What is live in care, and who is it right for?

Live in care is the option most families have not heard of until someone mentions it, and then wonder why nobody told them sooner. A carer moves into the home, lives there as a member of the household, and provides support through the day and, when needed, at night. It is the closest thing to round the clock care without leaving home. This article explains how it works in practice, because the practicalities are what people want to know.

How it works day to day

The carer has their own bedroom in the house and, ideally, somewhere to sit that is not the client’s living room. They are on hand through the day to help with whatever is needed: getting up, washing and dressing, meals, medication, housework, shopping, company, appointments. They also need a break of a couple of hours each day, which is normally covered by family, a visiting carer, or a period when the person is safely occupied.

Carers work in rotations, typically two or three weeks on and then a break, with a second carer covering the break. So a live in arrangement usually means two regular carers who alternate, rather than one person for ever. The handover between them is planned so that nothing is lost.

Nights

This is the part to be clear about. A live in carer sleeps at night. They can be woken occasionally, but if someone needs help several times every night, a live in carer alone is not safe or sustainable, and either a waking night carer is added or another solution is needed. We ask detailed questions about nights at the first meeting for exactly this reason.

Who it suits

People who need a lot of support but want to stay in their own home. Couples where one or both need care and neither wants to be separated. People living with dementia, for whom familiar surroundings and a constant companion make an enormous difference. People coming home from hospital who need intensive support for a few weeks. And families who have been providing care themselves and have reached the limit of what they can do.

Who it does not suit

Anyone who needs frequent help every night, unless waking night care is added. Anyone who needs two carers for every transfer, because a single live in carer cannot do that alone. Houses without a spare bedroom. And people who simply do not want another person in their home, which is a perfectly good reason.

What it costs

Live in care is charged as a weekly rate rather than by the hour. It is often in the same range as a good care home, sometimes less, sometimes more depending on the level of need. For a couple it is nearly always cheaper than two care home places. The household also covers the carer’s food and, if the carer drives the client’s car, is responsible for insurance. Our price list sets out the weekly rates.

Frequently asked questions

Do we get to meet the carer first?

Yes. We introduce carers before they start wherever we can, and if the match is wrong we change it. Living with someone is personal and the fit has to be right.

What does the carer need from us?

A bedroom of their own, access to a bathroom, food, and a daily break. Internet access is a kindness that is much appreciated. They do not need to be entertained or waited on.

Can live in care be short term?

Yes. Two to six weeks after a hospital discharge, or to cover a family carer’s holiday, is common.

Is the carer employed by Apex or by us?

By Apex. That means we handle pay, training, supervision, cover and the paperwork, and you have a single point of contact if anything is not right.

What happens if the carer and my mum do not get on?

Tell us. It happens occasionally and it is nobody’s fault. We will change the carer.

Wondering whether live in care could work for your family? Ring us on 0118 391 3542 or arrange a free initial meeting and we will talk it through honestly, including whether it is the right option at all.

Questions about care?

Our team can talk you through costs, funding and what might be available for your family. Call 0118 391 3542, it's free, and there's no pressure.