Personal care
Discreet, respectful help with washing, dressing, continence and getting ready for the day.
Live-in care. The comfort of home, with someone by your side.
A dedicated carer lives in your home, giving one-to-one support, companionship and help with everyday life, so you can stay where you're happiest, among your own things and your own routines.
Download the Live-in Care leaflet (PDF, 0.7 MB)- One dedicated carer
- Carefully matched
- Planned cover for leave
- Relief cover included
What live-in care involves
Someone there through the day, every day.
With live-in care, a carer moves into the home and supports the person day to day, from getting up and washed in the morning to settling down at night. Because they're there, help doesn't have to fit into a visit slot. Meals, conversation, a walk to the shops or simply company in the evening can happen when the person wants them.
Our office team stays closely involved: we plan the care with you, introduce your carer, review how things are going and arrange cover when your carer takes time off.
An example day
What a day with live-in care can look like.
Every day is shaped around the person. This is just an illustration.
- Morning
A gentle start
Help getting up, washed and dressed, then breakfast the way they like it.
- Midday
Out and about
A walk, the shops, an appointment or a visit to a friend, then lunch.
- Afternoon
Carer’s break
Your carer takes some of their 12 weekly hours off. A relief carer steps in (included in the weekly rate).
- Evening
Dinner and company
Cooking together, a favourite programme, a phone call with family.
- Night
Settled and safe
Help getting ready for bed. Your carer sleeps nearby and can help occasionally if needed.
How your carer helps
Support with everyday life.
Everything is agreed in a personal care plan, so your carer knows exactly how you like things done.
Meals
Planning, shopping and cooking favourite meals, with support for any dietary needs.
Medication
Prompting or administering medication as set out in the care plan.
Mobility
Safe help moving around the home, getting in and out of bed, and getting out and about.
Companionship
Conversation, shared interests and company: someone to enjoy the day with.
Daily routines
Light housekeeping, laundry, pets and the everyday rhythms that make home feel like home.
Who live-in care may suit
- People who need support at different points throughout the day.
- Couples who want to stay together at home.
- People living with dementia who are calmer in familiar surroundings.
- Someone returning home after a hospital stay who needs more help for a while.
- Families who are worried about a loved one living alone.
Why familiar surroundings matter
- Their own home, their own wayFamiliar rooms, belongings, neighbours (and pets) stay part of everyday life.
- One-to-one attentionCare is focused on one person (or couple), not shared across a whole floor.
- Routines stay intactMealtimes, bedtimes and hobbies follow the person, not a timetable.
- Family visits stay easyRelatives can drop in whenever suits, just as before.
Included as standard.
Weekly relief cover, at no extra charge
Your live-in carer has 12 hours off each week, arranged flexibly with you: a couple of hours on different days, or a full day. A relief carer covers every break, and it's all included in the agreed weekly rate.
Live-in care for couples
Our weekly live-in rate doesn't automatically double for a couple, so staying at home together can cost significantly less than two separate care home places. Suitability and your quote depend on your combined care needs.
Good to know
Live-in care isn't the same as 24-hour waking care.
A live-in carer is there throughout the day and can help if you need them occasionally in the night. But, like anyone, they need a proper night's sleep and regular breaks to provide good care.
If someone needs help most nights, or needs someone awake and watching over them, we'll talk honestly about other arrangements, such as adding waking night care or more than one carer.
Matching
The right person makes all the difference.
Sharing a home is personal. We take time to find a carer whose skills, experience and personality suit the person they'll be living with.
- 01We get to know you firstDuring the assessment we learn about personality, routines, interests and what matters most.
- 02Skills matched to needsWe choose carers whose training and experience fit the person’s care needs.
- 03You have a sayWhere possible, you can meet carers first and tell us who you feel most comfortable with.
Independent reviews
What families say about our carers.
Read genuine, independent reviews from people and families who have experienced care from Hedgerow Homecare.
Comparing options
Live-in care or a care home?
Both can be the right choice. Here are some of the differences families tell us they weigh up.
The practical side
How live-in care works at home.
What your carer needs
- A private bedroom with somewhere to store their belongings.
- Regular rest and breaks, including 12 hours off each week, covered by a relief carer at no extra charge.
- A good night’s sleep with only occasional help needed overnight.
- Access to the kitchen and a bathroom, plus Wi-Fi where possible, so your carer can keep care records up to date in the Birdie app, where authorised family can follow them.
When your carer takes leave
Live-in carers need time off to rest and see their own families. We plan this in advance, so there's no gap in care.
- A replacement carer is briefed on the care plan before they arrive.
- We can arrange a meet-and-greet beforehand and, wherever possible, use the same familiar cover carer each time.
- Our office team checks in during the changeover.
Costs
What affects the cost of live-in care?
Every package is different, so we don't publish a one-size-fits-all price. After a free assessment we'll give you a clear written quote, with no hidden extras.
For couples, our weekly live-in rate doesn't automatically double. That can make live-in care significantly less expensive than two separate care home placements. Your quote depends on your combined care needs.
Costs, funding & payment FAQs- Level of careHow much help is needed with personal care, mobility and daily life.
- Night-time needsWhether help is needed regularly at night, which may need extra support.
- Specialist needsComplex conditions, dementia or end-of-life care.
- One person or twoCouples are quoted on combined needs; the rate doesn’t automatically double.
Arranging live-in care
From first call to first day.
- 1
Talk to us
Tell us what’s happening and what you’re hoping for.
- 2
Free home assessment
We visit to understand needs, routines and the home set-up.
- 3
Quote & matching
You receive a written quote and we find the right carer.
- 4
Care begins
We introduce your carer and stay involved, reviewing as needs change.
Common questions
Live-in care FAQs
Is live-in care the same as 24-hour care?
Not necessarily. A live-in carer is there day to day and can help occasionally at night, but they need sleep and breaks. If someone needs continuous waking supervision, we’ll talk about other arrangements such as waking nights or more than one carer.
What does the carer need in our home?
A private bedroom, access to a bathroom and kitchen, and time each day for a proper break. We’ll go through the practical details during the assessment.
What happens when the live-in carer takes leave?
We arrange a replacement carer who is briefed on the care plan. We can arrange a meet-and-greet beforehand and, where possible, use familiar cover carers for continuity.
Can live-in care support someone with dementia?
Yes. For many people living with dementia, staying at home with one consistent carer can help daily life feel calmer and more familiar.
How much does live-in care cost?
Cost depends on the level of support needed, how much help is required at night, and any specialist needs. We provide a clear written quote after a free assessment.
How quickly can live-in care start?
We can begin as soon as arrangements permit, but we prefer a few days to organise introductions and meet-and-greets, so you can help choose the right carer.
Is the carer’s time off covered?
Yes. Live-in carers have 12 hours off each week, arranged flexibly with you: a couple of hours on different days, or a full day. A relief carer covers these breaks, and this standard relief cover is included in the weekly rate.
Is live-in care right for your family?
Talk it through with our team. We'll listen, answer your questions honestly, and help you decide whether live-in care, or something else, is the best fit.
