What is Live in Care?

Our new Q&A series - Your live in care questions answered.

If you have any other questions for our team do get in touch. Live chat at the foot of the page, Tel: 02088860686 & 07792939454 - Email: hello@carechooser.com


What is live in care?

A carer will live in with your loved one providing one-to-one care allowing them to stay at home within their familiar surroundings.

Do carers require their own room?

Yes, with live in care, carers require their own private room. However, it's not necessary for the carer to have their own bathroom, this can be shared.

How does it work?

There are many different ways that live in care can work. A carer can work a few weeks at a time and then take a break with a second carer taking over. Another option is for live in care to be provided for 5 days a week, the benefit of this option being the consistency of having just one carer. There is also the option of the carer living in permanently, the client and carer would then agree hours and days off.

How about food and drink?

There's usually a informal arrangement with the carer and the client eating together.

When would the carer have breaks?

This is flexible and it will be agreed with the carer you choose to work with. Usually the carer will have a 2 hour break during the day, this can be covered by family or by visirting carers.

How do the nights work?

The live in carer would sleep during the night but could be on call during this time. There are different rates for this depending on the need. Up to 2 calls per night and up to 5 calls a night.

Anymore than that and a visting night carer will be needed the live in carer wont't be able to function the next day.

We find monitors or call alarms work very well.

How much does live in care cost?

Live in care provides very good value for money. Live in care starts at around £847 per week.

There are different rates depending on calls at night, whether the carer drives or not and CareChooser Plus carers. Full details on the pricing page.

The carer's weekly cost will be displayed on their profile with the amount being the total amount due.

Could we have a live in carer for a couple?

Yes, we can provide care for a couple at home. The cost is slightly higher but provides very good value for money compared to day and night care and compared with care homes.

What sorts of things would the live in carer do?

A carer provides home care which is tailored to your loved one. Such as personal care if neccesary, supporting your loved one with washing, grooming tasks and helping to get up in the morning and going to bed at night. The carer will could also support with preparing meals, housekeeping, doing the shopping and taking your loved one to appointments. Again, care at home is designed to be flexible and we can tailor the tasks very much to your needs.

How would I keep track on my loved ones' care?

Each client has a secure page on the website. The carer will track certain aspects of the care on our care journal. It's customisable to the individual client, quick and easy for the carer so they don't spend hours writing in folders and they appear instantly on the client page.

Our team of advisors which include a nurse and a our experienced GP also keep track of the car e and can provide support for carers and families when needed.

Do you just provide live in care in London?

No, CareChooser provides live in carers across the country. We only work with families we can really help and carers that we deem to be compassionate.

Choose your live in carer today, get started today.