Home Care vs. Live-In Care – Which is Right for Your Loved One?

Understanding Your Options

When someone you love needs support at home, choosing the right type of care can feel overwhelming. Do they just need a little help around the house, or is round-the-clock support a better fit? Two of the most common options in the UK are home care (also called domiciliary care) and live-in care. They sound similar, and they both take place at home, but the way they work is quite different. This guide breaks it all down simply so you can make the right decision for your family with confidence.

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Acacia Homecare Carer playing game with customer

What is Home Care?

Home care or domiciliary care is flexible support provided by a trained carer who visits at set times during the day or week. This can include anything from help with personal care and medication to companionship and light household tasks.

It’s ideal for people who want to remain independent in their own home but need a little extra support to manage daily life.

What is Live-In Care?

Live-in care means a fully trained carer moves into your loved one’s home to provide support throughout the day and be on hand at night if needed. It’s one-to-one, personalised care that allows someone to stay in familiar surroundings, even when their needs are more complex or consistent.

Unlike home care, where carers visit for scheduled periods, a live-in carer is present round the clock, offering companionship, reassurance, and immediate help when needed.

How We Support You with Companionship Care

Feature	Home Care	Live-In Care
Support Hours	Scheduled visits (e.g., 30 mins to a few hours per day)	24/7 presence, carer lives in the home
Flexibility	High — tailored to daily routines	High — full-time, continuous care
Cost	Lower for light to moderate care needs	Higher, but may be more cost-effective than residential care
Independence	Promotes independence with part-time support	Full support while staying in familiar surroundings
Best For	People who need occasional help	People with ongoing, complex, or full-time needs
Carer Accommodation	Not required	A spare room for the carer is needed

Which One is Right for Your Situation?

Choosing between home care and live-in care comes down to the specific needs, routines, and preferences of your loved one — and your family, too. Here are a few common scenarios that might help you decide:

Light to Moderate Support Needs

If your loved one just needs help with a few daily tasks like getting dressed, taking medication, or preparing meals, and they’re still fairly independent, home care might be the perfect fit. It gives them the freedom to live at home.

Complex or Round-the-Clock Care

If your loved one has more advanced needs, such as dementia care, mobility challenges, or medical conditions that require continuous monitoring , live-in care ensures they’re never alone and always have someone there to help.

Family Support Availability

If family members are nearby and able to help out regularly, home care can complement that support. But if your loved one lives alone or your family is spread out, live-in care may offer greater peace of mind.

Home Environment

Consider whether the home is suitable for a live-in carer (i.e., is there a spare room?). If not, home care might be the more practical option unless home adjustments can be made.

Costs: What to Expect

When it comes to paying for care, we know cost is often one of the biggest questions — and rightly so. While we can’t give you exact figures here (because every care plan is tailored to individual needs), we can share a general idea of what to expect.

Home Care Costs

Home care is typically charged by the hour. The overall cost depends on how many visits you need, how long they last, and the level of support required. It’s a flexible and often more affordable option for those who don’t need full-time care. You’ll generally pay less if the visits are short and support needs are light, but if care increases over time, so can the cost.

Live-In Care Costs

Live-in care usually involves a fixed daily or weekly rate. It tends to be more expensive than hourly home care, but it can actually be more cost-effective than moving into a residential care home, especially if your loved one values staying in their own home and maintaining one-on-one support.

You might be eligible for financial help from your local council, or even NHS Continuing Healthcare in some cases. We can help point you in the right direction and explain what steps to take if you're looking to explore funding options.

Setting Up Your Care

1. Get in Touch

It all starts with a friendly chat. We’ll listen to your needs, answer your questions and arrange a free, no-obligation care assessment in your home. This helps us understand exactly how we can support you or your loved one.

2. We Create Your Personalised Care Plan

Based on your needs and preferences, we’ll design a tailored care plan that fits around your life. You’ll be involved in every step, so you know exactly what to expect.

3. Meet Your Carer & Start Care

Once you’re happy with your personalised care plan, we’ll arrange your care calls with our trained compassionate carers. We ensure consistency, so you’ll see familiar, friendly faces you can build a trusting relationship with.

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What Families Say about Us

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you’re exploring options or ready to get started, we’re here to help—no pressure, no jargon, just a friendly chat. Reach out today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one. Your care journey begins with a simple “hello.”

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