Answers to the most frequently asked questions we get about Live in Care
When it comes to choosing care, it is not surprising that individuals prefer to receive care in their home. Deciding between live-in care and a care home is emotional and complex. To help families in North Hertfordshire make an informed choice, we answer the frequently asked questions about live-in care. This guide explains how live-in care works, who it suits, costs and funding.
What is live-in care and how does it work?
A professional carer lives in the client’s home to provide 24/7 support, including personal care, companionship, medication reminders, and household help. Caremark works with customers to create a person centred Care Plan around their needs and routines. One of the main goals of the Care Plan is to help maintain independence to continue to live at home. Carers also encourage hobbies, exercise, and social activities as part of the daily routine to promote good emotional well-being.
Who is live-in care suitable for?
It is suitable to individuals of any age needing continuous care and wish to remain in their own home. It can also last short term like post accident recovery, stroke or following major surgery. Individuals with learning disabilities, physical and neurological challenges like motor neurone disease (MND) Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), palliative care, Parkinson’s disease and dementia will also find live in care beneficial to their wellbeing.
Is live-in care cheaper than a care home?
This may be the number one frequently asked question about live in care. Price of live in care depends on the level of need of the individual which can range from basic to complex needs. Families considering live-in care often compare it to the cost of a care home. The benefit of homecare outweighs care home in price, flexibility, familiarity, privacy, consistency and more.
Lottie and Hertfordshire.gov.uk estimates the annual cost of Live in Care in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage to be £5,000 – £8,000 cheaper than a care home. Having the same small team of carers instead of many staff on rotation quickly builds trust and reassurance for the customer and family. Flexibility means care can be quickly adapted to changing needs. This is particularly important, for example progressing dementia, or palliative care needs.
Can live-in care be funded by the local council or NHS?
Another frequently asked question we get on live in care is what funding options are available. Funding can be available through means-tested social care funding or NHS Continuing Healthcare. Caremark North Herts and Stevenage can explain these funding options to families. The government offers Attendance Allowance, a non-means-tested benefit, to people of UK pension age. Read more and download the Attendance Allowance checklist. People over 75 receiving pension credit may also be eligible for free or discounted TV licence.
What happens if the carer needs time off?
The Care Plan includes scheduled breaks, and another carer always covers those breaks to guarantee continuity of care. In cases of emergency, another Carer will be available, so customers are never left without care.
How are carers vetted and trained?
Caremark ensure all carers complete a live enhanced DBS (criminal record) check before they start work. They receive Certificate Level training in safeguarding, health and safety, first aid and basic life support, medication management and food hygiene. Caremark provides further training in specialist areas like stoma care, PEG feeding, end-of-life care, cancer care, dementia care, Parkinson’s disease, and more.
Can we choose or meet the carer beforehand?
We frequently get asked this question by families. Caremark North Herts and Stevenage match live-in carers with customers by personality and introduce them into the home before 24-hour care begins. During the initial weeks, the carer supports the customer in their home for a couple of hours at a time as part of a settling-in period. This allows everyone to get comfortable, ask necessary questions, build trust and routines for a smooth transition to 24 hour live in care.
How is safety ensured if the carer is living in our home?
In addition to training, Caremark North Herts and Stevenage enforce safeguarding policies, supervise carers regularly, and hold review meetings with customers and families to ensure the highest safety standards at home.
What happens in an emergency?
During consultations, Caremark North Herts and Stevenage discuss emergency procedures with families. 24 hour on call support is also in place, so Carers and customers are never without support.
What accommodation does the live-in carer need?
Families are keen to make the live in carer feel welcome in their home and often ask what needs they have. Live-in carers need their own bedroom and access to facilities such as a bathroom and kitchen.
Can couples receive live-in care together?
Yes, one carer can often support both, making it more affordable than two care home places.
When can the live in care start?
Live in care can start in as little as a week once the mandatory initial risk assessment and the care plan being agreed.
Find out how live in care can help your loved one
Live-in care is about helping people live life on their own terms, surrounded by memories, routines, and the comfort of home. At Caremark North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and cared for with compassion. If you’re considering live-in care for yourself or a loved one, our local team is here to guide you through every step, and create a care plan that truly fits your needs.
About Caremark North Hertfordshire and Stevenage
As a trusted local provider, Caremark North Hertfordshire & Stevenage supports families across the community with reliable, round-the-clock live-in care. We tailor every care plan to each individual, ensuring comfort, continuity, and genuine companionship.