What Is Live-in Care? A Complete Guide for UK Families (2026)
Live-in care is a professional home care arrangement where a fully trained carer moves into your loved one’s home and provides personalised, around-the-clock support — allowing elderly or vulnerable individuals to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home instead of moving into a residential care facility. In short: the carer comes to them, not the other way around.
This guide is written for families across London and the rest of the UK who are exploring care options for the first time, those facing an urgent need, and anyone who simply wants a clear, honest answer to the question: what exactly is live-in care, and is it right for my family?
At Live-in Care Direct, we have helped over 3,000 UK families — from families in Hackney and Hammersmith to those in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Birmingham, and beyond — navigate this decision. What follows is everything we know, written in plain language, so you can make the right choice with confidence.
| 📊 STAT | According to NHS Digital (2024), over 400,000 people across England currently receive some form of home-based care support — a figure that has grown by 18% in London alone since 2022, as families increasingly choose home care over care homes. |
Live-in Care Meaning: A Clear Definition
Live-in care definition: Live-in care is a type of long-term or short-term home care in which a professional carer lives with the person requiring support. The carer resides in a spare bedroom in the client’s home, is available around the clock, and delivers a fully personalised programme of care covering personal hygiene, medication management, meal preparation, companionship, mobility support, and more.
Unlike visiting care — where a carer pops in for an hour or two each day — live-in care provides continuous, dedicated support from a single, consistent carer who genuinely gets to know your loved one. There are no shift changes, no strangers walking through the door at odd hours, and no disruption to the household routine.
Think of it less like a medical service and more like having a compassionate, highly trained companion who happens to also be a professional healthcare worker. That is the live-in care experience at its best.
Live-in Care vs Visiting Care vs Residential Care Home
One of the most common questions we receive from families in London and across the UK is: ‘How does live-in care differ from what we already know?’ Here is a straightforward comparison:
| Feature | Live-in Care | Residential Care Home |
| Where care happens | In the person’s own home | In a shared care facility |
| Level of staffing | 1-to-1 dedicated carer | 1 carer shared between many residents |
| Continuity | Same carer, every day | Rotating staff across shifts |
| Routine flexibility | Completely personalised | Set meal times, scheduled activities |
| Pets allowed | Yes — in their own home | Rarely permitted |
| Family visits | Unrestricted, any time | Subject to visiting hours |
| Average weekly cost (London) | £1,200 – £1,800 | £1,400 – £2,000+ |
| Emotional familiarity | High — own environment | Requires adjustment period |
Our view: For people who want dignity, independence, and continuity of care, live-in care is almost always the superior option when compared to a care home — especially in London where care home fees are among the highest in the UK.
How Does Live-in Care Work? A Step-by-Step Guide
Many families are surprised by how simple the process of arranging live-in care actually is. Here is exactly how it works when you come to Live-in Care Direct:
1. Step 1 — Free telephone consultation. You call our team (0800 368 8558, available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week) or request a callback online. We listen, ask questions, and understand your situation without any pressure or obligation.
2. Step 2 — Needs assessment. A dedicated care co-ordinator conducts a thorough assessment of your loved one’s medical needs, daily routine, personality, hobbies, and preferences. This is the foundation of great care.
3. Step 3 — Carer matching. Using our secure database of hundreds of fully vetted, qualified carers, we identify candidates who are the best fit — not just by skill set but by personality and shared interests.
4. Step 4 — Care plan creation. A detailed, written care plan is produced and shared with the family. Every aspect of daily care is documented and agreed before a carer sets foot in the home.
5. Step 5 — Introduction and trial period. The chosen carer is introduced to your loved one. We allow time for the relationship to build naturally, and we review the arrangement after the first week.
6. Step 6 — Ongoing monitoring and reviews. We check in regularly with both the family and the carer using our secure digital platform. Care plans are reviewed and updated as needs change.
| 🏠 LONDON EXAMPLE | A family in Hampstead, North London, contacted us after their 82-year-old mother was discharged from the Royal Free Hospital following a fall. We placed a specialist carer within 36 hours. Six months on, she is still living independently at home — something the family thought would never be possible again. |
What Does a Live-in Carer Do on a Typical Day?
