When a loved one needs extra help at home, one of the first questions families often ask is: what exactly does a live-in carer do? For many, the idea of having someone move into the home may feel unfamiliar at first. Yet live-in care has become an increasingly popular choice.
This quick guide explains what live-in care involves, the types of support a carer can provide and who may benefit from this arrangement. You’ll also find an overview of the advantages live-in care offers compared to other options and how it can be arranged through an experienced care provider.
What Does a Live-in Carer Do?
A live-in carer is there to provide tailored support based on individual needs.
Their role may include:
- Personal care such as washing, dressing and grooming
- Preparing nutritious meals and supporting with mealtimes
- Medication reminders and coordination with healthcare professionals
- Help with mobility, including safe transfers in and out of bed or chairs
- Light household tasks such as cleaning, laundry and shopping
- Companionship, conversation and emotional support
- Escorting to appointments, social activities or trips out
Who Can Benefit from a Live-in Carer?
Live-in care is suitable for a wide range of needs.
It may be the right option for:
- Older adults who wish to remain at home rather than move into residential care
- Individuals living with conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s or the effects of a stroke
- Couples who want to stay together at home, even if one or both require support
- Those recovering from illness, surgery or hospital stays
- Families needing respite or extra help caring for a loved one
Length of Assignments
Live-in care assignments can vary in length. Some may last only a few days, while others continue for several months or longer, depending on the needs of the client and the relationship with the carer. In most cases, carers work on a rotational basis, staying for a set number of weeks before being replaced by another carer to ensure continuity of support. Clients are always informed in advance how long an assignment will last and what level of care has been agreed.
For carers who are self-employed, the hours and rates are arranged directly with the client or their representative. If the level of support required changes, a new agreement or higher rate may need to be confirmed. When a self-employed carer is introduced through an agency, the agency coordinates the assignments and makes sure both parties are clear on expectations.
Carers employed directly by a care provider will have their hours set out in a contract. They are entitled to daily rest breaks, which are factored into the care plan. If additional support is required beyond the agreed hours, the Care Manager will step in to adjust arrangements or assign extra carers as needed.
This structured approach ensures that clients always receive the right level of care, while carers are supported to deliver their best work.
Supporting a Client Throughout the Day
The role of a live-in carer is built entirely around the client’s daily needs. Carers generally provide support during the day while the client is awake, helping with personal care, meals, mobility, household tasks, and companionship. At night, carers have their own room in the home where they can rest. Occasionally, they may be called upon for brief support during the night, but if regular overnight assistance is required, a dedicated night carer can be arranged.
The length of each day can vary depending on the client’s needs. In most cases, a live-in carer will provide between eight and twelve hours of active support, with flexibility to adjust when necessary. To maintain balance and quality of care, carers are also encouraged to take regular breaks, typically around 14 hours across a week, which gives them time away from the home to rest and recharge.
Typically we say it is a 10 hour day with a 2 hour break per day or accumulated 14 hours per week. If carers think it is 8 hours, they will add on additional hours pay to make it a 10 hour day.
Life in the Client’s Home
A live-in carer spends most of their time in the client’s home, offering both practical help and companionship. For clients who are more independent, carers can provide support with outings such as shopping, visiting friends or family, attending appointments, enjoying leisure activities or even travelling on holiday. For those who are housebound or living with more complex health conditions, care is focused on comfort and wellbeing at home. Carers only leave during their allocated break times, ensuring clients always feel supported.
What Will a Carer Not Help With?
When a carer lives in your home, it’s important for everyone to understand the boundaries of their role. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that both you and your carer feel comfortable with the arrangement. While carers provide a wide range of support, there are certain tasks they may not be expected or permitted to do.
These can include:
- Managing personal finances on your behalf
- Working without agreed breaks or support
- Administering medication if they are not trained or authorised
- Carrying out lifting or moving without the right equipment in place
- Using your food, phone or belongings for their own use without agreement
- Cooking for friends or family members who are not part of the care arrangement
- Accepting gifts or money from clients
- Acting as a witness to legal documents
If you are ever unsure about what your carer can or cannot do, it is best to discuss this openly at the start of the arrangement. You can also ask your care provider to confirm the boundaries of the role, so that expectations are clear from the beginning.
What Do I Need to Provide a Live-in Carer?
When welcoming a live-in carer into your home, there are a few essentials that need to be in place. These help ensure the carer can provide the best possible support while also having the space to rest and recharge.
- A private bedroom with a comfortable bed and storage for personal belongings.
- Access to bathroom facilities, ideally close to their room.
- Meals or use of kitchen facilities, so the carer can prepare food during their stay.
- Internet access, if possible, to allow the carer to stay connected with family and the agency.
In addition, it’s helpful to provide clear information about daily routines, preferences and any specific needs your loved one has. This ensures the carer can quickly settle in and deliver support that feels consistent and familiar.
Talk to our dedicated team of experts today
The standards set by Patricia White 30 years ago still apply today. Call our experienced team today on 01293 224712 to discuss your home care needs and receive a free, no-obligation quotation.
Or feel free to send us a message using our online enquiry form. A member of our expert care team will respond as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.
