Live in care
What is live in care?
Live-in care provides constant, round-the-clock care from a dedicated carer who lives with you in your home, offering a helping hand at a moment’s notice.
Live in care enables the care receiver to stay in their cherished home while receiving essential support. Familiar surroundings and fond memories can enhance their care plan. Our carers know this, and that’s why they do all that they can to keep you comfortable at home.
Not only will your live-in carer be able to provide you with practical and physical care, they can also be a wonderful source of companionship and emotional support. All of our live-in carers are handpicked for their kind, empathetic personalities, and your local care manager will pair you with someone who matches your likes and interests.
Are live in care and 24-hour care the same?
If you have advanced care needs, 24-hour care offers a round-the-clock live-in support option.
With 24-hour care, there will usually be one main live-in carer who lives with you full time and other carers who may support you overnight or during the day when your regular carer is taking a break or needs assistance with moving and handling duties.
You can also opt for live-in care if you need regular support for some ailments, but don’t need constant care. There could be a variety of different reasons why someone may need 24-hour care. Here are some examples:
Some reasons why you may need live-in care:
Advanced dementia
If your loved one is living with advanced dementia and is unable to be left alone in their home, a friendly live-in carer offers security and assistance
Physical disability
If you have severe physical needs and require constant personal aid around the home, this is something a live-in carer can always help with
Palliative needs
If you’ve been diagnosed with a progressive or terminal condition and need support managing your symptoms
Age-related frailty
Perhaps you’re prone to regular falls, or are unable to carry out day-to-day tasks around the home. Our carers can assist with mobility and the housework
Living alone
If you or a loved one are living alone, a live-in carer provides valuable companionship and a constant source of friendly, reliable support
Loved ones unable to visit
It might be that your loved ones live too far away or aren’t able to visit regularly, or perhaps you require personal care that you’d rather a carer handled
Companionship through live in care
Our live-in carers can provide valuable companionship, as well as physical support.
Many people who have some minor issues, such as being unable to wash themselves or requiring the use of a mobility aid, may opt for a live-in carer. Not only does having someone who is fully trained to look after you provide you and your loved ones with reassurance, it can also give you much-needed companionship.
We only recruit the most friendly, compassionate people to our care teams, which means our carers make for wonderful companions.
Why choose live in care from Helping Hands?
As the UK’s most widely-trusted home care provider, we’re passionate about offering an industry-leading home care service. We only hire the very best carers to our care teams, and we maintain a set of principles that run throughout all of our care.
We know how you’re feeling
After 35 years, we’ve seen every emotion that finding care can bring, so we’ll offer as much guidance or support as you need
Support centred around you
We’ll spend time getting to know you and your routines and preferences so that you receive the perfect type and level of support for you
To us, you are family
As a company built on a foundation of family values, we treat each and every one of our customers as a member of our own
A fully managed service
For every step of your care journey, your local care manager will monitor your needs and will always be available for you to contact
Continuity of care
You won’t need to worry about arranging cover if your carer is taken ill or needs a break; we’ll pair you up with someone just as brilliant
Expertly trained carers
Every Helping Hands carer receives our comprehensive carer training when they join us, as well as doing regular refresher courses
What’s included in live in care?
Our comprehensive live-in care services are fully tailored to your personal needs.
At Helping Hands, our live-in care focuses on giving you the type and level of care you need for your particular circumstances and condition. We know that your care needs will be unique to you, which is why we’ll take the time to listen to your requirements and preferences when curating your bespoke care plan.
Here are some of the many ways in which a live-in carer can support you at home:
Personal care
A live-in carer can provide you with discreet and sensitive personal care that will mean you won’t have to worry about asking family members to help with intimate routines. Personal care might include assistance with bathing, toileting, getting dressed and more.
Companionship
If you’re living alone, or living with a partner but are too far away from your loved ones to see them regularly, a live-in carer can be there to watch your favourite TV programmes with you, play a board game, help you attend a club, or just have a natter over a cup of tea.
Household chores
Whether you need someone to take care of all your housework or simply to help you cope with it, a live-in carer will be able to ensure your home is always kept clean and tidy – meaning you can enjoy a truly comfortable and relaxing environment.
Getting out and about
One of the wonderful things about staying at home for care is being able to enjoy your independence. A live-in carer can accompany you out of your home whenever you like – whether it’s popping to the shops, visiting a friend or going away for the weekend.
Dietary needs
Your live-in carer will be able to prepare your favourite meals, drinks and snacks at the times that suit you, as well as washing everything up and tidying away afterwards. They can also prepare nutritious food that adheres to a specific dietary plan.
