Clear answers in a few minutes

A trained carer lives in the home and supports the person day to day: personal care, meals, medication, company and safety. They have their own room, daily breaks, and are covered when they take time off.

Live-in care keeps the person at home with their routines, pets and neighbours, and gives one-to-one attention. For couples, it is often cheaper than two care-home places. A care home can suit people who want company of others or need 24-hour nursing.

When you hire a self-employed carer, you may become their employer in the eyes of HMRC, and you usually arrange cover, insurance and checks yourself. Ask who pays holiday and sick pay, who covers breaks, and who is responsible if something goes wrong.

An introductory agency finds a carer for you, then steps back. The care is usually not regulated by the CQC, and you, or the carer, manage it day to day. A fully managed, regulated provider stays responsible for the care, the carer and the cover.

Funding can come from the NHS (Continuing Healthcare), the council (often as a direct payment), benefits such as Attendance Allowance, or your own money. The value of your home is not counted when care is at home. Start with our funding check.

If someone's needs are mainly health needs, the NHS may fund all of their care. It starts with a Checklist and, if positive, a full assessment. You can ask for the Checklist and take part in the assessment.

Staying at home with familiar things and the same carers can reduce distress. Good dementia live-in care plans for nights, wandering, eating and drinking, and gives the family regular updates.

A live-in carer can step in while a family carer takes a break, for one week or longer. It is also a good way to try live-in care before deciding.

Mornings start with personal care and breakfast, followed by activities, appointments and meals together. Every carer has 2 hours of planned breaks a day, a private room, and a manager on call 24/7.