How does live-in care work?
A trained carer lives in your home and gives one-to-one care. Here is what they do, what a normal day looks like and how care gets started.
Registered
Rated 8.2/10- Receive care in 24 hours
- 100% Enhanced DBS Checked
What is live-in care?
One carer moves into the home and looks after one person, or a couple, full time.
Your loved one keeps their own home, routines, pets and neighbours. The carer has their own room, helps through the day and is there at night. It is a different arrangement from visiting care, where several people call in for short visits.
It also works for couples: both partners stay together at home with one carer. Compare live-in care with a care home
One dedicated carer
Lives in your home
One-to-one care
CQC registered
What a live-in carer does
Practical help that lets your loved one stay safe, independent and at home.
Personal care
Washing, dressing, mobility and daily support, given with dignity.
Household support
Cooking, cleaning, laundry and keeping the home running.
Companionship
A familiar face each day, not a rota of strangers.
Medication and health
Medication prompts and coordination with GPs and district nurses.
What a live-in carer does not do: TBD from client limits of the role, for example nursing tasks that need a registered nurse.
Who your carer is: TBD from client How carers are vetted, trained and matched to your family.
Who live-in care suits
From daily company to complex clinical support at home.
Dementia
Staying at home with familiar routines and a consistent carer.
Hospital discharge
A safe return home with support from day one.
Palliative
Comfort and dignity at home with 24/7 care.
Respite
A break for family carers, with trusted cover.
Companionship
Daily company, meals and help around the home.
Complex needs
TBD from client What complex needs the carers can support.
A typical day
Every home runs differently. This is the shape of an ordinary day.
Morning
Help getting up, washing and dressing, breakfast and medication prompts.
Afternoon
A cooked lunch, light housework, company and hobbies, or a trip out if your loved one wants one.
Evening
The evening meal, medication prompts and settling in for the night.
Night
TBD from client Sleeping arrangements and what happens if care is needed in the night.
TBD from client Illustrative day, the client confirms the real timings and tasks.
“Glowing Care was very professional about the services provided to my father-in-law. My father-in-law felt totally involved in the preparation of his care plan and every decision made about his care. Glowing Care has experienced, multicultural and well-trained staff which meant a lot to me and my father-in-law.”
O OSon-in-law of a client, homecare.co.uk
Before the carer moves in
- A private, clean bedroom
- A comfortable bed and storage for clothes and belongings
- Access to a bathroom and kitchen
- Wi-Fi, so they can stay in touch with their care manager and family
What your home needs
A live-in carer needs a room of their own. Most homes already have a spare bedroom that works. If you are not sure yours does, we check it at the free home visit.
From first call to carer moving in
We walk you through it, one step at a time.
24 to 48 hoursfor urgent care, such as a hospital discharge
2 to 4 weeks aheadis usual when you are planning
1
Outline your needs
Our care team takes your enquiry, talks through your situation and gives you an outline of live-in care and costs.
2
Home visit and assessment
An assessor visits your home for a care and risk assessment. You get a fully costed care package after the visit. TBD from client How long the visit takes.
3
Match your carer
We finalise your care plan and match you with a carer suited to your needs. You meet them before they move in, and we arrange any extra training they need.
4
Care begins
Your live-in carer moves in and care starts.
What does it cost?
From £1,200 a week, with no hidden agency fees.
How live-in care works: questions
What does a live-in carer do?
A live-in carer gives personal care such as washing, dressing and mobility, helps with cooking, cleaning and laundry, keeps your loved one company, and prompts medication. They also coordinate with GPs and district nurses when needed.
What accommodation does a live-in carer require?
A live-in carer needs their own private, clean bedroom with a comfortable bed and storage for clothes and belongings, plus access to a bathroom and kitchen. Internet or Wi-Fi is also appreciated so they can stay in touch with their care manager and their own family during downtime.
How quickly can live-in care be arranged?
In urgent situations, such as an unexpected hospital discharge, we can often arrange an assessment and introduce a live-in carer within 24 to 48 hours. For planned care, families often contact us two to four weeks ahead, which gives time to match the right carer.
What happens when the live-in carer takes time off?
Carers typically work two to four weeks on, followed by two weeks off. Each client has a small team of two dedicated carers who take turns, so you always know who is in your home and you do not get unfamiliar agency staff covering.
Is Glowing Care registered with the CQC?
Yes. Glowing Care is registered with the Care Quality Commission in England, since 29 October 2021. The CQC has not yet inspected us. We manage and supervise the care ourselves rather than introducing a carer and stepping away.
How much does live-in care cost?
Live-in care starts from £1,200 per week, from £170 a day or from £25 an hour. The final price depends on the support needed and is confirmed after a free home visit, before anything is agreed.
What Families Say About Glowing Care
Families across the South East trust us to provide exceptional live-in care that keeps loved ones safe, comfortable, and independent at home.
5 stars
“I had a great experience with Glowing care. High standard ethics and core values. Thank you”
AN
Aicha N., Trustpilot
5 stars
“Good Customer services and experience. Great to have you.”
AT
Alain T., Trustpilot
5 stars
“Excellent services and very satisfied.”
CB
Cedric B., Trustpilot
5 stars
“Good service”
SD
Stephen D., Trustpilot
5 stars
“It was a great experience. Thank you for your help and support”
CB
Catherine B., Trustpilot
5 stars
“Your carers have worked hard to develop an understanding of my Mum including her likes and dislikes. Their companionship has helped her recover enormously and they often go the extra mile to make her comfortable.”
DC
D C, homecare.co.uk
5 stars
“Glowing Care looked after my very elderly mum after frequent falls and hospital stays proved that she needed help with every day tasks and personal care. All the carers were kind, efficient, reliable, honest and competent. They often went above and beyond their brief and regularly stayed past their allotted time. Although all the carers were very good, there were a couple, with whom mum had a very strong connection/rapport. If visits needed to be amended owing to appointments or family matters. GC were very flexible and this was very helpful. Obviously, they made sure that mum was bathed, fed and hydrated but, just as importantly, they chatted to her and brought a kind and cheerful presence into her home when I couldn't be there, giving me great peace of mind. They also kept detailed notes so that I could see what had been done in my absence. I would recommend them without hesitation.”
EP
Elizabeth P., homecare.co.uk
5 stars
“Glowing Care was very professional about the services provided to my father-in-law. My father-in-law felt totally involved in the preparation of his care plan and every decision made about his care. Glowing Care has experienced, multicultural and well-trained staff which meant a lot to me and my father-in-law.”
OO
O O, homecare.co.uk
4 stars
“Glowing Care currently provides social care to my brother. I found Glowing Care to be very understanding and helpful. The staff are knowledgeable and reliable. I have used other companies before but none has been as efficient as Glowing Care.”
RJ
Raphael J., homecare.co.uk
Ready to talk it through?
Tell us about the care needed and we will explain how it would work for your family. No obligation, no pressure.
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- No obligation, no pressure