Complex care
If you have more complex care needs, our live-in carers can receive additional nurse-led training that will equip them to offer catheter and stoma management. We can provide bespoke support for the most complex conditions, including types of dementia and cancer.
Cost of live in care
We're up front and transparent about our Live in care costs and pricing. Call us today and we'll provide a quote straight away to fit your needs with no hidden costs or fees.
If you’re living alone, you’ll receive bespoke one-to-one support that offers practical help and valued companionship. A truly person-centred care experience.
Proactive housekeeping
A friendly, trustworthy companion
Carer matched to your personality
Dedicated support that enables you to stay together in your beloved family home and helps you both to maintain your normal routines, hobbies and activities.
Continue living together
Personalised support when you need it
Reassurance for your loved ones
Live in care can support you with:
We will take the time to match you with a carer who is compatible with you and fully understands you and your requirements. All of our carers receive dedicated training that allows them to support people with varying care needs, such as:
Dementia care
As one of the UK’s leading dementia care providers, our carers receive expert training to ensure they can offer outstanding dementia home support
Parkinson’s support
A live-in carer can provide personal support that helps slow down the progression of your symptoms and allows you to manage them
Palliative care
Palliative support from a live-in carer can help you to react quickly to any developments in your condition and manage your symptoms
Rehabilitation support
If you’re recovering from surgery or an accident, you may benefit from live-in care until you’re able to get back on your feet
Nurse-supported care
Our registered nurses have specialisms offering a number of different support services to people with varying conditions
Support for young adults
Live-in care lets young people live and thrive in the environments where they’re at their most confident and comfortable
Unsure on the right service for you? See our home care services.
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See what this means for youWe are a fully regulated serviceClosely monitored by an external regulatory bodyAt Helping Hands our care is fully-regulated
Independent inspections
Audits conducted by a regulatory body to give you peace of mind that we do what we say we will do.
Fully vetted and approved carers
Our carers are vetted and checked through a robust recruitment process which complies with the regulations.
Comply with regulatory standards
We have to comply with regulatory standards to maintain our registration, meaning our customers are reassured that they are receiving a high standard of care.
Standardised training across the company
Training for all carers and staff is in line with the Care Certificate, meaning our employees are trained to a nationally-recognised standard before they work unsupervised with our customers, providing a safe and responsive service.
Helping HandsUn-regulatedOur clinical nursesHighly qualified and experienced registered nurses
Helping Hands are registered with the CQC for Treatment of disease, disorder or injury (TDDI).
Helping Hands are one of the UK’s few home care providers who are registered for TDDI. We’re able to provide TDDI because we have a team of qualified and experienced registered nurses who work alongside our carers to ensure complex nursing procedures are professionally supervised and followed.
This type of nursing care can only be authorised by a healthcare professional by virtue of their professional qualification, which is why many UK home care providers are unable to offer this service.
Our TDDI care includes:
Ongoing treatment for long-term conditions
TDDI care from our expert nurse-led team of carers offers continuous, fully managed home support for complex, progressive and terminal conditions
Treatment for a physical or mental health condition
Our nurse-led support is personalised to your specific condition, meaning you’ll get a bespoke care plan that ensures you’re never left feeling isolated or unsupported
A listed healthcare professional
With TDDI care from Helping Hands, your support will be closely supervised by a qualified, experienced healthcare professional who will monitor your needs and ensure your care is always correct
Palliative care
Our palliative care focuses on helping you to manage any pain you may be experiencing and to be able to live as comfortably and independently as possible with your symptoms
Learn more about our clinical care
How to arrange live in care
We know that arranging care can be a daunting process, which is why we focus on making it incredibly straightforward to organise support with us. Call our team today to begin your journey.
1Speak to our team
Call our team of experts on 0333 060 8931 to talk through your options and any questions you may have
2Free home care assessment
Your local care manager will visit you to discuss your needs and learn about the type of carer you’re after
3Find your carer
We’ll match you with a carer who fits your preferences and has the right skills and experience for your needs
Speak to our friendly team todayLeaders in the marketHow we compare against the care industry
Helping HandsUnregulated care agencies- A centrally-managed service
Directly employed carers
Directly employing carers mean they receive company benefits, holiday pay and are covered by another carer if absent.
Regionalised service with centralised support
Your care team will be local to you, but you and your loved ones have the reassurance of a large infrastructure of support too, thanks to our dedicated centralised support office teams.
Experienced managers in every branch
Our local managers live in the area and have often worked their way up through the company from carers, so they understand how people in the local area wish to be cared for.
Standardised training across the company
All of our carers develop their skills through the same programme of accredited learning, so you’ll always receive the same high level of care from us regardless of your location.
