When looking for care, a care home may seem like the only option. This is particularly true if you or a loved one requires a high level of support that cannot be provided by home care. But live-in care is the alternative.
With live-in care, a professional care worker comes to live in your home and is on hand to deliver 24-hour care on a one-to-one basis.
Live-in care is an affordable alternative to a care home and offers your family peace of mind.
The exact level of care you receive and the tasks of your live-in care worker depends entirely on your care needs. This is determined through an initial care assessment.
Our live-in care workers provide everything from companionship to complex care, with a smile, respect and professional experience.
Your live-in care FAQs answered
We understand that choosing the right care option can be daunting. That’s why we have answered the most common FAQs for live-in care.
Of course, everyone has their own personal situation and circumstances, so to find out how live-in care can help you, call us today or visit our live-in care page.
Live in care FAQs
How does live-in care work?
With live-in care, you welcome a care worker to live with you in your own home. This allows you to retain your normal routine with the added reassurance that help is on hand should you need it.
How is live-in care different from domiciliary home care?
With live-in care, a care worker comes to live with you in your house, giving you a consistent level of care. They support you in exactly the way you need, when you need it.
This could include helping you with household tasks, such as shopping, cleaning, feeding pets or taking you to appointments.
With domiciliary care however, a care worker comes to your home an agreed number of times a day or week. They would then leave you to go to another appointment. A different care worker might arrive on the next visit.
How do I know if my loved one requires live-in care?
Your loved one may require live-in care if:
- They have experienced compromised balance or frequent imbalance
- Have recently been in hospital or have stayed in a rehabilitation facility after a stroke, fracture or heart attack
- Are frequently confused or agitated in the dark or upon waking up in the middle of the night
- Often wander from home, on foot or in a vehicle, and become confused or lost
- Frequently faint
- Experience fright or confusion upon the short absences of family, friends or caregivers
Is live-in care suitable if my family member needs complex or specialist care?
Yes, 100%. Our live-in care workers have an extensive range of experience and specialisms, including dementia, respite, palliative care and end-of-life care.
Our complex live-in care service is for those who are living with significant healthcare issues, such as chronic illness and disabilities, but who want to continue living in their own home.
Under the guidance and direction of health professionals, our experienced live-in care workers are trained in supporting people with:
- Stoma care
- Oral suctioning
- Oxygen therapy
- PEG feeding tubes
How do you select a care worker for me?
Our assessment and matching process is performed by a designated care co-ordinator and it is their job to find the best available care worker for you.
You will be presented with two or three profiles to consider and select from. These are shortlisted for you based on an understanding of your needs and preferences.
What does a live-in care worker need?
Your live-in care worker will require a bedroom, somewhere to keep their clothes and access to a bathroom and kitchen. They are also entitled to a 2-hour break each day (or 14 hours a week).
While a care worker is on call 24 hours a day, minimal interruptions during the night are expected. Alternatively, our waking nights’ option is available.
Which geographical area do your live-in care offices cover?
Between them, our regional teams – South-West, South-East and Central – cover the length and breadth of the country. Many of our live-in care workers are happy to move to a different part of the country to support a client.
Are you regulated by the CQC?
We are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). All of our regional live-in care teams are rated Good.
The CQC inspects our live-in care services based on five key questions:
- Are they safe?
- Are they effective?
- Are they caring?
- Are they responsive to people’s needs?
- Are they well-led?
Will I need to sell my home to pay for live-in care?
One of the advantages of live-in care is that your local authority cannot take the value of your home into account during a financial assessment.
You may qualify for some level of live-in care funding from your local authority or the NHS. This is means-tested through a financial assessment by your local authority.
How much does live-in care cost?
Our live-in care services cost between £1475 and £1395 per week.
This depends on the level of support you require and includes a concierge service. Our bespoke package means that your care worker is also available to help with tasks such as assisting you on days out, light gardening duties, taking care of your pets or running errands.