Many people want to remain in their own homes as they age or face health challenges—but they also need consistent support to stay safe, comfortable, and independent. Live-in care offers a practical, compassionate alternative to residential care by bringing professional support directly into the home.
What is live-in care?
Live-in care is a home-based care service where a professional caregiver lives with the person needing support in their own home. This allows individuals to remain in their cherished family home, avoiding the disruption and costs of moving to a care facility while keeping familiar possessions and pets. Unlike visiting care, a live-in carer is present around the clock to provide dedicated one-to-one support as a dedicated carer. This includes help with personal care, medication, household tasks, mobility, and companionship—while allowing the individual to remain in their familiar environment.
More and more families in the UK are choosing live-in care as a compassionate alternative to residential care homes. Whether it’s support for an elderly relative, someone living with a long-term condition, or an individual recovering from illness, a live-in caregiver can offer peace of mind and high-quality care at home.
At Careline Home Support, our live-in care packages are tailored to each person’s needs, promoting independence, safety, and comfort.
How does live-in care work?
A live-in carer moves into the home of the person requiring care and support. They have their own room with their own bed, ensuring privacy and comfort during their stay. The carer provides assistance throughout the day—and is available overnight if needed. A personalized care schedule is created to coordinate support and outline specific care times, ensuring consistent, reliable care that adjusts to the person’s daily routine.
The live-in care process:
- Consultation – We begin by understanding your care needs, preferences, and home environment.
- Assessment – A care manager visits your home to carry out a comprehensive needs assessment.
- Care plan – We build a personalised plan covering personal care, meals, mobility, medication, and lifestyle choices.
- Carer matching – You’re matched with the right live in carer, carefully selected based on compatibility, experience, and your specific needs, including personality, language, and any preferences.
- Care begins – Your carer moves in and begins supporting you based on the agreed care plan.
Live-in care is often chosen as a longer-term solution, but it’s also ideal for short-term needs, such as post-operative support or respite for family carers. Respite care can provide essential support for the primary carer, especially during illness or emergencies, ensuring continuity of care. If you require more continuous support—such as 24 hour care at home—live-in care offers the same benefits, without the disruption of moving to a care home.
Who is live-in care for?
Live-in care is a flexible and inclusive option suitable for a wide range of people. While many associate it with elderly care, live-in support is available for adults of all ages who need regular assistance.
If you or a loved one is struggling at home or your needs are escalating, it may be time to consider live-in care. Involving a family member in arranging and overseeing care can help ensure the best possible support and coordination.
Live-in care is ideal for:
- Older adults who want to remain in their own home
- People with disabilities who need daily support
- Those recovering from illness or surgery
- Individuals with complex care needs requiring specialized, nurse-led support
- Anyone who needs companionship or help with daily tasks
When planning care, including family members in the process leads to more personalized and holistic support, ensuring that care plans are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of everyone involved.
Live-in care is ideal for:
- Older adults who wish to remain at home in later life
- People living with dementia, who benefit from consistent routines and familiar surroundings
- Adults with disabilities who require assistance with daily tasks
- Individuals with progressive conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, or arthritis
- People recovering from hospital stays, illness, or surgery
- Individuals with complex care needs requiring specialized, nurse-led support at home.
- Couples who want to stay together but have differing support needs
For someone with Alzheimer’s, for instance, familiarity is key. A consistent environment can help reduce confusion and anxiety. Similarly, a person with a physical disability may need help transferring from bed to chair, navigating the home, or attending appointments—tasks a live-in carer is trained to assist with.
If a loved one is struggling to cope at home alone or their needs are escalating, live-in care provides practical and emotional support while preserving their independence.
And if you’re caring for a relative with memory issues or behavioural changes, our dementia care can be integrated into a live-in arrangement for specialist, condition-led support.
What does a live-in carer do?
