24-hour care at home

24-hour care means a dedicated live-in carer stays in the home, providing support day and night.

This includes:

• Personal care such as washing, dressing, and continence support

• Meal preparation and nutritional monitoring

• Overnight presence for reassurance and safety

• Medication support and mobility assistance

• Companionship and continuity

• Adaptation as needs change

Our carers are entitled to 8 hours of rest overnight. If your loved one regularly wakes or requires active night support, we’ll assess this carefully. In some cases, a second carer or waking night arrangement may be recommended.

Many families use the terms interchangeably. In practice, 24-hour care is usually delivered through live-in care. However, the intensity of support can vary.

Live-in care

• One carer lives in the home

• The carer provides daytime care and overnight presence

• The carer has 8 hours of rest overnight

• Suitable when night-time support is occasional

Higher-intensity 24-hour care

• May involve two carers rotating

• May include waking night support

• Designed for complex dementia, high falls risk, or frequent overnight needs

During your care assessment, we’ll explain which structure is clinically appropriate. Our role is to help you make an informed decision, not to push you towards unnecessary care.

Families often choose 24-hour care at home when:

• A loved one can no longer be left alone safely

• Night-time wandering or falls are a concern

• Dementia or frailty is progressing

• Hospital discharge requires close monitoring

• A care home feels too disruptive or premature

It may not be suitable if:

• Full medical supervision from on-site nurses is required at all times

• Complex medical interventions must be delivered continuously

• The home environment cannot safely accommodate care

A short conversation with a care expert can help clarify the right option.

A carer supports daily life while preserving independence. They’ll usually:

• Help with morning and evening routines

• Prepare meals and support hydration

• Prompt or administer medication

• Be present for reassurance overnight

• Support social outings and appointments

• Communicate with family and our clinical team

Care is built around familiar routines. That continuity often helps people living with dementia feel calmer and more secure.

Live-in carers are entitled to 8 hours of rest overnight, with arrangements adjusted if regular night support is needed.

Live-in care is typically charged as a daily rate, not hourly.

As a guide:

• Live-in care often starts from £750-£900 per week

• Higher levels of support, including regular waking nights, may increase costs

• Complex needs may require two carers on rotation

Costs depend on:

• Level of personal care required

• Night-time needs

• Mobility and equipment requirements

• Location within the UK

For many families, live-in 24-hour care is comparable to residential care. In some cases, it can be more cost-effective, particularly for couples who wish to remain together at home.

After understanding your situation, we’ll provide a clear breakdown. No hidden fees. No unexpected extras.

Founded by a dementia doctor, Hometouch combines clinical expertise with compassionate support at home.

Families choose us because:

• We are doctor-founded and clinically guided
• Every carer receives specialist dementia care training
• We focus on finding a carer who clicks
• Each custom care plan is clinically reviewed
• Our team provides ongoing support to your whole family

Choosing 24-hour care is a significant decision. You don’t have to make it alone.

Speak to one of our care experts for clear, calm guidance on whether 24-hour care at home is right for your family.