A live-in carer’s daily duties are shaped entirely around the individual they support. Common tasks include:
• Morning: assisting with waking, washing, dressing, oral hygiene, and preparing a nutritious breakfast
• Medication: administering or prompting medication at the correct times
• Daytime: accompanying to appointments, supporting hobbies, light housekeeping, preparing meals
• Social: providing companionship, conversation, help with phone calls, letters, and video calls with family
• Mobility: assisting with walking, transfers, and use of mobility aids safely
• Evening: preparing dinner, evening routine, helping to bed, ensuring the home is safe and secure
• Night: being available if needed, providing reassurance, responding to emergencies
Types of Live-in Care Services Available in the UK
Live-in care is not a one-size-fits-all service. At Live-in Care Direct, we offer specialist care across more than 35 different conditions and care types. Here are the most commonly requested:
24/7 and Full-Time Live-in Care
For individuals who need round-the-clock supervision and support — whether due to a progressive condition, dementia, or complex care needs — 24/7 live-in care ensures someone is always present. This is full-time live-in care at its most comprehensive, and it is the service most often chosen by families in London and across the UK when visiting care is simply no longer sufficient.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care at Home
Dementia care is one of our most requested services, particularly across London, the South East, and Yorkshire. A specialist dementia carer helps to create a calm, structured routine that reduces confusion and anxiety. Crucially, staying in a familiar home environment — with known surroundings, smells, and objects — is clinically shown to slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life for dementia patients.
| 💡 EXPERT ADVICE | Research published in The Lancet (2022) found that people with dementia who receive live-in care at home show significantly better emotional wellbeing scores than those placed in residential care, largely due to the familiar environment and one-to-one attention. |
Palliative Care and End of Life Care at Home
When a loved one reaches the final stages of a terminal illness, most families want one thing above all else: for them to be at home, surrounded by the people and things they love. Our palliative care and end of life care at home service provides compassionate, dignified support during this profoundly important time — across London, Wales, Scotland, and every region we serve.
Respite Care and Short-Term Live-in Care
Family caregivers are extraordinary people — but they need rest too. Respite live-in care provides planned or emergency short-term cover so that primary caregivers can take a break, attend a family event, or simply recharge. We can arrange respite cover in London and across the UK, sometimes within as little as 24 hours.
Specialist and Condition-Specific Care
Our carers hold specialist qualifications across a wide range of conditions. We provide live-in care for:
• Parkinson’s disease — managing tremors, mobility, and medication timing
• Stroke recovery — supporting rehabilitation, speech therapy routines, and physical mobility
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) — adapting care as symptoms fluctuate
• Cancer care — supporting patients through treatment and recovery
• COPD care — managing breathing difficulties and oxygen equipment
• Knee and hip replacement recovery — post-surgical support and physiotherapy encouragement
• Spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, and neurological conditions — complex physical care
• Mental health support — structured routines, therapeutic activities, and professional oversight
Who Needs Live-in Care? Signs to Look For
Live-in care is most appropriate for elderly adults who wish to remain in their own home but can no longer safely do so without support. However, it is also widely used for younger adults with disabilities, individuals recovering from surgery, and people with progressive neurological conditions.
Warning Signs That It May Be Time to Arrange Live-in Care
| ⚠️ WARNING | If you recognise three or more of the following signs in your loved one, we strongly recommend speaking to a live-in care specialist as soon as possible. Early intervention almost always leads to better outcomes. |
✓ Frequent falls or unexplained bruises — a serious safety risk at home
✓ Forgetting to take medication or taking it incorrectly
✓ Noticeable weight loss or evidence of not eating properly
✓ Declining personal hygiene — unwashed clothes, body odour, dental neglect
✓ Unpaid bills, unopened post, and signs of financial confusion
✓ Social withdrawal — stopping activities they previously enjoyed
✓ Leaving the hob on, flooding the bath, or other household hazards
✓ A family caregiver showing signs of burnout, exhaustion, or anxiety
✓ A recent hospital admission with a care needs assessment recommending support
A common mistake we see: Families in London and across the UK often wait far too long before arranging live-in care, frequently triggered only by a crisis such as a serious fall or a hospital stay. Arranging care earlier — when needs are lighter — means a much smoother, less stressful transition for everyone, especially the person receiving care.
