Medication timed to the minute
Levodopa and other Parkinson's medications only work well if they're taken on a strict schedule. One carer who knows that timetable — rather than a rota of different faces — is far less likely to let a dose slip.
✧ Our services
Live-in Parkinson's Care and Support at Home
Parkinson's changes day to day and even hour to hour. A live-in Parkinson's carer makes sure medication is taken on time, helps with movement on "off" days, reduces the risk of falls and keeps life at home as normal as possible.
- Medication on time Doses given at the right minute, every day
- From £1,200 a week Or £1,300 for more complex needs
- Falls and mobility support Help with freezing, turning and transfers
- Works with your Parkinson's nurse Alongside the neurologist, physio and OT
What is Parkinson's care at home?
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition caused by the loss of nerve cells that produce dopamine. Its best-known symptoms are tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement, but it can also affect balance, speech, swallowing, sleep, mood and memory. More than 150,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson's, according to Parkinson's UK.
Parkinson's care at home is support that works around those symptoms so a person can keep living in their own home. With live-in care, one carer lives in, learning how the condition shows itself in that individual and adjusting from one hour to the next.
Why medication timing matters so much
Many people with Parkinson's take medication several times a day at precise times. If a dose is late, symptoms can return quickly: stiffness, freezing, tremor and difficulty swallowing. Parkinson's UK campaigns for people to "get it on time" for exactly this reason. A live-in carer is there at every dose, day and night, prompts or assists as agreed with the GP or Parkinson's nurse, and keeps a record so patterns can be shared with the specialist team.
How a live-in carer helps with Parkinson's symptoms
- "On" and "off" periods — as medication wears off, movement can become much harder. The carer adapts: more help during "off" periods, stepping back to preserve independence when things are going well.
- Freezing and falls — using cueing techniques recommended by physiotherapists, such as rhythm, counting or a visual line to step over, and keeping the home clear of trip hazards.
- Mobility and transfers — help getting out of bed and chairs, turning, and using walking aids safely.
- Eating and swallowing — meals prepared to the texture advised by a speech and language therapist, extra time at mealtimes, and watching for signs of choking or weight loss.
- Speech — patience, time and encouragement to keep talking, including exercises set by the therapist.
- Night-time — help with turning in bed, getting to the toilet and restless or disturbed sleep.
- Mood and memory — noticing low mood, anxiety or confusion, which are common in Parkinson's, and flagging changes early.
Parkinson's help at home at every stage
In the early years, people with Parkinson's often need little practical help, and companionship and a bit of support with shopping or driving is enough. As the condition progresses, more help is needed with personal care and movement. In advanced Parkinson's, people may need help with most daily activities and closer support at night. Because live-in care adjusts gradually, there is no need to change provider or move as needs increase. If Parkinson's-related dementia develops, we match carers with dementia experience too.
Working alongside the Parkinson's team
A carer does not replace the medical team; they make it work better. They attend appointments with the neurologist or Parkinson's nurse, report changes in symptoms, medication effects or falls, and carry out exercises set by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists between visits. That day-to-day information is often what helps specialists adjust treatment.
Paying for Parkinson's care at home
Live-in Parkinson's care starts from £1,200 a week, or £1,300 for more complex needs. People over State Pension age may qualify for Attendance Allowance; under that age, Personal Independence Payment (PIP). A council needs assessment is free, and people with complex, unpredictable health needs in advanced Parkinson's may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. See our funding guide.
Making the home Parkinson's-friendly
Small changes to the home can make a big difference to safety and independence with Parkinson's:
- remove rugs and clutter, and keep walkways wide, as turning in tight spaces often triggers freezing;
- fit grab rails by the toilet, bath and stairs, and consider a raised toilet seat;
- use a firm, high-backed chair with arms that makes standing easier;
- try satin sheets or a bed lever to help with turning in bed at night;
- use adapted cutlery, non-slip mats and lidded cups when tremor makes eating and drinking difficult;
- put visual cues on the floor, such as tape lines, in places where freezing tends to happen.
An occupational therapist can assess the home and suggest equipment, much of which the council can provide.