A fully regulated service by the CQC & CIWIndependent Inspections
Audits conducted by a regulatory body to give you peace of mind that we do what we say we will do by providing a safe, responsive and well-led service.
Fully-vetted and approved carers
Our carers are vetted and checked through a robust recruitment process, including an enhanced DBS check, alongside standardised training across the company.
Comply with regulatory standards
We have to comply with regulatory standards to maintain our registration, meaning full reassurance that you are receiving a high standard of care.
Regulated training for all our carers
Training for all carers and staff is in line with the Care Certificate, meaning our employees are trained to a nationally-recognised standard before they work unsupervised with our customers.
- A centrally-managed service
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Helping HandsUnregulated care agencies
Directly employed carers
Directly employing carers mean they receive company benefits, holiday pay and are covered by another carer if absent.
Regionalised service with centralised support
Your care team will be local to you, but you and your loved ones have the reassurance of a large infrastructure of support too, thanks to our dedicated centralised support office teams.
Experienced managers in every branch
Our local managers live in the area and have often worked their way up through the company from carers, so they understand how people in the local area wish to be cared for.
Standardised training across the company
All of our carers develop their skills through the same programme of accredited learning, so you’ll always receive the same high level of care from us regardless of your location.
- Fully regulated service by CQC & CIW
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Helping HandsUnregulated care agencies
Independent Inspections
Audits conducted by a regulatory body to give you peace of mind that we do what we say we will do by providing a safe, responsive and well-led service.
Fully-vetted and approved carers
Our carers are vetted and checked through a robust recruitment process, including an enhanced DBS check, alongside standardised training across the company.
Comply with regulatory standards
We have to comply with regulatory standards to maintain our registration, meaning full reassurance that you are receiving a high standard of care.
Regulated training for all our carers
Training for all carers and staff is in line with the Care Certificate, meaning our employees are trained to a nationally-recognised standard before they work unsupervised with our customers.
Our internal structureHow we are set up to deliver the best service
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Our Heads of Live-in Care
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We have local teams across the country headed up by six regional area care managers. These teams have local knowledge and insight to ensure your needs are met and help us understand you better.
Abbie DavisHead of Live-in Care, South West
Nesta BishopHead of Live-in Care, Central
Jacqueline WilsonHead of Live-in Care, East
Michelle BurkeHead of Live-in Care, North -
Our Local Managers
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Our local managers will come out and see you face to face when you are setting up care so we can ensure we fully understand your care needs and tailor your package to give you confidence in our service. Some things are just better done in person.
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Our Regional Clinical Leads
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With years of combined experience working for the NHS, our expert clinical leads support our care teams by delivering high quality training to ensure our carers can support those with more complex needs.
Kathryn MahonRegional Clinical Lead, Central
Carole Kerton-ChurchRegional Clinical Lead, South East
Kerry WhittinghamRegional Clinical Lead, East -
Office Support
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We have an office-based team who support with all scheduling and support both you and our carers to ensure things work as smoothly as possible for you. This means that you are much more likely to get the quality standards you expect from a national organisation.
An alternative to residential care
Finding the right care provider for your family can take time, but one thing is for certain: if your loved one wants to remain at home, they can. Live-in care from Helping Hands serves as a viable alternative to residential care, and here’s why:
Helping Hands Helping Hands careResidential care Residential careYou can remain in the comfort of your own homeYou have full control over your meal times and preferencesOne-to-one, 24-hour care from your own dedicated carerYou can continue with your preferred lifestyle and routinesYour friends and family can visit as much as they likeWhat are the benefits of live in care?
Live-in care from Helping Hands offers a number of brilliant benefits that you simply don’t get with other types of care, such as:
Choice and independence
You’ll be empowered to continue making your own choices, such as when to go to bed, what to eat, when to head out and so much more
Flexibility
Your live-in care package will be designed around your routines and preferences, and can be adapted should circumstances change
Avoid unwanted change
The support given by live-in care means your daily life can stay much the same, and you won’t have to go through the stress of moving
Excellent value
Live-in care can offer excellent value for money compared to residential care, especially if you’re living with a partner
Quality assurance
Helping Hands are CQC and CIW-regulated, so you know your care will be quality checked and independently monitored
Family support
One of the great benefits of care at home is that your family and friends can be at your side every step of the way
Meet our care teamWe take care of your carer
At Helping Hands, we’re extremely proud of our exceptional, compassionate carers.
In the 35 years we’ve been helping people across the UK to live more independently at home, we’ve made no secret of the fact that our wonderful carers are the reason we’re the nation’s leading home care provider. It takes a special person to be a Helping Hands carer, and we’re very proud of our brilliant care teams.
