A predictable routine, kept
People with learning disabilities often rely on structure to feel settled. A live-in carer keeps mealtimes, activities and bedtimes consistent, rather than resetting each visit.
✧ Our services
Live-in Care for Adults with Learning Disabilities
The right support lets adults with a learning disability live their own lives, in their own home. A live-in carer helps with daily living, routines and community life, and provides the consistency that makes people feel safe.
- Consistent carers Familiar faces, predictable routines
- From £1,200 a week Or £1,300 for more complex needs
- Person-centred Care built around what matters to the person
- Positive behaviour support Carers who follow the agreed plan
What is learning disability care?
A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things, understands information and communicates. It is lifelong, and ranges from mild, where people live largely independently with a little support, to severe or profound, where people need help with most aspects of daily life and may also have physical disabilities. Mencap estimates that around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. Autism is not a learning disability, but many autistic people also have one.
Learning disability care at home is support that helps a person live the life they want: in their own home, with their own routines, and taking part in their community. With live-in care, one carer lives in, providing consistency that many people with learning disabilities find reassuring.
How a live-in carer supports adults with learning disabilities
- Daily living skills — cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping and managing money, learned by doing them together.
- Personal care — prompting or help with washing, dressing and health routines, with dignity and privacy.
- Routines and structure — visual timetables and predictable days that reduce anxiety.
- Communication — easy read, pictures, Makaton or other methods the person uses.
- Health — medication, annual health checks and appointments, and noticing signs of illness that the person may not be able to describe.
- Community and relationships — work, college, day activities, clubs, friendships and family contact.
- Behaviour support — following a positive behaviour support plan, understanding what behaviour communicates, and responding calmly.
Person-centred care
Good learning disability care starts with the person, not the service: what they enjoy, what they want to achieve, who matters to them and how they like things done. We build the care plan with the person and the people who know them best, and match carers whose personality and interests fit. Where decisions need to be made about care, the person is supported to make their own choices, and the Mental Capacity Act is followed where they cannot.
When a family carer can no longer cope
Many adults with learning disabilities live with parents who have cared for them for decades. When those parents become older or unwell, live-in care can keep the adult in the family home or support a move into their own place, without the upheaval of a residential placement. Planning early, before a crisis, gives everyone more choice.
Paying for learning disability care
Live-in care starts from £1,200 a week, or £1,300 for more complex needs. Funding usually comes from the council after a needs assessment, often as direct payments or a personal budget, alongside PIP. NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund care where needs are complex and health-related. See our funding guide.
Positive behaviour support explained
Some people with learning disabilities communicate distress, pain, boredom or fear through behaviour that others find challenging. Positive behaviour support (PBS) is an approach that looks for the reason behind the behaviour and changes the environment and support to meet the person's needs, rather than simply trying to stop the behaviour. A PBS plan usually covers what the person needs to be happy and settled, early warning signs that they are becoming distressed, what helps at each stage, and how to support them afterwards. Carers follow the plan consistently, which is one of the main reasons familiar, regular carers make such a difference.
Autism and sensory needs
Many people with learning disabilities are also autistic, and sensory differences can have a big effect on daily life. Bright lights, noise, certain textures or unexpected changes can be overwhelming. Carers help by learning the person's sensory preferences, keeping the environment calm and predictable, giving warning of changes, using visual schedules and respecting the need for quiet time or particular routines. Small adjustments often prevent a great deal of distress.
Health and the annual health check
People with learning disabilities often have poorer health and may find it hard to explain symptoms or get the healthcare they need. The NHS offers an annual health check to adults with a learning disability, and a hospital passport can help healthcare staff understand the person's needs. Carers support by booking and attending appointments, helping the person understand what is happening, noticing signs of illness or pain, and making sure reasonable adjustments are requested.
Keeping people safe without restricting their lives
People with learning disabilities can be vulnerable to exploitation, including financial abuse, "mate crime" and online risks. Carers help people understand risks and make safe choices, while respecting their right to friendships, relationships and independence. Any safeguarding concerns are raised promptly with the right people. The aim is a full, safe life, not a restricted one.
Supporting friendships and relationships
People with learning disabilities are often more isolated than others, with fewer friends and fewer chances to meet people. Yet friendships and relationships are central to a good life. Carers can help by supporting the person to go to clubs, groups and activities they enjoy, keep in touch with friends and family, use social media safely, and take part in community life. The person's right to relationships, including romantic and sexual relationships, is respected, with support to understand consent and stay safe.
Money, choices and everyday independence
Managing money is a skill many people with learning disabilities can develop with the right support. Carers can help with budgeting, shopping, paying bills and understanding the value of money, using pictures and simple tools where helpful. Where someone lacks capacity to manage their finances, an appointee or deputy may manage them, but the person should still be involved in everyday spending choices as far as possible. Being able to make choices, from what to buy to what to do at the weekend, is part of living a life of one's own.
Coping with changes in support
Changes to support, such as a new carer, a move or a change in routine, can be unsettling for people with learning disabilities. We plan changes carefully: introducing new carers gradually, using photos and simple explanations, and keeping familiar routines in place, so the person feels secure.