10 Benefits of Live-in Care vs a Care Home
When families in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and across the UK weigh up live-in care against a residential care home, the benefits of staying at home almost always win. Here are the ten most significant:
7. 1. One-to-one, dedicated attention — your loved one is never waiting for a member of staff who is busy with another resident.
8. 2. Staying in a familiar, beloved home — the psychological benefit of familiar surroundings is well-documented, particularly for dementia patients.
9. 3. Complete routine flexibility — meals at preferred times, bedtime when they choose, activities they actually enjoy.
10. 4. Pets can stay — for many elderly people, their pet is a lifeline. Live-in care means that bond is never broken.
11. 5. The same carer, every day — continuity builds trust, reduces anxiety, and allows the carer to notice subtle changes in health and wellbeing.
12. 6. Family can visit any time — no visiting hours, no restrictions, no awkward communal lounges.
13. 7. Greater independence and dignity — live-in care supports people to do as much as they can for themselves.
14. 8. Faster care arrangement — a carer can often be placed within 24–48 hours, compared to waiting lists for care homes.
15. 9. Often more cost-effective than a care home — particularly for couples, where one carer can support two people.
16. 10. Personalised, evolving care — the care plan adapts as needs change, without the upheaval of moving facilities.
| 📊 STAT | A survey by Independent Age (2023) found that 76% of UK adults would prefer to receive care in their own home rather than in a residential care home if they needed support in later life. Live-in care makes that preference a reality. |
How Much Does Live-in Care Cost in the UK? (2026)
Cost is one of the first things families want to understand — and it is an entirely reasonable question. Live-in care pricing in the UK depends on the level of care required, the region, and whether you use an agency or employ a carer directly.
Average Live-in Care Costs by UK Region (2026)
| Region | Estimated Weekly Cost |
| London | £1,200 – £1,800 |
| South East (Surrey, Kent, Sussex) | £1,100 – £1,600 |
| East of England / Essex | £1,000 – £1,450 |
| South West (Bristol, Exeter, Cornwall) | £950 – £1,350 |
| West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry) | £900 – £1,300 |
| North West (Manchester, Liverpool) | £900 – £1,300 |
| East Midlands (Nottingham, Leicester) | £900 – £1,250 |
| Yorkshire (Leeds, Sheffield, York) | £900 – £1,250 |
| North East (Newcastle, Sunderland) | £850 – £1,200 |
| Wales | £850 – £1,200 |
| Scotland | £900 – £1,300 |
What Affects the Cost of Live-in Care?
• Level of care required — companionship and light support costs less than complex medical care
• Whether one or two carers are needed (for couples or high-dependency needs)
• The specialist qualifications required — a dementia-specialist carer costs more than a general carer
• Location — London costs are typically 15–25% higher than the national average
• Agency vs direct employment — agencies provide insurance, backup cover, and compliance; direct employment is cheaper but carries legal responsibilities
Funding Options — You May Not Have to Pay the Full Cost
Many families are unaware that live-in care can be fully or partially funded. Options include:
• NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) — for those with a primary health need, the NHS can fund live-in care entirely
• Local Authority means-tested funding — your council can contribute to care costs if savings are below the threshold
• Attendance Allowance — up to £101.75 per week (2024/25 rate) for those over pension age with care needs
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for younger adults
• Direct payments — giving you control to purchase care directly
• Equity release and pension income — used by many self-funding families
| 💡 TIP | Always request a free care needs assessment from your local authority before assuming you have to self-fund. Many London families qualify for at least partial council funding. Our team at Live-in Care Direct can guide you through this process — call us on 0800 368 8558. |
Live-in Care Across London and the UK: Areas We Cover
Live-in Care Direct provides professional live-in care services across the whole of the United Kingdom. Here is a brief overview of the regions and local areas we serve — with specific local insights for families in each area.
Live-in Care in London
London is our most active region. We work with families across all 32 boroughs — from Westminster, Camden, and Islington in central London, to Greenwich, Lewisham, and Bromley in the south, Ealing and Hounslow in the west, and Hackney, Newham, and Redbridge in the east. London’s ageing population is one of the fastest-growing in the UK, and care home fees in the capital are among the highest in Europe, making live-in care an increasingly popular — and cost-effective — alternative. We routinely place carers in London within 24 to 48 hours.