The duties of a live-in carer are tailored to the individual, based on a personalised care plan. Carers assist with daily and personal tasks, supporting independent living. Live in home carers provide comprehensive support, including emotional and practical assistance, to help individuals remain in the comfort of their own homes. Personalised support is at the core of live-in care, ensuring each individual’s needs are met. Carers typically assist with the following:
1. Personal care
- Personal care support, including help with washing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility
- Bathing, washing, and grooming
- Dressing and undressing
- Continence care and toileting
- Mobility support and fall prevention
2. Medication management
- Prompting or administering medication
- Monitoring side effects or dosage changes
- Liaising with GPs, district nurses, or pharmacists
3. Household help
- Preparing meals, including cooking nutritious dishes based on dietary needs
- Shopping, cleaning, laundry, and light housework
- Ensuring the home is safe, clean, and comfortable
4. Companionship and wellbeing
- Offering emotional support, conversation, and valuable companionship
- Encouraging hobbies, games, and cognitive stimulation
- Supporting safe outings and social interaction
5. Specialist support
Live-in carers can provide specialist care for complex health needs, supporting conditions including:
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Stroke recovery
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diabetes and blood sugar monitoring
- PEG feeding, catheter, and stoma care (with training)
A live-in caregiver not only handles tasks but fosters emotional wellbeing. Having someone nearby 24/7 reduces anxiety, combats loneliness, and promotes structure in daily life. They also play a key role in identifying health changes early, potentially preventing hospital admissions.
Benefits of live-in care
Live-in care provides unique benefits that distinguish it from residential or visiting care. One key advantage is the ability to remain close to family and friends, allowing individuals to maintain social connections and continue participating in community activities without leaving their familiar environment.
4.3 Personalised routines
Live-in care enables individuals to follow their own routines, from meal times to sleep schedules. This approach also helps people maintain hobbies and interests, supporting independence and a familiar lifestyle while receiving care at home.
4.7 Flexible and responsive
Live-in care adapts to changing needs, offering flexibility as circumstances evolve. It is important that the home has functional facilities, such as accessible bathrooms and comfortable living spaces, to support both the care recipient and the carer in their daily activities.
Stay in familiar surroundings
Being cared for at home—surrounded by family photos, pets, and possessions—can offer comfort and a sense of control, especially for those with dementia.
One-to-one support
Unlike care homes where staff support multiple residents, live-in carers provide undivided attention and build strong, trusted relationships with the person they support.
Personalised routines
You keep your usual sleep schedule, meal preferences, hobbies, and routines—with support tailored around your lifestyle, not the other way around. Live-in care also enables you to maintain hobbies and interests, ensuring you continue enjoying the activities you love.
Family involvement
Relatives can visit freely and stay connected with their loved one’s care, ensuring they’re involved in decisions and changes.
Emotional wellbeing
A live-in carer is also a companion. For people who live alone, this relationship can reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mental health.
Cost-effective for couples
For couples with care needs, live-in care can be a cost-effective alternative to placing two people in separate care home rooms.
Flexible and responsive
As needs change, the care plan can be adjusted quickly—whether additional support is needed or the condition improves.
It is also important to ensure the home has functional facilities, such as accessible bathrooms and comfortable living spaces, to support changing care needs and help live-in carers perform their duties effectively.
Care services and costs
Live-in care services offer a comprehensive solution for those who wish to remain in their own homes while receiving the support they need to maintain independence and a high quality of life. With a dedicated live in carer, individuals can continue to enjoy their familiar surroundings and routines, while benefiting from professional care and support tailored to their unique needs. The cost of live-in care can vary depending on the level of care required, the location, and the live in care provider you choose, but it often represents a cost-effective alternative to residential care, especially for couples or those with complex needs.
Live in care services are designed to be flexible, adapting as your needs change, and can include everything from basic personal care to more specialist support. This approach ensures that you or your loved one can live life to the fullest, with peace of mind that help is always at hand.
Types of care packages
Live-in care packages are highly customisable, ensuring that every individual receives the right blend of care and support. Some of the most common types of care packages include:
- Personal care assistance: Support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene, helping you feel comfortable and confident each day.
- Household support: Help with meal planning, preparing nutritious meals, light cleaning, laundry, and other household chores, so your home remains a safe and pleasant environment.
- Specialist medical care: For those with more complex health needs, live in carers can assist with administering medication, blood sugar monitoring, PEG feeding, and palliative care, all under the guidance of a personalised care plan.
Whether you need a little extra help with everyday tasks or require specialist medical care, live-in care packages can be tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring you receive the right level of care and support at all times.
What’s included in the price?
The cost of live-in care typically covers much more than just the carer’s time. Most live in care providers include the carer’s salary, room, and board as part of the overall package. This means your live in carer will have their own private room or spare room in your home, and their meals and basic living expenses are taken care of.
In addition to core care services, some providers may include extras such as laundry, gardening, or even pet care, depending on your needs and preferences. It’s important to discuss with your chosen live in care provider exactly what is included in your care package, so there are no hidden costs and you have a clear understanding of the support you’ll receive
Comparing live-in care costs
When considering live-in care costs, it’s important to look beyond the headline price and consider the value of the care service being provided. Factors such as the level of care required, the carer’s qualifications and experience, and the reputation of the provider all play a role in determining the overall cost. Location can also influence care costs, with services in urban areas sometimes costing more than those in rural settings.
