Live-in care is a type of service where a professionally trained care worker moves into someone’s home full-time to live with them and support their care needs. Live-in care can provide one-to-one, 24-hour bespoke care for people of all ages with a variety of attention needs and dependency levels, such as dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or palliative care. Live-in care can help people to remain independent and comfortable in their own homes, while also enjoying the companionship and assistance of a live-in carer.
Live-in care is one of the options available for people who need full-time care and support at home. Some of the other types of care are:

Nursing homes:

These are residential facilities that provide 24-hour nursing care and supervision for people with complex medical needs. Nursing homes may also offer other services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or palliative care.
Residential care homes: These are similar to nursing homes, but they do not have trained nurses on site. They provide personal care, accommodation, meals, and activities for people who need help with daily living tasks, but not intensive nursing care.
Hourly home care: This is when a care worker visits someone’s home at regular intervals to provide care and support for a few hours a day or a week. Hourly home care can help with personal care, domestic tasks, medication, companionship, or social outings.
Family care: This is when a family member or a friend takes on the role of a carer for their loved one. Family care can be rewarding and flexible, but it can also be challenging and stressful. Family carers may need support and respite from other sources to cope with the demands of caring.
Some of the factors that can help you compare live-in care with other types of care are:

Cost:

The cost of live-in care depends on the level of care required, the location of the service, and the type of provider. According to Homecare.co.uk, the average cost of live-in care in the UK is around £850 per week for a single person and £1,200 per week for a couple3. However, this can vary widely depending on the individual circumstances and needs of each client. Some providers may charge more or less than these averages. The cost of any type of care varies and taking into account similar variables depending on similar factors such as locations where the care is required in rural areas charges are more likely to be slightly affected compared to urban areas. According to Carehome.co.uk, the average cost of a residential care home in the UK is around £700 per week for a single room and £800 per week for a shared room. The average cost of a nursing home in the UK is around £900 per week for a single room and £1,000 per week for a shared room. The average cost of hourly home care in the UK is around £15 per hour. The cost of family care may depend on whether the carer receives any benefits or allowances from the government or other sources.
Quality: The quality of live-in care depends on the qualifications, experience, and personality of the live-in carer, as well as the standards and regulations of the provider. Additionally, you can look for reviews and testimonials from other clients or families who have used their services.
Personalisation:

Live-in care is highly person-centered and tailored to the needs and preferences of individual clients. Live-in carers can adapt to the client’s routine, lifestyle, hobbies, and interests. They can also provide one-to-one attention and companionship throughout the day and night. Mandatory training for carers makes sure they are up to date with moving and manual handling, medication training, and many other courses that assist them in executing their daily duties safely. Live-in carers can also support clients with complex needs such as dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or palliative care. Other types of care may not be as personalised or flexible as live-in care. For example, in a residential or nursing home, clients may have to follow a set schedule and share facilities with other residents. They may also have less choice and control over their daily activities and environment. Hourly home care may offer some personalisation and flexibility, but it may not cover all aspects of the client’s needs or wishes. Family care may be personalised and flexible, but it may also depend on the availability and capacity of the family carer.
Independence: Live-in care promotes and maintains clients’ independence and dignity while living in their own homes. They can continue to live in their familiar surroundings with their belongings, pets, garden, and neighbours. This reduces the amount of disruption caused by moving into a nursing home often when the clients relocate to a place far from areas they used to live. They can also keep their social connections and hobbies as much as possible.