Home / Live-in care for… / Parkinson's
Live-in care for someone living with Parkinson's
Parkinson's can change from day to day, and even hour to hour. A live-in carer is there through all of it: helping with medication on time, with moving safely around the home, and with the everyday things that now take longer. 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. Parkinson's care can cost more than our standard rate, depending on the stage and needs; we'll confirm your price on a call. Ask us about your situation
How can live-in care help someone with Parkinson's?
- Medication on timeA carer living in can remind them and help them take each dose on time, as agreed with the family.
- Help on slower daysHelp with getting up, washing, dressing and moving around when movement is slower or stiffer.
- Moving around safelyA steady arm on the stairs and in the bathroom, and an eye out for trip hazards.
- Meals at their pacePrepared the way they need them, following any speech and language therapist advice, with time to eat without rushing.
- Small changes noticedMore falls, slower movement, or changes in mood or sleep, passed on to the family.
- 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
Carers with Parkinson's experience
When we introduce carers for someone with Parkinson's, we look for people who've cared for someone with Parkinson's before, understand why medication timing matters, and have the patience for days that are slower than others. Carers who help with medication have completed medication training. You meet them before deciding.
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 with Parkinson's medication?
Yes. Carers can remind someone and help them take their medication on time, as agreed with the family, and keep a simple record. They don't give injections or manage medication pumps.
What about slower days and falls?
A carer living in is there to help when movement is slower, and to help them up safely. If falls become more frequent, talk to their GP or Parkinson's nurse about a falls assessment.
What if their needs increase?
Parkinson's changes over time. If needs move beyond what one live-in carer can safely do, such as hoisting or nursing care, your carers will tell you honestly, and we'll talk through other options.
Other help in Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire and Hampshire
Parkinson's UK helpline, 0808 800 0303 (free).
Find a Parkinson's UK local group near you.
Ask their GP or neurologist about the local Parkinson's nurse and NHS physiotherapy.
Carers UK helpline, 0808 808 7777: advice for family carers.
Talk through live-in care for someone with Parkinson's
“I have been working as a live-in carer for Edward, aged 89, for several months. This experience has strengthened my understanding of the importance of tailoring support to each individual’s needs. Parkinson’s can affect people in different ways, so patience, reassurance and encouragement are essential in helping someone maintain their dignity, confidence and independence.”
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.
Browse our guides