Live-in care
Long-term 24-hour support
- A carer lives in the home to provide round-the-clock support
- Suitable for people living with conditions like dementia, reduced mobility, etc.
- For long-term care needs
Quality UK home care for your loved one
Home care offers professional, flexible support that enables individuals to live safely and independently in their own homes.
Whether you’re looking for occasional visiting care or full-time live-in care, Elder's technology and expert care advisors will help match you with a carer that meets your loved one’s care needs, personality and interests.
See how Sharon eliminated stress over distance and found trusted support.
Find a carerCall us
Home care explained
What is home care?
Home care is professional support provided in your own home. It can include help with personal care, household tasks, medication reminders, mobility support, and companionship.
Who is home care suitable for?
Home care is suitable for older adults, people with long-term conditions, those recovering from illness or surgery, or anyone who needs extra support to live independently at home.
How quickly can home care start?
In many cases, home care can begin within 24–48 hours, depending on your location and care needs.
Is home care an alternative to a care home?
Yes. Home care allows people to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving tailored, one-to-one support, often providing greater flexibility and comfort than residential care.
Which types of home care services does Elder offer?
- A carer moves in for a few days to provide round-the-clock support
- Suitable to cover for a main caregiver or for a temporary increase in care needs
- Minimum duration of 3 days
- Book as many hours as you need for help in the comfort of your home
- Support with everyday tasks like grooming, walks, cooking, etc.
- From as little as 1 hour per week
Respite care
Temporary 24-hour support
Visiting care
Flexible home visits
Average home care costs in the UK
Hourly home care costs
Most home care is charged by the hour. In 2026, typical hourly costs are:
- Companionship care - £22 to £28 per hour
- Personal care - £26 to £35 per hour
- Dementia or complex care - £30 to £40+ per hour
Some providers may charge higher rates for short visits, evenings, weekends or bank holidays. It’s always worth checking what is included when comparing care packages.
Home care FAQs
Still have questions?0333 920 3648
Which tasks can a home carer help with?
Personal care
e.g. help with washing, toileting, and prompting medication
Dressing and grooming
e.g. shaving and hairstyling
Meal preparation
e.g. cooking meals to dietary requirements and tastes
Light housekeeping
e.g. vacuuming, keeping surfaces clean and doing laundry
Running errands
e.g. going to the shops or picking up prescriptions
Companionship
e.g. providing company and encouraging hobbies and interests
Pet care
e.g. feeding and exercising pets
Mobility support
e.g. encouraging gentle and suitable exercise
Light gardening
e.g. watering flowers and keeping pathways clear
Admin support
e.g. keeping on top of post, paperwork, and appointments
Medication prompting
e.g. ensuring medication is taken correctly
Ventilation and oxygen support
e.g. BiPAP or CPAP Support
Specialist drug administration
Including Controlled Drug Administration, Covert Medication Administration, Glucose readings via finger pricks, Injections, Pessaries, Enemas, Suppositories
Stoma care
PEG care
Wound care
What's the difference between home care and care home?
Choosing between home care and a residential care home depends on your loved one’s unique needs, preferences, and overall health. Understanding the key differences can help you feel more confident about what’s right for them.
Why home care is often the preferred choice
Home care lets your loved one stay in the comfort of their own home with personalised, one-to-one support. They can keep their routines, enjoy familiar surroundings, and receive care tailored to their needs — without the disruption of moving away.
When a care home might be a better fit
A care home can be ideal for those needing constant supervision or specialist medical support. It offers 24/7 care and social activities, though often with less flexibility and independence than staying at home.
Supporting independence with care at home
Home care helps your loved one stay independent and in control of their daily life. With Elder, every care plan is built around their preferences, so they can live safely and comfortably in the place they love.
Customer stories: Finding trusted live-in care
Finding the right care can feel overwhelming, but hearing how others made the decision can help. Explore real stories of families who found trusted support through live-in care.
Live-in care vs care home: Kenn and Nicole’s story
Kenn and Nicole share how live-in care allowed their parents to stay safe and happy in their own home, avoiding the stress of a care home.
Read Kenn and Nicole's story
How home care gave Sharon peace of mind
Sharon shares how home care supported her mum Sheila and gave her peace of mind knowing her mum was cared for and never alone.
Read Sharon's story
How live-in care allowed Hayley's dad to remain at home
Hayley shares how live-in care gave her dad tailored support, enabling him to regain his independence after being discharged from hospital.
Read Hayley's storyHow do I arrange home care with Elder?
01
Share your care request
Tell us your care requirements using our request form, including the type of care you’re looking for, any specialist skills you need, and what daily life looks like.
02
Select your carer
You’ll start receiving profiles of suitable self-employed carers within 24 hours. Chat to them online or arrange a phone or video call, before choosing who you like best.
03
Manage care
Once your agreement with your carer begins, use your MyElder account to chat with them and the Elder team, manage your schedule and care information, and find respite cover if you need it.