With live-in care, a trained carer moves into your parent’s home and supports them day to day. It lets someone who needs a lot of help stay in the place they know, with the same familiar face around. We can match you with a CQC-registered agency near you.
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Live-in care
Live-in care is when a care worker lives in the home of the person they support. They help with daily routines, keep the house running and are there if something goes wrong. Carers usually work on a rota, so one carer does a stretch and then another takes over, often with the same small team rotating.
The carer needs their own bedroom and proper breaks each day. They are not expected to be awake all night. If your parent needs help often through the night, the agency may suggest adding a night carer or moving to round-the-clock care instead.
For many families, live-in care is the main alternative to a care home. Your parent keeps their own routines, their own bed, their pets and their neighbours, with one to one support that a busy care home often cannot offer.
“A carer lives in the home, giving support through the day and company at night.”
Hattie’s short versionEvery care plan is different. These are the things carers most often help with.
Is it right for you?
What usually happens once an agency gets in touch.
Once you are in touch with an agency, they will arrange an assessment, usually at your parent’s home. They will talk with your parent and with you about daily routines, health, likes and dislikes, and check the home has a suitable room for the carer.
From this the agency writes a care plan and looks for a carer who is a good match. Many agencies will share a profile or arrange for you to meet or speak to the carer before they start, so ask about this.
When the carer moves in, the agency should check in regularly, especially in the first few weeks. The care plan is reviewed as needs change, and you can ask for a review or a different carer at any time.
Costs and funding
The cost of live-in care depends on how much help is needed, whether care is needed at night and where you live. Our cost guide explains what affects the price, and the calculator helps you estimate it. Care may be paid for from savings, by the council after a needs and financial assessment, or by the NHS in some cases.
Choose your region to see registered agencies and live-in care in your council area.
Both live-in care and care homes can give someone support day and night. This guide sets out what each involves and who each tends to suit, so you can decide together.
Len Burgess1 October 2026
Read the guide →
Live-in care is usually charged as a weekly rate rather than by the hour. The price depends on the type of agency, the level of need and a few practical details at home.
Len Burgess1 October 2026
Read the guide →Yes. Agencies will ask for a private bedroom for the carer, with somewhere to keep their things and a space to rest during breaks.
Live-in carers take time off, so there is usually a small team who take turns. A good agency will try to keep the same carers so your parent gets to know them.
A live-in carer can help now and then if your parent wakes, but they need to sleep too. If help is needed often in the night, talk to the agency about adding night care.
For many people, yes. It gives one to one support while your parent stays in their own home, though it will not suit everyone, so it is worth talking through both options.
It may. The council can do a needs assessment and a financial assessment, and if your parent qualifies they may help with the cost.
Round-the-clock care at home, from a team on shifts or live-in carers.
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Support for someone living with dementia to stay safe and settled at home.
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Care workers visit at set times, from short calls to several hours a day.
Find out more →Answer a few simple questions and we’ll match you with a CQC-registered agency that covers your area.
Accreditations and compliance
ICO registration ZC221613
