When faced with the realisation that a loved one needs around-the-clock care, many feel that the only option is a care or nursing home.
But live-in care is often a more popular choice for those who wish to stay in the comfort of their own home, while still receiving the care they need to enjoy a higher quality of life.
Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about live-in care; including what the benefits are and how to find the right carer to suit your family’s needs.
What is live-in care?
Live-in care involves a professional carer moving into a person’s home to provide around-the-clock care and support. This can be long-term, short-term, or as a form of respite care for family members in need of a break.
A live-in carer helps with things like personal care and companionship, as well as housekeeping, cooking, cleaning, and emotional support. Depending on their experience and qualifications, a live-in carer may also be able to provide specialist care for conditions like dementia.
What are the benefits of live-in care?
There are a number of benefits to live-in care. These include…
1. Live-in care allows people to remain in their own home
According to a survey by the Live-In Care Hub, 97% of people would prefer to remain at home rather than move into a care home.
Staying at home saves people the disruption of having to move out of and sell an often much-loved family home. It can also help people maintain a greater sense of independence, control, and dignity; all of which are essential to happiness and wellbeing.
2. Live-in care offers personalised one-to-one care
One of the biggest advantages of live-in care is the personal one-to-one support provided – something even the very best care home can’t always provide.
When it comes to personal care – including help dressing, washing, and going to the toilet – people are likely to feel more comfortable receiving help from someone they’re familiar with.
Plus, live-in carers have the opportunity to really get to know their clients and give care based on personal preferences and routines.
Many live-in carers are also trained to provide specialist care for people with ongoing conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Or, for those who’ve been discharged from hospital following treatment who require complex care.
3. Live-in care offers companionship
Many people find that having a live-in carer can help combat issues like loneliness and isolation, especially for those who have lived alone for a while.
Research shows that loneliness and isolation are common among the elderly and are linked with a greater risk of various physical and mental conditions; including a weakened immune system and cognitive decline. This study also found that social isolation is associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia.
Having someone there to listen to and chat with can have a positive impact on someone’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It can also help to take the pressure off family members who may worry about their loved ones being alone.
4. Live-in care is flexible
Unlike the timetables and schedules found in many care homes, live-in care offers flexibility around things like mealtimes and family visits.
This freedom can help people feel more in control and improve quality of life.
5. Live-in care offers peace of mind and reassurance
Many people with elderly relatives may find themselves worrying about things like whether they’ve had a fall or forgotten to take their medication.
Having someone there day and night to administer care can provide invaluable reassurance and peace of mind.
6. Live-in care can help people maintain their hobbies
The role of a live-in carer is to ensure that the person they’re caring for has the best quality of life possible. This includes helping them to maintain their hobbies, interests, and social connections.
For instance, live-in carers can transport clients to social events and help them to participate in other activities they’re interested in.
7. Live-in care allows elderly couples to stay together
Elderly couples who move into care homes are likely to be cared for in different ways – which may mean spending time apart.
Many couples cannot comprehend living like this, so live-in care allows couples to remain at home and receive care together.
Plus, because very few care homes offer shared accommodation, instead of having to pay two room fees, live-in care can end up significantly cheaper.
8. Live-in care allows people to keep their pets
The majority of residential and nursing homes don’t allow pets, which can be distressing. However, with live-in care, not only will you be able to keep pets as you’ll remain at home, but your carer may also be able to help look after them.
Research has shown that pets not only boost mood, but also bring health benefits, including better heart health and reduced stress.
How much does live-in care cost?
Cost is an important part of arranging care. Therefore, knowing your options and what funding you may be entitled to can help you make an informed decision.
Typically, the cost of live-in care in the UK is around £140 to £200 per day, but this will vary depending on factors including where you live, what care is required, and what assets you have.
When it comes to paying for live-in care, there are four main options. These are…
1. Healthcare funding for live-in care
If someone has complex, ongoing healthcare needs, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). This is a care package arranged and funded by your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
NHS CHC is non-means tested – the amount of healthcare funding available will be determined by your health needs and the location of your CCG.
2. Social care funding for live-in care
If you’re not eligible for NHS CHC, you may still be entitled to some level of care funding from your local authority.
This amount will be determined by a financial means test that takes into account your personal financial circumstances.
The table below explains how much you’ll need to contribute towards the cost of care depending on your capital.
| Your capital | How much you’ll need to contribute towards the cost of care |
|---|---|
| Over £23,250 | You’ll need to pay full care fees. |
| Between £14,250 and £23,250 | The local council will contribute towards your care, but you’ll need to pay the rest. |
| Less than £14,250 | This capital won’t be included in the financial means test. |
If you’re eligible for financial support, you can decide whether you’d like the local council to arrange care for you, or if you’d prefer to receive direct payments and arrange it yourself.
If your loved one is unable to manage payments themselves, a ‘suitable person’ (for example, a family member) can be appointed to receive payments on their behalf. You can visit the Citizens Advice website for more information.
3. Further support for live-in care from local authorities
If you’re not eligible for NHS CHC or social care funding, it’s worth considering other financial support that may be available to you through your local authority.
If you’re above the state pension age and need care, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance (AA). AA is a non-means tested, tax-free payment to contribute towards personal care needs. You can apply for AA on the GOV.UK website.
Some people may also qualify for pension credit and council tax discounts.
4. Privately funding live-in care
Those ineligible for social or healthcare funding will need to fund care privately. Live-in care costs are similar to that of care homes, although can be more cost-effective for couples.
To learn more, read our article; How to pay for long-term care.
How can I find a live-in carer?
Because of the one-on-one nature of live-in care, it’s essential to find the right carer for your loved one.
This doesn’t just come down to their skills and experience, but it can also be about how well their personality fits in.
Having a holistic view of the needs of your loved one is vital to ensure they are not only looked after physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
When finding a live-in carer, you can either do so through a care provider or by employing someone directly.
Finding live-in care through a provider
There are two different types of live-in care providers: care provider agencies and fully managed care providers.
Live-in care through care provider agencies
Care provider agencies can source a qualified carer for you to employ, which may help to reduce costs. However, this brings its own set of responsibilities, as you’ll be left to manage things like carers pay and sick cover.
You can search for registered care agencies on the UK Home Care Association website.
Live-in care through fully managed care providers
Fully managed care providers employ full-time staff, train them, provide replacement care workers if required, and handle all employment responsibilities. Reputable companies are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – and many people appreciate the peace of mind and reassurance this brings.
You can search for other regulated care providers on the CQC website.
Employing a live-in carer directly
If you’d prefer to employ a live-in carer directly, it’s important to note that you or your relative will take on the responsibilities of an employer – including covering any health and safety risks.
You can read about the responsibilities of employing a care worker on the NiDirect Government Services website. ACAS and Being the Boss have further information about employing care workers.
Final thoughts...
Coming to terms with the fact that a loved one needs care can be difficult. But being able to remain in familiar surroundings and receive one-on-one care makes live-in care a popular option for many people.
For more information, you can visit the care section of our website. Here, you’ll find information on everything from support for carers to care funding advice.
Have you had any experience of live-in care? What was the process of arranging care like? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
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