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How does finding a live-in carer work?

We introduce you to experienced, vetted live-in carers. You meet them, you choose. Here's what happens, step by step.

An older woman and a carer laugh together while playing a sticky-note guessing game.

When an hour or two of visits a day isn't enough

Most families who call us already have carers visiting. But visits end, and the worry doesn't: the hours in between, the evenings and the nights.

Falls or near-misses

Often when nobody's there.

Meals or medication missed

After the visiting carer has gone.

Long evenings and nights alone

With no one there if they need help.

Family covering the gaps

Weekend drives, daily phone checks, time off work.

A live-in carer is there all day and overnight.

What live-in care can give your family

Independence at home

Your loved one stays in their own home, with their own routine, garden, pets and neighbours. Their companionship is what’s become difficult, so they can keep doing what they enjoy, on their terms.

Peace of mind for the family

Someone is there all day (and overnight). You know who’s staying in the house, because you chose them together, and you can talk directly. The house is rarely left empty, and there’s someone to answer the door to unexpected callers.

Carers you can trust

Every carer is carefully vetted and interviewed before you meet them. You choose regular carers who share the role, so your loved one sees familiar faces, not a rota of strangers.

A woman discusses live-in care by phone at home.

Step 1

Talk it through

A short call about who needs support, their routine, their home and what matters to them. No obligation. Then we visit you at home, usually within two days.

An older woman and her daughter speak with a carer on a video call.

Step 2

We find carers who fit

We begin our selection process for vetted live-in carers with the right experience, personality, location and availability. We shortlist carers, talk them through your family's needs, and then introduce them to you.

When you ask us to start the search, you pay a £245 advance. It isn't an extra charge: it comes off your first weekly invoice. If we can’t find suitable carers to introduce to you, we refund it in full. If we introduce suitable carers and you decide not to go ahead with any of them, it isn't refunded.

An older woman and her daughter choose a carer together.

Step 3

Meet and choose

You speak to the carers we suggest, then choose those who feel right. Live-in carers typically work in rotation, so you'll normally have two carers who share the role. No one arrives without your say.

An older man welcomes a live-in carer into his home.

Step 4

Welcome them home

Your carer moves in. You and your carer agree the daily routine directly.

One named contact, start to finish

Your first call, the home visit, finding and introducing carers, and the day they move in: you deal with the same person throughout. No call centre, and no being passed between teams. 

We don't take on every family. We only take on families we're confident we can find the right carers for. If live-in care through us isn't the right fit, or we can't find the right carers in your area, we'll tell you honestly at the start and suggest where else to look.

What do you need to prepare for a live-in carer?

  • A separate bedroom for your carer, clean and clear of other people's belongings
  • Food, or a food allowance, typically around £40 a week if they are to eat separately
  • Somewhere for your carer to take daily breaks
  • A signed agreement before your carer arrives
  • Wi-fi, medication, favourite routines and emergency contacts.
A spare bedroom is prepared for a live-in carer.

Common questions

How quickly can a carer start?

It can be as soon as a week. Typically, a successful placement takes three to four weeks from your first call, so there's time to meet carers properly and choose who feels right.

Can we meet the carer before they move in?

Yes. You can meet your carer online as often as you like before making a decision. Meeting in person is also very possible if you're willing to travel. Nobody moves in until you've chosen them.

What if it isn't working out?

Tell us and we'll introduce other carers for you to meet.

Who do we contact day to day?

Your carer. The daily routine is agreed between you.

Do you offer short-term or respite care?

No. We introduce carers for ongoing live-in care only.

What does it cost?

From £1,095 a week. See costs and funding.

Ready to talk it through?

Cover of Live-in Care: A Guide for Families

Still researching?

Live-in Care: A Guide for Families

Costs and funding, the questions to ask carers and agencies, and checklists to get the home ready.

Download the Planning Pack (PDF)

Free, with no sign-up. Download the PDF to read or print it.

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