Live-in care for the elderly

Live-in elderly care means a professional carer moves into your loved one’s home to provide round-the-clock support. Unlike visiting care, where help comes only at certain times, a live-in carer is always available, day or night, to assist with daily activities, personal care, medication, and companionship.

For many older adults, remaining at home supports emotional well-being and helps maintain cognitive function. A live-in carer helps make this possible, offering not just practical assistance but reassurance, companionship, and stability. It’s an alternative to a care home that preserves dignity, comfort, and independence.

When to consider live-in care

Every family reaches a point where extra support becomes necessary. Live-in care can be the right choice when your elderly relative:

• Struggles with cooking, cleaning, or personal care
• Feels isolated or anxious when alone
• Has mobility issues or is at risk of falling
• Lives with dementia or other long-term health conditions
• Wishes to avoid a move into residential care

Making this decision can feel overwhelming. Our care experts can help you understand whether live-in care suits your loved one’s needs and how we can build a custom care plan around them.

What does a live-in carer do?

Our carers provide comprehensive support guided by your custom care plan. This includes:

• Personal care such as washing, dressing, and toileting
• Preparing nutritious meals and assisting with eating
• Managing medication reminders
• Supporting mobility and preventing falls
• Companionship, conversation, and shared activities
• Household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and errands
• Accompanying your loved one to appointments or outings

Each day is shaped around your relative’s usual routine, helping life feel as normal and comfortable as possible. At night, carers ensure safety and peace of mind, offering discreet assistance if needed.

The benefits of live-in care

Live-in care provides safety, comfort, and independence in equal measure. For many families, the benefits include:

• Familiar surroundings: Staying at home helps your loved one feel secure and grounded, particularly if they’re living with dementia.
• One-to-one clinical attention: Unlike care homes, live-in care provides personalised support tailored to your relative’s medical needs and personality.
• Continuity and trust: Having the same carer every day fosters a genuine relationship based on respect and understanding.
• Flexible support: As needs change, care can adapt seamlessly, from companionship to more complex nursing care.
• Support for couples and pets: Couples can stay together in their home, and carers can help care for beloved pets, too.

Understanding the level of care needed

Determining the right level of care starts with a clinical assessment. Our care team learns about your loved one’s medical needs, mobility, lifestyle, and personality. We use this information to recommend suitable carers and ensure the right match.

Once the plan is in place, you can monitor care through our online platform. You’ll see updates on medication, activities, and well-being. This transparency helps families stay informed and confident throughout the care journey.

Specialist care for complex needs

Many people worry that home care won’t be enough for loved ones with advanced or medical conditions. At Hometouch, we specialise in matching families with carers trained in areas such as:

Dementia care: Our carers receive comprehensive dementia training from our clinical team. They help manage confusion, anxiety, and memory loss with empathy and understanding, supporting familiar routines that bring comfort.

Nursing care: For individuals with more complex health requirements, our carers work under clinical guidance. They assist with tasks like stoma or catheter care and medication management.

Respite care: When family caregivers need a break, short-term live-in support ensures continuity and peace of mind.

Post-hospital recovery: After an operation or illness, a live-in carer can provide rehabilitation support, reducing the risk of readmission.

We DBS check every carer on the Hometouch platform and verify their references. Each carer is trained to support a wide range of physical and cognitive conditions.

Why families trust Hometouch

Choosing someone to live in your home requires trust. At Hometouch, we take that responsibility seriously.

Founded by a dementia doctor and overseen by our nursing team, every aspect of our approach reflects clinical knowledge. We rigorously check every carer through background checks, face-to-face interviews, and ongoing supervision. We connect families with professionals who are not only skilled but compassionate, respectful, and dedicated.

Our clinical team guides families through every stage of the care journey, from initial matching to ongoing review and adjustment. We find a carer who clicks with your loved one, considering both their medical requirements and unique personality.

​​”We are immensely grateful for the incredible support Nigel provided. He was a true miracle worker, going far beyond standard care for my mother-in-law with dementia. From cooking fantastic meals (very much appreciated) to managing appointments, dog walking, and even assisting with a house move, Nigel’s help was outstanding. Many thanks also to our Hometouch contact, who was super helpful, friendly and really flexible with helping us with the whole process. We are so grateful for all you have done for us!” – Christine Taylor

Live-in care versus other care options

Families often compare live-in care with visiting care or care homes. Here’s how they differ:

Live-in care allows your loved one to remain at home while receiving professional, continuous care – often at a similar or lower cost to high-quality residential homes.

How much does live-in care cost?

Live-in care costs vary depending on the level of support needed, carer experience, and any specialist skills required. We provide transparent pricing and guidance to help you understand the options available.

Starting your live-in care journey

Choosing care for a loved one is a deeply personal decision. At Hometouch, we make the process as simple and supportive as possible. From your first conversation with our care team to matching you with a carer who clicks, we’re here every step of the way.

“Hometouch provided a live carer for the last 18 months of my aunt’s life. She died 4 days short of her 101st birthday, and I would honestly say that the contribution of the Hometouch carers was a significant input to the happiness of the later days of her life. She trusted her carer, and I trusted them to keep me in the loop. In the last days, this communication was crucial and allowed me to be there at the end. They were professional, caring, and engaged, and I’m grateful and glad that we decided to go with Hometouch.” – John Bulford

Our goal is to give families care confidence and help older adults live safely and happily in the place they love most – their home.

Talk to one of our care experts today – no pressure, just answers to your questions.