Diet, protein and Parkinson's medication
For some people taking levodopa, the timing of protein-rich meals can affect how well medication works, because protein can compete with the drug for absorption. Constipation is also very common with Parkinson's. A carer can help by timing meals as advised by the specialist team, making sure there is plenty of fibre and fluid, and keeping a simple record of how well each dose seems to work. Any changes to diet or medication timing should be agreed with the Parkinson's nurse or neurologist.
Recognising non-motor symptoms
Parkinson's is often thought of as a movement disorder, but many of its hardest symptoms have nothing to do with movement: anxiety, depression, disturbed sleep, vivid dreams, hallucinations, low blood pressure on standing, pain, fatigue and changes in memory and thinking. These can be treated or managed, but only if someone notices and reports them. A live-in carer who sees the person every day is well placed to spot changes early and share them with the specialist team, which can make a real difference to quality of life.
Supporting a husband or wife caring for someone with Parkinson's
Parkinson's often progresses over many years, and a partner may gradually become a full-time carer without ever deciding to. Broken nights, constant vigilance about falls and medication, and the loss of shared activities take their toll. Live-in care, or regular respite care, lets the partner rest and return to being a husband or wife. Parkinson's UK also runs local groups and a helpline for partners and families.
Sleep and Parkinson's
Sleep problems are very common in Parkinson's. People may find it hard to turn over in bed, wake frequently to use the toilet, experience vivid dreams or act out dreams, or feel very sleepy during the day. Some Parkinson's medicines can also affect sleep. Helpful steps include a regular bedtime routine, satin sheets or a bed lever to help with turning, a commode or urinal near the bed, and discussing sleep problems with the Parkinson's nurse, as treatment adjustments may help. A live-in carer is there at night to help with turning and getting to the toilet safely.
Further reading and sources
Why families choose it
What live-in Parkinson's care gives your family
Someone who knows the difference between 'off' and unwell
Parkinson's symptoms fluctuate through the day. A carer who is there constantly learns to tell a normal 'off' period from something that actually needs a doctor.
Fewer falls from freezing episodes
Shuffling gait, freezing and balance problems are what usually cause falls. Someone on hand to prompt, steady and give a moment to reset makes a real difference.
Support at mealtimes, not just supervision
Swallowing difficulties and tremor can make eating slow, tiring or risky. A carer who has learned the person's pace can help without rushing them or taking over.
Company on the harder days
Depression and low mood are common with Parkinson's, and isolation makes it worse. Having someone there every day, not just for calls or visits, helps.
Is it right for us?
When families arrange Parkinson's care at home
If one of these sounds familiar, Parkinson's care at home is worth a conversation.
Medication timing has become unmanageable
When doses need to be exact and family members can't always be there at the right moment, missed or late medication starts causing visible symptoms.
A fall, or several near misses
Freezing episodes and balance problems tend to get worse before anyone asks for help. A fall is often what prompts the first call.
Swallowing has become difficult
When mealtimes start to worry the family — coughing, slow eating, weight loss — that's usually a sign more consistent support is needed.
The family carer is worn down
Managing unpredictable 'off' periods, disturbed sleep and slow mornings is exhausting when it falls on one person alone.
The condition has progressed
As Parkinson's advances, tasks that were manageable become unsafe to do alone. Families often call once independent living stops feeling safe.
What a carer does
How a live-in carer helps with Parkinson's
Every care plan is built from these, weighted to whatever matters most in your household.
Medication and daily routine
Prompting to a fixed timetable, because Parkinson's medication only works properly if it's taken on time, every time.
Mobility and falls prevention
Support through freezing episodes, shuffling gait and balance problems, and steadying help with transfers.
Companionship and mood
Regular conversation and company to help with the isolation and low mood that often come with a Parkinson's diagnosis.
Household and daily living
Meal preparation suited to swallowing needs, laundry and light housework, so the home keeps running as it should.
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 Parkinson's care includes, and what it doesn't
Being straight about the boundaries saves everyone a difficult conversation later.
Included in the weekly fee
- Medication prompting to a strict daily timetable
- Support with washing, dressing and mobility
- Help at mealtimes, including support for swallowing difficulties
- Encouragement with exercises set by a physiotherapist
- Companionship and support for low mood or anxiety
- Liaison with the GP or Parkinson's nurse specialist
- Light housework and laundry
- Escorting to movement disorder clinic and other appointments
Not included
- Clinical procedures such as apomorphine pump management, which need a registered nurse (district nurses continue to visit)
- The carer's own food — the household provides everyday meals
- Household bills, rent or council tax on the carer's behalf
- Two-person handling where a hoist requires two carers (that is our Advanced plan)
Compared honestly
Parkinson's care at home, a care home, or visiting carers?