Further reading and sources
Why families choose it
What live-in learning disability care gives your family
One person learns how they communicate
Whether that's Makaton, an AAC device, or simply picking up on non-verbal cues, one consistent carer gets fluent in it. A changing rota of visitors rarely does.
Family stays close, not sidelined
The carer supports daily life at home rather than replacing family involvement — parents and siblings stay part of the picture instead of visiting a facility.
One-to-one, not shared staffing
Supported living and residential settings share staff across several residents. A live-in carer is there for one person, which changes how quickly needs get noticed.
Skills are built, not just managed
Carers work on daily living skills — cooking, budgeting, using transport — at the person's own pace, in the home where those skills actually get used.
Is it right for us?
When families arrange learning disability care at home
If one of these sounds familiar, learning disability care at home is worth a conversation.
A parent carer is ageing or in poor health
Often the parent has provided care for decades and is no longer physically able to. Live-in care lets their adult child stay in the family home rather than move into residential care.
Moving from children's to adult services
Turning 18 brings a cliff-edge in support. Families frequently look at live-in care as the way to keep continuity rather than start again in an unfamiliar setting.
A place in supported living or a care home has been suggested
It isn't always the right fit, especially where someone struggles with change. Live-in care offers round-the-clock support without leaving home.
Behaviour or needs have changed
A new diagnosis, increased anxiety, or a change in mobility can mean visiting support is no longer enough.
Family carers need a genuine break
Respite live-in care, for a few days or several weeks, lets exhausted parents or siblings rest without disrupting the person's routine.
What a carer does
How a live-in carer helps
Every care plan is built from these, weighted to whatever matters most in your household.
Daily living skills
Cooking, washing, dressing and household tasks supported at the person's own pace, building confidence rather than doing it for them.
Health and medication support
Medication prompting, appointment support, and working alongside GPs, therapists and specialists as part of the wider care team.
Communication and companionship
A carer who learns how the person communicates, and gives them someone consistent to spend time with, not just supervise.
Home and routine management
Keeping the household running and the daily routine predictable, which matters enormously for people who find change difficult.
Related services
Other types of live-in care we arrange
Live-in care is not one fixed thing. These are the variations families most often need — and we will tell you which one actually fits.
24 hour live-in care
For people who need attention repeatedly through the night. Covers waking nights and, where nights are consistently broken, two carers in rotation.
Respite care
A professional steps in so a family carer can rest, from a few days to several weeks. Also the easiest way to try live-in care before committing.
Emergency home care
For a hospital discharge, a fall, or a carer suddenly unable to continue. We can often have someone in place within 24 to 48 hours.
Overnight care
Cover through the night only, where days are manageable but nights are not. Useful after a hospital stay or while a diagnosis settles.
Dementia care
Carers experienced in memory loss, sundowning and changes in behaviour. Familiar rooms and one consistent face matter more here than anywhere.
Palliative care
Comfort-focused support at home, working alongside district nurses and the GP so symptom control and dignity come first.
End of life care
Support for the final months, weeks or days at home, for the person and for the family around them.
Companionship care
Where the need is company and daily structure rather than personal care. Often the first step, before anything more is required.
What you get
What learning disability care includes, and what it doesn't
Being straight about the boundaries saves everyone a difficult conversation later.
Included in the weekly fee
- Personal care — washing, dressing, continence support
- Medication prompting and administration
- Support with daily living skills and routines
- Meal preparation, including dietary or sensory preferences
- Transport and support to day services, activities or work
- Community engagement and social activities
- Liaison with GP, social worker and day services
- Light housework and laundry
- Companionship and consistent one-to-one attention
Not included
- Nursing tasks requiring a registered nurse (district nurses continue to visit)
- Clinical therapies such as speech and language therapy or occupational therapy (carers work alongside these professionals, not in place of them)
- The carer's own food — the household provides everyday meals
- Two-person handling where a hoist requires two carers (that is our Advanced plan)
Compared honestly
Care at home, supported living, or residential care?
The three realistic options, side by side. We will tell you if one of the others suits you better.
| Live-in care | Residential care home | Visiting care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical weekly cost, one person | From £1,200 | £1,100 – £1,600 | £300 – £900 |
| Typical weekly cost, a couple | From £1,200 (one carer) | £2,200 – £3,200 (two places) | Varies by hours |
| Staff-to-person ratio | One-to-one | Shared across residents | One-to-one, but only during visits |
| Same carer each day | Yes | No — shift rota | Rarely |
| Stay in your own home | Yes | No | Yes |
| Overnight cover | Yes | Yes | No — unless booked separately |
| Couples stay together | Yes | Often not possible | Yes |
| Pets can stay | Yes | Almost never | Yes |
| Visitors any time | Yes | Visiting hours | Yes |
Care home figures are typical UK ranges for 2026 and vary considerably by region and by whether nursing care is included. We quote our own prices exactly; always confirm a care home's fees directly with them.
Our carers
Who will your carer be?
The single biggest worry families raise, and rightly. You choose the carer from matched profiles, and you can speak to them by video call before deciding anything.
