a care agency that meets regulatory standards to ensure high-quality care, and to give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind.
To chat to a family-run, CQC-regulated live-in care agency about your needs, contact OxleyCare today.
Call 01980 846690