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 Parkinson's 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 Parkinson's 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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Vistorine
Live-in carer
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Patience
Live-in carer
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Brenda
Live-in carer
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Gladys
Live-in carer
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Monica
Live-in carer
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Refiloe
Live-in carer
How it works
Arranging Parkinson's 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 parkinson's 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 live-in Parkinson's care cost?
Live-in Parkinson's care starts from £1,200 a week, or £1,300 a week where needs are more complex, for example with frequent night-time help or Parkinson's dementia. It is one fixed weekly fee.
Can a carer give Parkinson's medication?
Carers prompt and assist with tablets and capsules at the prescribed times, as agreed with the GP and Parkinson's nurse. Treatments such as apomorphine pumps are managed with the specialist nursing team.
Do your carers have Parkinson's experience?
We match carers who have supported people with Parkinson's before and understand medication timing, freezing and on-off fluctuations. We brief them on your relative's particular symptoms before care starts.
Can someone with advanced Parkinson's stay at home?
Many can. With a live-in carer, equipment such as a hoist or profiling bed, and support from district nurses, people with advanced Parkinson's often remain at home. Two carers may be needed if nights are very disturbed.
What help is there for a husband or wife caring for someone with Parkinson's?
A carer's assessment from the council is free and may lead to support. Live-in care or respite care can give the family carer a break, and Parkinson's UK runs a helpline and local groups.
Is Parkinson's care at home better than a care home?
For many people, yes, because medication timing, routine and one-to-one help are much easier to guarantee at home. A nursing home may suit people with very complex clinical needs, and we will say so honestly.
Why does medication timing matter so much with Parkinson's?
Many Parkinson's medicines work for a limited time. If a dose is late, symptoms such as stiffness, freezing and difficulty swallowing can return quickly. Taking doses on time keeps symptoms as steady as possible.
Can diet affect Parkinson's medication?
For some people on levodopa, protein-rich meals taken close to a dose can reduce how well it works. The specialist team may advise on meal timing. Carers can follow that advice and keep a record of how doses work.
What can help with freezing when walking?
Cueing techniques from a physiotherapist, such as counting, rhythm, or stepping over a line, can help. Clear, wide walkways and avoiding tight turns also reduce freezing episodes.
Are hallucinations common in Parkinson's?
They can occur, sometimes linked to medication or disease progression. They should always be reported to the GP or Parkinson's team, who may adjust treatment. A calm, reassuring carer helps in the meantime.
Transparent pricing
How much Parkinson's care costs
One weekly fee covering the agreed care plan. No hidden charges for everyday care.
Read next
Guides for families arranging Parkinson's care
Parkinson's Care: Comprehensive Support for Living Well at Home
Read guide →
A Relative's Guide to Live-in Care
Read guide →
Will NHS pay for live-in care?
Read guide →Related care
Care often arranged alongside Parkinson's care
Neurological Conditions Care
There are two types of nervous systems, the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system is composed of nerves that branch out of the spinal cord and extend to the other body parts.
Dementia Care
Our dementia 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.
Stroke Care
A stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying the brain or an area of the brain is blocked and ruptures. Due to the unavailability of blood to the brain tissue, the cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency. But patients, once recovered from the emergency situation, need constant care and attendance depending upon the severity of the symptoms.
Mobility & Frailty Care
Live-in Care Direct offers you trustworthy and professional staff to rely on with your aged family member instead of sending them away to care homes. Poor mobility and frailty that comes with advancing age can be dealt with perfectly in the comfort of one’s home with live-in care , while staying close to the loved ones.
Overnight Care
Overnight home care means that a trained carer stays at the individual’s home overnight to assist with any situation that may arise. The caregiving staff member seamlessly facilitates daily routine which continues during the night as well.
Near you
Parkinson's care in your area
Local pages cover how care is regulated and funded where your relative lives.
Where we work
Parkinson's 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.
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Can’t see your area? Call 0800 368 8558 — we almost certainly still cover it.