Enhanced DBS
On every single carer, checked before introduction
In person
Every carer is interviewed, not just screened on paper
You choose
Profiles sent to you — including a video call first
24–48 hrs
How fast we can move in an emergency
Our carers
The carers who provide learning disability care
Our carers are spread across the UK, supported by regional care managers. Every one is interviewed in person, enhanced DBS checked and reference-checked before they are ever introduced to a family — and you choose who moves in.
- Interviewed face to face, never hired on paperwork alone
- Enhanced DBS checked, with references verified
- You meet and approve your carer before they start
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Refiloe
Live-in carer
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Vistorine
Live-in carer
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Brenda
Live-in carer
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Monica
Live-in carer
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Gladys
Live-in carer
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Patience
Live-in carer
How it works
Arranging learning disability care in three steps
Tell us what you need
A friendly, no-obligation call to understand the situation, explain how the care works and give you an estimated weekly cost.
Choose your carer
We send profiles of available carers matched to your needs. You can speak to them on a video call before deciding.
Care begins at home
Your carer moves in and support starts, with a named care manager checking in regularly to make sure it's working.
Free callback
Prefer we call you?
Leave your number and a care manager will call you back — usually within an hour, and always free.
- No obligation. A conversation, not a sales call — and never a call centre.
- A real care manager. Someone who arranges care every day, who can answer properly.
- Just two details. Your name and number — we don’t need an email address.
Or call us now on 0800 368 8558 Lines open 8am–10pm, seven days a week
Common questions
Questions about learning disability care
What families ask us before arranging care.
Not seeing your question?
Our care managers answer these every day. A no-obligation call takes about ten minutes.
0800 368 8558Lines open 8am–10pm, seven days a week See all questionsHow much does learning disability live-in care cost?
Live-in care starts from £1,200 a week, or £1,300 a week for more complex needs. Two carers may be needed where behaviour or physical needs require it.
Can you support autistic adults with a learning disability?
Yes. We match carers experienced in autism and learning disability, who understand the importance of routine, sensory needs and clear communication.
Do carers follow positive behaviour support plans?
Yes. Carers follow the agreed plan and are briefed on what behaviours communicate and how to respond calmly and consistently.
Can we use direct payments for live-in care?
Often, yes. Direct payments or a personal budget from the council can be used to arrange live-in care. Ask your social worker.
Is live-in care an alternative to supported living?
Yes. Live-in care lets someone stay in their own or the family home with one-to-one support, rather than moving into a shared supported living setting.
How do you make sure the carer is the right fit?
We involve the person and their family in choosing, match on personality and interests, and plan introductions before care starts.
What is positive behaviour support?
An approach that looks for the reasons behind behaviour that challenges and changes support and surroundings to meet the person's needs. A PBS plan guides carers on what helps the person stay calm and settled.
How do carers support autistic people with sensory needs?
By learning the person's sensory preferences, keeping surroundings calm and predictable, giving warning of changes, using visual schedules and respecting their need for quiet or particular routines.
What is a learning disability annual health check?
A yearly health check from the GP for adults with a learning disability, designed to spot health problems early. Carers help book, prepare for and attend the appointment.
What is a hospital passport?
A document explaining a person's needs, communication, likes and dislikes, so hospital staff can support them properly. It is especially helpful for people with learning disabilities or autism.
Transparent pricing
How much learning disability care costs
One weekly fee covering the agreed care plan. No hidden charges for everyday care.
Read next
Guides for families arranging learning disability care
A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Care Plan
Read guide →
Effective Communication in Care: Building Strong Relationships and Ensuring Quality Care
Read guide →Can live-in care be funded?
Read guide →Related care
Care often arranged alongside learning disability care
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Disability Home Care
Disability care is specialised home care designed to support individuals with physical, learning, sensory, or complex disabilities. This type of care focuses on assisting with daily activities, mobility, personal care, and emotional well-being while promoting independence and quality of life.
Cerebral Palsy Care
cerebral palsy private care is a condition that impacts muscle control and movement. It is a lifelong disability that can be challenging for the person who has it, their care providers, live in care, and their family members.
Mental Health Support
The elderly population is rapidly growing as the baby boomers age. The senior population will soon surpass that of children and teens in size. This blog post discusses mental health care for elderly patients, which is very important to provide a quality life and avoid depression. If you don’t have the time, you should hire elderly live-in care for them.
Respite Care
Our respite care at home service provides one-to-one support at home from a trained, DBS-checked carer — matched to your family's needs, routine and personality.
Near you
Learning disability care in your area
Local pages cover how care is regulated and funded where your relative lives.
Where we work
Learning Disability Care across the UK and Ireland
We arrange care in 850+ towns and cities. Choose your area for local pricing, funding and how care is regulated where you live.
- Carers travel to you — they move into the home rather than driving from a local branch, so rural and coastal areas are covered too.
- The same weekly price everywhere — care is priced on the support needed, never on your postcode.
- Care can start in 24–48 hours in most areas, and often the same day after a hospital discharge.
Search 850+ towns and cities →
Can’t see your area? Call 0800 368 8558 — we almost certainly still cover it.