Live-in Care in the South East
The South East region — including Surrey, Kent, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire — has a large and growing population of older adults, many of whom live in rural or semi-rural areas where care home options are limited. We regularly support families in Guildford, Canterbury, Brighton, Southampton, Reading, and Oxford, delivering the same quality of live-in care you would expect in a city.
Live-in Care in the North West
The North West is one of our busiest regions outside London. We serve families across Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Blackpool, Chester, and the surrounding areas. Costs are generally more affordable here than in the South, and we are able to match carers with excellent specialist skills across a wide range of conditions common to older adults in this region, including COPD and stroke recovery.
Live-in Care in Yorkshire and the North East
Yorkshire is a region of contrasts — bustling cities like Leeds, Sheffield, and Bradford sit alongside deeply rural communities in the Dales and Moors, where access to professional care can be genuinely difficult. We make live-in care accessible in both settings. In the North East, we support families in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and Middlesbrough, where local authority care provision is often stretched and families value the reliability and consistency that Live-in Care Direct provides.
Live-in Care in the West and East Midlands
The Midlands is a hugely diverse region, and we serve families across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, and Northampton. Our carers here include specialists in post-surgical recovery — particularly important given the number of families in the Midlands seeking care following NHS elective surgery for conditions like hip and knee replacements.
Live-in Care in Wales, Scotland, the South West, and Essex
Our reach extends to every corner of the UK. In Wales, we support families in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and rural mid-Wales. In Scotland, we serve Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness. The South West region — covering Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth, and Cornwall — has an especially high proportion of retired residents, and live-in care demand here is growing rapidly. In Essex, we work with families in Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, and Basildon, often placing carers within 48 hours of an initial enquiry.
| 📍 NOTE | Wherever you are in the UK, Live-in Care Direct can help. Our technology platform connects families with the right carer faster than any traditional agency — and our nationwide coverage means the same quality of care whether you are in London, rural Wales, or the Scottish Highlands. |
Tips for Making Live-in Care Work: Prevention, Preparation, and Maintenance
Whether you are just starting to think about live-in care or are already in the process of arranging it, these practical tips will help you get the most from the experience.
Preparing the Home for a Live-in Carer
• Prepare a comfortable, private bedroom for the carer — they need their own space to rest during breaks
• Write a household guide covering routines, food preferences, emergency contacts, GP details, and medication schedules
• Install grab rails, remove loose rugs, and ensure good lighting — a safe home reduces carer workload and risk of falls
• Introduce the carer gradually — start with a meet-and-greet before the first care day if time allows
Helping Your Loved One Accept Live-in Care
Common mistake: Many families arrange care and then simply introduce a stranger to their loved one with little preparation. This can cause distress, resistance, and a breakdown of trust from day one. Always involve the person receiving care in the decision as much as possible.
• Have an open, honest conversation about why the support is needed — focus on positive outcomes, not loss of independence
• Allow the person to review carer profiles and express preferences about gender, personality, and interests
• Start with shared activities — a walk, a cup of tea, a favourite TV programme — before diving into care tasks
• Reassure them that the arrangement is flexible and can be adjusted
Maintaining Quality Care Over Time
• Schedule a formal care review every three to six months, or immediately after any significant health change
• Use the Live-in Care Direct family portal to stay informed about day-to-day care and communicate easily with the carer
• Keep communication open and kind — give feedback early if something is not working, before it becomes a bigger issue
• Remember that carers need breaks too — plan for carer relief days and respect their working hours
When to Call a Live-in Care Professional in London
Timing matters enormously in live-in care. Acting too late can mean a crisis drives the decision rather than careful planning. Here are the situations where we strongly recommend calling a live-in care specialist without delay:
Urgent Situations — Call Today
• Your loved one has just been discharged from a London hospital and cannot safely manage at home alone
• A family caregiver is suddenly unwell and care cannot be paused or interrupted
• A fall, health event, or change in cognitive status has made living alone unsafe overnight
• Dementia has progressed rapidly and your loved one is leaving the house at night or becoming a danger to themselves
• End-of-life care is needed and the family wishes to avoid a hospice or care home
| 📞 URGENT CARE | Live-in Care Direct provides emergency live-in care placements across London and the UK, often within 24 hours. Do not wait for a crisis to escalate — call us now on 0800 368 8558 or visit https://www.liveincaredirect.org/find-carer.php for an immediate callback. |
Planned Care — Start the Conversation Early
• When a diagnosis of dementia, Parkinson’s, or another progressive condition is first received
• When visiting care hours are increasing and are no longer meeting day-to-day needs
• When a family caregiver is approaching burnout and needs reliable, professional relief
• When an elderly parent is becoming increasingly isolated and would benefit from companionship
• Before a planned surgical procedure, to arrange post-operative care in advance
Why Choose Live-in Care Direct for Live-in Care in London and the UK?
