Live-in nursing care at home: 24-hour support from qualified nurses

• Live-in nursing care allows people with complex medical needs to remain at home with professional 24-hour support from qualified nurses.
• A live-in nurse provides clinical expertise and compassionate support, helping families manage advanced health conditions with confidence.
• Private live-in nursing care offers personalised attention and continuity, particularly when NHS-funded services are unavailable, or families want dedicated one-to-one support.
• Hometouch connects families with experienced nurses who deliver safe, expert care tailored to each individual’s medical needs and personal preferences.

What is live-in nursing care?

Live-in nursing care means a registered nurse moves into your loved one’s home to provide 24-hour clinical support. Unlike a standard live-in carer, a nurse is qualified to deliver and supervise complex medical care, reducing the need for hospital stays or residential nursing facilities.

Live-in nurses can help with tracheostomy care, ventilation monitoring, stoma and catheter management, PEG or tube feeding, wound care, dressing changes, and medication administration. This level of care allows individuals with significant medical needs to maintain dignity and independence at home.

Who needs live-in nursing care?

Nursing-led care at home suits people with ongoing or advanced medical needs. Families often choose a live-in nurse for relatives living with:

• Advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or motor neurone disease 
• Severe stroke or brain injury
• Complex post-surgical recovery
• Spinal injuries or mobility-limiting conditions
• Palliative or end-of-life care

In some cases, a home carer may be sufficient if the medical complexity is lower. Our Care Advisors can help you assess what level of support is most appropriate for your situation.

Private nursing care vs NHS-funded nursing care

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding may cover nursing at home when care needs are primarily medical rather than social. This is arranged through an assessment by your local Integrated Care Board. NHS-funded nursing suits people with very high medical complexity. 

Private live-in nursing care is funded directly by families or through private insurance. It offers flexibility, personal choice, and continuity of care. Your nurse provides medical support while also offering companionship, emotional reassurance, and help with daily routines.

Many families prefer private live-in nursing because it provides consistent one-to-one attention rather than shift-based care. For more details on how to fund care at home, explore our guide to care costs and funding options.

Live-in nursing care vs nursing homes

Both nursing homes and live-in nursing provide 24-hour support, but the setting and experience differ significantly.

• Nursing home: Shared environment with rotating staff, less personalised routines, limited family access
• Live-in nursing care: Private home setting with dedicated nurse, fully tailored care plan, unrestricted family visits

For many older people, staying in familiar surroundings can reduce confusion, maintain emotional well-being, and support independence for longer.

What does a live-in nurse do?

A live-in nurse provides both clinical and holistic care. They administer medications, monitor symptoms and vital signs, manage wounds, liaise with doctors, and support mobility and nutrition. Just as importantly, they provide companionship and emotional reassurance, offering a calm and trusted presence in the home.

Knowing a qualified professional is always nearby brings comfort and confidence to both clients and their families.

Emotional and social support

Illness and frailty can lead to isolation, anxiety, or depression. A live-in nurse provides not only medical expertise but also a human connection. They learn your loved one’s routines, interests, and preferences. Whether sharing a meal, listening to music, or encouraging light activity, this relationship becomes an important source of comfort and stability.

“A live-in nurse understands that clinical care and emotional support go hand in hand. When someone feels listened to and valued, their overall well-being improves.” – Dimple Chandarana, Head of Clinical Governance at Hometouch

Costs and funding options for live-in nursing care

The cost of live-in nursing care depends on your loved one’s medical needs, location, and the level of clinical input required. Generally, you can expect to pay between £1,500 and £2,000 per week for full-time live-in nursing.

Funding options include:

• NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) – covers full cost if eligible
• Local authority support – for social care needs, not medical
• Self-funding – using savings, pensions, or assets
• Combination funding – mixing public and private resources

Our Care Advisors can guide you through funding assessments and help you understand what support your family may be entitled to.

Creating a nursing care plan

A personalised nursing care plan is developed between you, your loved one, and our care team. It outlines medical requirements, preferences, goals, and emergency procedures. Regular reviews ensure care remains appropriate as needs change.

At Hometouch, our nursing team and Care Advisors work closely with families to design flexible plans that combine clinical oversight with daily comfort and emotional support. 

How to find a live-in nurse

You can employ a nurse privately or through a trusted agency. While private arrangements may appear less expensive, agencies like Hometouch provide reassurance by handling background checks, insurance, training, and ongoing supervision.

When choosing a provider, consider:

• Qualifications and experience in relevant conditions
• CQC registration and recent inspection results
• Continuity of care and staff management
• Communication between the nurse, family, and medical professionals

For help deciding between different care models, see how to tell an elderly parent they need help.

Why families choose Hometouch

We understand that making care decisions for someone you love requires both expertise and compassion. Our nurses combine professional qualifications with warmth and empathy. We match each family with a nurse whose skills and personality suit their loved one’s needs.

We provide:

• 24-hour live-in nursing care from qualified nurses
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Ongoing support from our clinical and care teams
• Personalised care plans tailored to each individual

Discover how Hometouch live-in care works and what makes our approach different.