Starting the journey of home care often begins with a few hours here and there. Many families bring in carers to handle regular day-to-day tasks – cleaning the home, preparing meals, or helping loved ones get out and about.

For a time, this level of support is enough, allowing people to maintain independence in the familiar surroundings of their own home.

But life isn’t always predictable. Sometimes care needs increase gradually, other times they accelerate quickly.

A fall, a new health diagnosis, or the progression of a condition can suddenly change what’s required to keep someone safe, well, and supported.

At this stage, families are often faced with a difficult choice: is it time to consider a move to a residential care home?

While that may be the first option that comes to mind, there is another path that can allow people to stay at home for longer, live-in care.

Making the move to live-in care

Initially, you may just look to increase your hours of care, so that there are more regular visits, but live-in care provides a great alternative.

Live-in care involves a dedicated carer residing in the home of the person needing support, providing round-the-clock assistance.

Unlike regular visits or hourly care, live-in carers can respond immediately to any need, adapting to changes as they happen.

This model provides continuity, personalisation, and flexibility, all of which can make a significant difference in quality of life.

When to start considering live-in care

Deciding when to explore live-in care can feel tricky. There isn’t a single moment that signals it’s necessary, every situation is different for every family, but there are some common indicators that it might be the right time to start thinking about it.

  • Increasing reliance on short-term carers: If you notice that regular visits from home carers aren’t enough to manage daily tasks, or scheduling becomes complicated, it may be time to consider a more constant presence.
  • Recent falls or health changes: A fall, a new diagnosis, or a progressive condition can quickly increase care needs. When safety becomes a concern, live-in care can provide reassurance and immediate support.
  • Difficulty with daily activities: Struggling with personal care, cooking, cleaning, or getting out of the home are key signals that more comprehensive assistance may be beneficial.
  • Emotional wellbeing and loneliness: If your loved one is becoming isolated, withdrawn, or depressed, the companionship offered by a live-in carer can be just as valuable as practical support.
  • Family capacity: When family members are finding it difficult to juggle care responsibilities with work or other commitments, live-in care can help bridge the gap, offering consistent, professional support.

Starting the conversation early allows you to plan, match the right carer to your loved one and ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.

It’s not about rushing into a decision. It’s about recognising the signs and exploring an option that can maintain independence, safety, and quality of life at home.

Continuity of care

One of the biggest advantages of live-in care is consistency. With a dedicated carer, a strong relationship can develop, allowing the professional to understand the individual’s routines, preferences, and needs.

Every individual is different, with unique routines, preferences, and health needs. Live-in carers can tailor their support to the individual rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.

From meal choices to activity schedules, care is designed around the person, not the other way around. They are really able to focus on the small things that matter.

The bigger picture

NHS Digital statistics underline the growing need for support in the home. A significant portion of older adults experience unmet needs for daily living assistance, with 22 per cent reporting unmet needs for activities of daily living (ADLs) and 15 per cent for instrumental ADLs (IADLs).

These unmet needs rise with age, with 36 per cent of those aged 80 and over experiencing ADL gaps.

Interestingly, care home admissions have declined in recent years, while the demand for community-based support has increased.

Live-in care is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to residential care, enabling older adults to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving the support they need.

Want to learn more about our live-in care services?

Get in touch with our experienced care team to book an assessment within 24 – 48 hours.