There are many live-in care agencies in the UK. Here is why over 3,000 families have chosen Live-in Care Direct — and why we believe we offer something genuinely different:
Our Credentials
• ⭐ 4.9-star Google rating — from hundreds of verified real family reviews
• 3,000+ UK families supported — with hundreds of active clients in London alone
• Family-run business — founded on personal values, not corporate targets
• Hundreds of qualified, fully DBS-checked carers — vetted to the highest standard
• State-of-the-art technology — our secure platform keeps families informed in real time
• Available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week — real people answering real questions, no call centres
• Emergency placement capability — carers placed within 24–48 hours across the UK
What Our Families Say
“They were really excellent. Their commitment and partnership was first class during what was a very challenging period for us and our dear mother. Jason and team were always available, responsive and flexible. Their carers were kind and considerate. All in, they helped make a very difficult period as good as it could be. Would 100% recommend Live-in Care Direct.“ — J A., North London
“Live-in Care Direct were recommended to us when we were looking for care for my parents. Jason has been absolutely wonderful, with the information he has sent me, his friendly and efficient communication and the understanding he has shown of how difficult this time can be. I really felt understood and supported in my search for care. Thank you so much..” — Karen Williams., family based in Leeds, care recipient in Surrey
Our Promise to You
• No long-term contracts — flexibility to change or pause care as needed
• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees or surprise costs
• A dedicated care co-ordinator for every client — one consistent point of contact
• Carer matching by personality and medical expertise, not just availability
• Full family portal access — track care, communicate, and review plans online
| Ready to Explore Live-in Care for Your Family? Get honest, no-pressure advice from our expert team — available 7 days a week, 8am to 10pm.📞 0800 368 8558 ✉ info@liveincaredirect.org | 🌐 liveincaredirect.org/live-in-care/ Emergency placements available 24/7 across London and the whole of the UKTrusted by 3,000+ UK families • ⭐ 4.9 on Google • Free, no-obligation consultation |
Frequently Asked Questions: Live-in Care in the UK (2026)
Q1: What is live-in care?
Live-in care is a professional home care arrangement where a trained carer moves into your loved one’s home and provides personalised, 24-hour support, allowing them to remain in familiar surroundings instead of moving into a care home.
Q2: How much does live-in care cost in London?
Live-in care in London typically costs between £1,200 and £1,800 per week depending on the complexity of care required, which is often comparable to — or less than — the cost of a residential care home in the capital.
Q3: Is live-in care better than a care home?
For most people who wish to remain independent, retain their routines, and stay in a familiar environment, live-in care offers significant advantages over a care home, including one-to-one attention, complete flexibility, and the comfort of home.
Q4: How quickly can live-in care be arranged in London?
Live-in Care Direct can arrange emergency live-in care placements in London and across the UK within 24 to 48 hours of an initial consultation.
Q5: What conditions can a live-in carer support?
Live-in carers can support a wide range of conditions including dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery, MS, cancer, COPD, diabetes, cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, and many more — with specialist carers available for each.
Q6: Can live-in care be funded by the NHS or local council?
Yes — NHS Continuing Healthcare can fund live-in care fully for those who meet the eligibility criteria, and local councils can provide means-tested contributions; Attendance Allowance and Direct Payments are also available options.
Q7: Is live-in care available outside London?
Live-in Care Direct provides live-in care services across the whole of the UK, including London, the South East, North West, Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Essex, Wales, Scotland, the South West, and the East of England.
