Question 1

What is live-in care?

Accepted Answer

Live-in care means a dedicated carer lives in your home with you, providing support around the clock. Instead of moving into a care home, you stay in familiar surroundings while your carer helps with everything from personal care and medication to housekeeping, meals, and companionship, tailored to your routine rather than an institution's timetable.

Question 2

How does live-in care compare to a care home?

Accepted Answer

Live-in care lets you remain in your own home, with one-to-one support from a consistent carer rather than shared staff attention across a residential setting. You keep your independence, your belongings, your pets, and the freedom to see family and friends whenever you like. Couples can often stay together too, which isn't always possible in a care home. Costs are often comparable once you compare like-for-like levels of support.

Question 3

What's the difference between live-in care and hourly (domiciliary) care?

Accepted Answer

Hourly care involves a carer visiting for set periods during the day, which works well for people who need help with specific tasks but can otherwise manage alone. Live-in care provides continuous, around-the-clock presence and support from one carer, which suits people who need more frequent help, reassurance overnight, or simply don't want to be alone. We can discuss which approach best fits your circumstances.

Question 4

Who is live-in care suitable for?

Accepted Answer

Live-in care suits older people who want to stay independent at home, people recovering from illness, injury, or hospital stays, those living with dementia or other health conditions who benefit from consistent support, and couples who want to remain together. It's also a valuable option for family carers who need reassurance that their loved one is properly supported.

Question 5

What kind of support does a live-in carer provide?

Accepted Answer

Support is built around your needs and can include personal care such as washing, dressing, and grooming; help with mobility; medication reminders; meal preparation; light housekeeping; companionship and social activities; and accompanying you to appointments or outings. We create a personalised care plan so it's clear exactly what support you'll receive.

Question 6

How much does live-in care cost?

Accepted Answer

Live-in care starts from £1,100/week. The exact cost depends on factors such as the level of care required, whether one or two carers are needed, any specialist skills required, and the duration of care. For an accurate, personalised quote, call us on 020 8044 8333 or get in touch and we'll talk through your circumstances.

Question 7

What's included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing covers all care and support delivered by your carer, the carer's wages and insurance, regular care reviews, 24/7 on-call support from our management team, and arrangements for respite cover. We believe in complete transparency: once we've provided a quote, that's what you pay, with no hidden fees.

Question 8

What funding options are available for live-in care?

Accepted Answer

There are generally three routes: self-funding (using savings, pensions, or equity release), local authority funding (subject to a means and needs assessment by your council), and NHS Continuing Healthcare funding for people with significant ongoing healthcare needs. We're not funding advisors, so we'd always recommend confirming your specific eligibility with your local authority, the NHS, or an independent financial adviser - but we're happy to talk through the general options during a free consultation.

Question 9

Can I get local authority funding for live-in care?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, depending on your financial circumstances and assessed care needs. Your local council can carry out a care needs assessment and a means test to determine what support, if any, you're entitled to. We can point you toward the right process, but the assessment and funding decision sit with your local authority.

Question 10

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare and could I qualify?

Accepted Answer

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS for people with significant, ongoing healthcare needs outside of hospital. Eligibility is assessed by your local NHS Integrated Care Board using a standardised process. If you think this might apply to you or a loved one, we can discuss it generally, but the eligibility decision is made by the NHS.

Question 11

How do you match me with a carer?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a conversation and a free care assessment to understand your needs, routine, and personality. We then compare that profile against our carers' skills, experience, and personality to propose a genuine fit. You'll be introduced to your proposed carer before care begins, and you can request an alternative match if it isn't right.

Question 12

How are your carers vetted and checked?

Accepted Answer

Every carer we introduce undergoes an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, identity and right-to-work verification, and reference checks with previous employers. We also expect carers to hold relevant training and experience appropriate to the needs of the client they're matched with, and we stay in touch with clients and carers on an ongoing basis so any concerns are picked up quickly.

Question 13

What happens if the carer isn't the right fit?

Accepted Answer

Tell us as soon as possible. Getting the match right is central to what we do, so if a carer isn't working out for any reason, we'll discuss alternative arrangements and work to introduce a better match for you.

Question 14

What happens when my carer needs a break or time off?

Accepted Answer

Live-in carers need rest and time off like anyone else. We arrange respite cover so a familiar or carefully matched replacement carer can step in, ensuring continuity of care without a gap in support.

Question 15

How do I get started with Live-in Care London?

Accepted Answer

Call us on 020 8044 8333 (lines open 9am-10pm, 7 days a week) or send a message through our contact page. We'll get in touch within 24 hours to discuss your needs, arrange a free, no-obligation care assessment, and begin matching you with a suitable carer.

Question 16

How quickly can live-in care start?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your circumstances and how quickly a suitable carer match can be arranged, but we aim to move as promptly as possible, especially where care is needed urgently, such as after a hospital discharge. Speak to our team about your timeframe and we'll do everything we can to accommodate it.

Question 17

What happens in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Our management team provides 24/7 on-call support, so help is always available outside of your carer's day-to-day support. If your carer is unable to continue a placement unexpectedly, we arrange emergency respite cover to ensure care continues without interruption. In a medical emergency, your carer will always contact the emergency services first, as they would in any home.

Question 18

What does it mean that you're an "introductory agency"?

Accepted Answer

Under the Health & Social Care Act 2008, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) defines companies like Live-in Care London as an introductory agency. This means our role is to introduce and match self-employed and agency carers to clients based on care needs, preferences, and personality, rather than directly employing carers to deliver regulated personal care ourselves. We take this responsibility seriously, which is why we invest in thorough matching and vetting for every carer we introduce.

Question 19

Is Live-in Care London a family-run business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're a family-run care company based in London, and we take pride in providing personalised care that reflects the capital's warmth and diversity. As a local business, we understand the community we serve and can respond quickly when you need us.

Question 20

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Call 020 8044 8333 (lines open 9am-10pm, 7 days a week) or email care@liveincarelondon.uk. You can also send a message through our contact page and we'll respond within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Live-in Care

Costs & Funding

Our Carers: Matching & Vetting

Getting Started & Emergencies

About Our Service

Still Have Questions?