A key consideration is ensuring your home has a suitable private room or spare room for your carer, as this is essential for their comfort and your privacy. By comparing different live in care providers and understanding exactly what is included in each care package, you can find a high quality care solution that fits your needs and budget. Ultimately, investing in live-in care means you or your loved one can continue to live life on your own terms, with peace of mind and the reassurance of professional support in your own space.
Finding the right carer
Choosing the right carer is crucial to making live-in care a success. At Careline Home Support, we take the time to get to know your needs, values, and personality—then match you with a caregiver who feels like the right fit.
- You can specify your preferences, including requesting a male or female carer, and we are happy to provide a female carer if that is your preference.
- All our carers are fully vetted and receive industry leading training to ensure the highest standards of care.
- We offer ongoing support and, in situations where continuous or high-need care is required, we can provide two carers to ensure effective, uninterrupted care and carer rest.
Our approach includes:
- Detailed assessments – We understand your routines, care needs, and home setup.
- Careful matching – We consider personality, language, culture, lifestyle, and specialist training.
- Fully vetted carers – All carers undergo enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, and in-person interviews.
- Male or female carers – Based on your preferences and comfort level.
- Ongoing support – We regularly monitor care quality and offer backup support if ever needed.
Whether you’re looking for a live in carer with experience in elderly support or someone to manage complex health conditions, we ensure you receive a carer who’s capable, compassionate, and compatible
Arranging live-in care
We make it easy to arrange live-in care, even if it’s your first time exploring this type of support. Careline Home Support offers a fully managed service, regulated for quality and safety, giving you peace of mind that all aspects of care are professionally overseen.
If you need temporary or emergency support, respite care is also available, providing qualified and screened carers to ensure continuity and wellbeing.
Our step-by-step process ensures you receive a comprehensive, regulated live in care service tailored to your needs.
How to get started:
- Speak to our care team
We’ll answer your questions, explain how live-in care works, and discuss your situation. - Home care assessment
We’ll visit your home to review care needs, mobility, medications, routines, and the suitability of the home for live-in care. - Design a care plan
We create a tailored plan covering all aspects of support—from physical needs to lifestyle preferences. - Carer introduction
You’ll be matched with a suitable carer and have the chance to meet or speak with them before care begins. - Start care and review
Your live-in carer moves in, and we provide regular follow-ups to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Live-in care is a dignified, practical, and highly personal option for those who want to remain at home without compromising on quality of life. If you’re exploring live-in support for yourself or a loved one, our live in care services offer a reliable and compassionate solution.
What is live in care FAQs
What does live-in care mean?
It means a professional carer lives in your home to provide continuous support, helping with personal care, meals, medication, mobility, and companionship.
What is the difference between live-in care and 24-hour care?
Live-in care involves one carer living in your home full-time, while 24-hour care may involve a team of carers working in shifts to provide uninterrupted care through the night.
Is live-in care suitable for dementia patients?
Yes. In fact, many families choose live-in care because it allows people with dementia to stay in familiar surroundings, which helps reduce anxiety and confusion.
What does a live-in carer do during the day?
They support with personal tasks, cooking, cleaning, medication, companionship, and any health needs—as outlined in your care plan.
How do I know if my home is suitable?
Your home needs a spare room for the carer, basic facilities (like internet and bathroom access), and a safe layout. We’ll advise during the assessment.
Is live-in care available across the UK?
Yes, Careline Home Support provides live-in care across multiple regions, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Falkirk.
Ready to arrange compassionate live-in care that fits around your life?
Contact Careline Home Support today to speak with our friendly team—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Michael Mensah brings over seven years of experience as a Nutritionist, guided by a genuine passion for improving people’s wellbeing. His strong commitment to supporting others in living with dignity and independence led him into the care sector.
He began his journey at Careline Home Support as a Care Worker, progressed to Team Leader, then Assistant Care Co-ordinator, and now works as a Care Co-ordinator. In this role, he provides personalised, person-centred care that respects each individual’s needs, while upholding the highest standards of compassion, safeguarding, and respect.
For Michael, caregiving is not just a profession but a meaningful exchange rooted in empathy. He believes that just as nature supports itself, those who need help should be met by those ready to offer it. His work brings him a deep sense of purpose, and he is proud to help foster a team culture built on kindness, professionalism, and mutual support.
