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Live-in care for someone living with dementia
For many people living with dementia, staying in familiar surroundings with familiar faces is calmer than a move to a care home. We introduce experienced live-in carers you meet and choose yourself.
From £1,095 a week across East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire and Hampshire. Ask us about your situation
Why can live-in care help someone with dementia?
- Familiar surroundingsTheir own home, garden, belongings, pets and routines, which can reduce confusion and distress.
- Familiar facesTwo carers who share the role and get to know them, rather than a rota of new faces.
- A steady routineMeals, rest and activity at familiar times.
- Someone thereA carer living in, so they're not on their own for long stretches.
- Small changes noticedA carer who knows them well is more likely to notice when something's different, such as eating or drinking less, or more confusion than usual, and can let the family know.
- Keeping family informedUpdates on everyday life, routines and wellbeing, shared directly with the family as agreed with your loved one.
Why not a care home?
- Life carries on at home: their own kitchen, garden, pets, neighbours and routine, with one-to-one care.
- The house stays yours: when care is at home, the council doesn't count the house in its means test. Will we have to sell the house?
- It usually costs less: from £1,095 a week, against nursing home fees from £1,750 to £1,950 a week in our counties. For a couple who both need care, less than half. See the comparison
What can a live-in carer help with?
When live-in care through us isn't enough
- Nursing or clinical care
- Care that needs someone awake all night, every night
- Care that needs two people at once, such as hoisting, although very possible with LHA visiting care twice daily to assist.
- Behaviour that needs specialist or nursing support
If your relative's needs are moving that way, we'll say so honestly and suggest other options.
Carers with real dementia experience
When we introduce carers for someone living with dementia, we look for people who've cared for someone with dementia before, and who have the patience and temperament for it. You meet them before deciding. Many have also completed dementia training.
Every carer we introduce has passed an enhanced DBS check, including the Adults' Barred List. We follow up two professional references and one personal reference, check their insurance, and meet every carer personally before they meet you.
Common questions
Can a live-in carer help if Mum gets up in the night?
Yes, occasionally. Help at night is fine up to twice a night on average. If someone needs more help than that at night, a different arrangement is needed.
What if their needs increase?
Dementia changes over time. If needs move beyond what one live-in carer can safely do, such as hoisting, nursing care or someone awake through the night, your carers will tell you honestly, and we'll talk through other options.
Does the carer need dementia training?
We look for carers with real experience of caring for someone with dementia, and many have completed dementia training.
Other help in Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire and Hampshire
Alzheimer's Society Dementia Support Line, 0333 150 3456.
Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline, 0800 888 6678 (free).
Worried about memory? Ask their GP about a referral to the local NHS memory assessment service.
Carers UK helpline, 0808 808 7777: advice for family carers.
Talk through live-in care for someone with dementia
“I worked with Mark, aged 77, as his live-in carer for one year. Supporting Mark as he lived with dementia taught me the importance of patience, understanding and compassion. I believe in seeing the person beyond their condition and helping them feel safe, respected and valued, while supporting them to maintain as much independence as possible.”
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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