How we guarantee the best carers:
Nurse-led carer training
Our comprehensive, industry-renowned training course prepares our live-in carers to provide a wide range of support services to people with varying needs, from the straightforward to the complex.
All carers directly employed by us
Every Helping Hands carer is directly employed by us, and we look after our carers properly. We handle their wages, give them paid leave, cover travel costs, give them job security, and much more.
Rigorous recruitment process
Only the most dedicated carers are taken on by us. In fact, just 2% of applicants pass our strict application, referencing and training process.
A Centre of Excellence
Thanks to our industry-accredited assessment and selection process for hiring new live-in carers, we’re the UK’s only home care provider to be endorsed by Skills for Care as a Centre of Excellence.
Receive live-in care within 24 hours
At Helping Hands, we’re normally able to provide you with a live-in carer within 24 hours of your initial phone call. All of our carers are employed directly by us, and your care is fully managed by your own dedicated live-in care manager.
We'll take care of your carer
Our service is fully managed, with all live-in carers employed directly by us – each expertly trained and passionate about your care
We'll always be close by
Your dedicated live-in care manager will liaise regularly with you and your family to make sure everything runs smoothly
High-quality care
We don’t use agency staff as we want to ensure all of our carers are trained to our high standards before administering care
Want to learn more about Helping Hands?
Why choose Helping Hands?
Regulated by the CQC/CIW
At Helping Hands, our live-in care service is fully managed and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Why is being a regulated company important?
What does regulation mean?
Our service is regularly monitored, inspected and regulated by an independent body
Why do we choose to be regulated?
We opt for regulation so you have peace of mind that your care is approved by a regulating body
How does regulation affect my care?
Our regulation means that we’ll provide you with high quality care, no matter what
Live in care jobs
The relationships I establish with my customers are very rewarding. I love the fact that the care I provide makes my customers’ lives a little easier.George A Helping Hands carerIf you have a caring and compassionate nature and want to make a difference to someone’s life, working for Helping Hands could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. With expert trainers and an award-winning assessment and selection process, we coach our carers to be the best that they can be, so that they can deliver the best care and receive ultimate job satisfaction.
We offer a number of great benefits, such as:
Flexible hours
Full-time and flexible working hours to suit your needs, so you can work around routines and responsibilities
Paid holidays
All of our live-in carers are eligible for paid holidays of up to 28 days per year. It’s important to take a break.
Competitive pay
We offer live-in care pay that’s well above the UK care industry average, and will increase with experience
Carer training
You’ll receive industry-leading carer training in your local branch, as well as having the opportunity to progress
Live in care FAQs
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What is live-in care?
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Live-in care means having a trained caregiver stay in your home to provide ongoing, 24/7 support. This approach is beneficial as it enables individuals to remain in their own home, receiving the personalised care and assistance they need to live comfortably and securely. They will support you based on your individual care plan that has been carefully created with your live-in care manager, offering the person-centred care you need as and when you need it.
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What can a live-in carer help me with?
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Anything you need them to! Your live-in care will be fully trained to meet all of your specific care needs, ranging from personal care and mobility support to companionship and support with keeping on top of the housework.
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Why is it important to have CQC-regulated live-in care?
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CQC-regulated live-in care means that you have greater peace of mind that the service you’re receiving is fully regulated by an independent body. In essence, a CQC-regulated service like ours is regularly monitored for safety, effectiveness and responsiveness, meaning that you can rest assured that the service you are promised, is the service you’re receiving.
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How much does live-in care cost?
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Our live-in care costs are dependent on the intensity of your care needs, and our friendly staff can provide you with an appropriate quote once you contact us.
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How are live-in carers assigned?
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When you enquire about live-in care, we’ll arrange an assessment with your local live-in care manager. They will visit you at home to find out all about your hobbies and interests and get to know you as a person, so that they can match you with a live-in carer that is compatible with you and your lifestyle. This way, you’ll be receiving more than just physical support, you’ll have a companion with whom you are compatible and can form a friendly bond with over time.
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What can I do when a parent can no longer care for themselves?
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If one or both of your parents are no longer able to look after themselves, live-in care provides them with a support option that gives them the additional help they need and offers peace of mind to family and friends.
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How can I care for my elderly parents?
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When care is going to be needed, there are many options available that people may not even be aware of. By choosing live-in care from Helping Hands, your loved one can retain control of their everyday routine, choosing to eat when they wish, get out of bed when they want to, and everything else that matters to them.
Page reviewed by Louise Bradley, Regional Care Director, on April 5, 2023.
How we wrote this page
This page has been produced referencing key insights and data from external experts, trusted medical sources and our team of in-house specialists. We have worked hard to ensure that all information is as accurate as possible and reflects current consensus at the time of writing and reviewing.
