Frequently Asked Questions

Live-in care means having a carer live in your loved one's home and provide agreed support throughout the day.

The aim is to help the person remain independent and continue living in familiar surroundings, while receiving help with the things they find difficult.

This can include personal care, meals, medication support, companionship, mobility, shopping, appointments and everyday household tasks, depending on the person's needs.

Yes. A live-in carer needs to have their own private bedroom and appropriate living arrangements within the home.

The carer needs somewhere comfortable to sleep and have private time when they are not working.

We can discuss your home's layout and circumstances with you to help establish whether it is suitable for a live-in arrangement.

Not necessarily.

Live-in care can work extremely well for people who want to remain at home and have suitable accommodation for a carer.

However, some people may have care or health needs that require a different level or type of support.

The individual's needs, wishes, safety and home environment should always be considered before deciding whether live-in care is appropriate.

The carer lives in the home, but this does not mean they are working continuously for 24 hours.

Live-in carers need appropriate breaks, rest and private time.

The care arrangement should allow the carer to have sufficient rest while ensuring that the person's assessed care needs are properly supported.

If your loved one needs frequent assistance throughout the night or requires continuous waking-night care, this should be discussed as part of the assessment.

This depends on your loved one's individual needs.

Some people sleep through the night and simply need their carer to be available if an occasional need arises.

Others may need intermittent assistance, such as help getting to the toilet.

If someone regularly needs a carer to remain awake throughout the night, a different or additional care arrangement may be required.

Yes, within reasonable limits.

A live-in carer can help with everyday household tasks connected with the person's care and wellbeing, such as laundry, changing bed linen, washing up, meal preparation and keeping the areas they use clean and tidy.

They would not normally be expected to undertake heavy cleaning, gardening, decorating or general household maintenance.

Yes.

Meal preparation can form part of a live-in care arrangement. The carer can prepare meals and drinks according to your loved one's preferences, dietary requirements and care plan.

They can also encourage good nutrition and hydration where this is part of the person's support needs.

Yes, where this is appropriate and agreed.

A live-in carer can provide companionship and support with activities such as shopping, walks, visiting friends or family and other social activities.

The arrangements for transport and driving would need to be agreed in advance.

In many cases, yes.

Pets can be an extremely important part of someone's life, and remaining at home can allow them to continue enjoying that relationship.

However, the arrangements need to be discussed with the carer beforehand, particularly where the pet requires significant care or there are allergies or other considerations.

Absolutely.

Live-in care is intended to support the person's existing life and relationships, not replace them.

Family and friends can continue to visit, spend time together and remain involved in their loved one's life.

It is helpful to discuss household expectations with the carer so that everyone understands how visits and shared spaces will work.

Yes — and maintaining independence is one of the important principles of live-in care.

A good carer should support rather than take over.

Where your loved one can safely do something themselves, the aim should be to encourage them to continue doing it rather than automatically doing everything for them.

This might mean preparing their own breakfast, choosing their clothes, making decisions about their day or continuing with hobbies and activities.

Absolutely.

Live-in care does not mean handing your loved one over to somebody else.

Family members can remain involved in their loved one's life, visit regularly, help with decisions and continue doing the things they have always enjoyed together.

The live-in carer is there to provide support and companionship, helping the family to remain connected rather than replacing them.

They shouldn't.

Although a live-in carer lives in the home, both the client and carer need appropriate personal space and privacy.

The carer should have their own private bedroom and agreed time away from their caring responsibilities.

Your loved one's privacy, dignity and personal choices should always be respected.

This is one of the most common concerns families have.

Having someone new living in your home can take some getting used to, which is why personality and compatibility are important.

We take the time to understand the person, their interests, preferences and the type of carer they would feel comfortable with before making an introduction.

Your loved one should have the opportunity to speak with the proposed carer and decide whether they feel comfortable with them.

Yes. With our introductory service, you have the opportunity to speak with and get to know a potential carer before deciding whether you would like to proceed.

We believe that finding the right personality fit is just as important as finding someone with the appropriate experience.

Living together is a very personal arrangement, and sometimes a carer and client may simply not be the right match.

If the relationship isn't working, it is important to address the situation promptly and respectfully.

As an introductory service, we can help by introducing another potential carer for you to consider. The decision to proceed with another carer remains with you and your loved one.

Live-in care can be considered for people living with dementia, depending on their individual circumstances and care needs.

Remaining in a familiar environment can be important for some people, particularly where they have established routines and strong connections to their home.

However, dementia affects everyone differently. A person's safety, support needs, behaviour, mobility and ability to remain at home should all be considered when deciding whether live-in care is appropriate.

Yes.

A live-in carer can provide support with mobility and everyday activities where they have the appropriate training and this forms part of the agreed care arrangements.

This may include support with walking, transfers and the safe use of mobility equipment.

Where specialist moving and handling equipment is required, appropriate training and arrangements need to be in place.

It may be possible for one live-in carer to support a couple, depending on their individual needs and the level of care required.

This needs to be considered carefully because the needs of each person may be very different.

A detailed discussion should take place before deciding whether one carer can safely and appropriately support both people.

Care needs can change over time.

If your loved one's circumstances change, it is important that their care arrangements are reviewed and appropriate support is put in place.

Because our role is an introductory service, the ongoing care arrangements are managed directly between the client and their carer.

If a different level of support is needed, this should be discussed and appropriate arrangements made.

Live-in carers need regular breaks and holidays just like anyone else.

If your carer is planning to take time away, you can contact us and ask us to introduce another potential carer who may be available to provide cover.

You will have the opportunity to consider the person and decide whether they are suitable for your loved one.

If your live-in carer becomes unavailable unexpectedly, you can contact us to ask whether we can help by introducing another suitable carer.

As an introductory service, we do not take over the ongoing care or direct the replacement carer. You remain responsible for deciding whether the person introduced is suitable and agreeing the ongoing arrangements with them.

The person's circumstances should be kept under review.

If their needs become more complex, the existing arrangements may need to change.

This could involve additional professional support, different care arrangements or a different type of care altogether.

The important thing is to respond to changing needs rather than allowing an arrangement to continue if it is no longer appropriate.

It is helpful to discuss expectations before the arrangement begins. This can include:

• Daily routines
• Personal care preferences
• Meals and dietary requirements
• Sleeping arrangements
• Household responsibilities
• Pets
• Family visits
• Social activities
• Use of shared areas
• Carer's breaks and private time
• Expectations around communication
• Any particular likes, dislikes or important routines

Being open about expectations from the beginning can help both the client and carer settle into the arrangement.