Outstanding Live in Care in London
Providers of CQC Rated outstanding home care services to older people in their own homes, giving you complete peace of mind.
Watch the video
What is Live-in Care and How Does it Work?
Live-in care is when a dedicated carer lives in your home, offering constant support. This service is ideal for those who prefer the comfort of their own home but require continuous care, making it an appealing alternative to moving into a care home.
This page gives you an in-depth look at live-in care in London to help you make an informed decision. You'll discover everything from the roles of live-in carers to the costs involved in providing this type of care.
You'll also find guidance on deciding if 24-hour live-in care suits your needs, along with tips on choosing the best care service. Our aim is to provide you with all the necessary information to find the best possible care for your loved one.
Is 24-Hour Live-In Care Suitable for My Loved One?
24-hour care is ideal if you need daily support but want to live in your own home. It's especially good for people with ongoing health issues or mobility problems. It also suits those who value consistent companionship and daily help that allows them to remain independent.
We provide Live-in Care across the whole of London including:
Barnet
Camden
City Of London
Dulwich
Hammersmith & Fulham
Hampstead
Islington
Kensington & Chelsea
Richmond Upon Thames
St John's Wood
Wandsworth
Westminster
Understanding Live-In Care Costs in London
Live-in care offers a desirable option for those wishing to remain in their familiar home environment while receiving needed support. The costs for live-in care vary, reflecting factors like care needs, provider experience, and location.
Costs of Live-In Care
The cost of live in care vary depending on the individual’s care needs and the expertise of the care team.
At Unique Senior Care, our rates are set to ensure quality and individualised care:
- For One Person: Comprehensive bespoke care for an individual is priced at £1,575 per week.
- For Couples: We offer couple’s care, tailored to each person’s needs, at £1,820 per week.
Why Costs Vary
Factors affecting live-in care pricing include:
- Geographical Location: Prices can vary based on the region you live in.
- Extent of Care Needed: Specialised care for complex conditions may incur a higher cost.
- Choice of Provider: A care company which is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will typically have higher pricing due to the stringent level of care and service management involved.
Funding Live-In Care in London
There are various ways to fund 24-hour care in your own home Understanding the different options and their eligibility criteria is key to finding the most suitable funding method for your circumstances:
- Self-Funding: Direct payment for services by the individual or their family.
- Local Authority Support: Contributions may be available based on financial situation and care required.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: Covers all care costs for those with significant medical needs.
- Benefits for additional support:
-
- Attendance Allowance: A benefit for those above State Pension age needing help due to illness or disability, offering weekly financial support.
-
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For individuals aged 16 to State Pension age with long-term health conditions or disabilities, contributing towards additional costs.
Meet your Live-In Care Managers for London
Kate
Live-In Care Manager For London (North of Thames)
Kate McGourlay joined our team in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of caring experience from her 30 years spent as a paediatric sister. Kate seamlessly transitioned from paediatric to elder care, applying her experience in nursing and healthcare to understand and meet our clients' unique needs. In her role as the Live-In Care Manager for London (North of Thames).
Kate develops personalised care plans for our clients, supports our Caregivers to ensure top-notch care delivery, and addresses any challenges that clients or Caregivers might face. She’s dedicated to making sure every individual feels heard and valued, ensuring a high standard of care throughout London.
When she's not working, Kate loves spending time with her family, including her two daughters, husband, and their adorable Labrador, Ferdie. Kate's most fulfilling moments come from seeing the positive impact of care on her clients and hearing the colourful stories they have to share.
She believes in treating each client with the same kindness and attention she would want for her own family. Her personal touch and caring nature are what help make a real difference in the lives of everyone she works with.
Clare Zinzan, our dedicated Care Manager for London (South of Thames), joined Unique Senior Care after beginning her career in the care sector in 2016.
Inspired by her personal experience with her father's dementia, Clare is passionate about enabling clients to stay in their homes and live independently. Her responsibilities include ensuring clients achieve their best possible outcomes and empowering them to make their own choices.
Outside of work, Clare enjoys spending time with her family, including her two granddaughters, and enjoying hobbies like paddleboarding and gardening. Clare's approach to care is deeply influenced by her own experiences, focusing on individuality and empowerment in elder care.
Clare is supported by a dedicated senior team who are all equally as passionate about providing exceptional care and enabling clients to live well throughout their older years.
Clare
Live-In Care Manager For London (South of Thames)
Kate and Clare are both supported by a dedicated senior team all equally as passionate about providing the best possible care and service for our clients.
What Makes Unique Senior Care Different?
You can be assured that we have an absolute focus on providing the very highest quality, person-centred Live-in Care for our clients in and around London.
As a provider of regulated care services, you can be confident in the knowledge that we are fully registered and compliant with the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) regulations.
We are one of only 4% of home care providers in England to have been awarded an Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Our award-winning service is based on personal experience and ensuring we always put ‘people above all else’
We are regularly recognised as providing industry leading training to our colleagues
Our services are personalised and tailored to your needs with the aim of allowing you to remain living independently in your own home
You will receive a service that is Well-led, Safe, Caring, Responsive and Effective
All of our Caregivers are directly employed
We only recruit the best (our application to hire rate is 1 from 100) and all our Caregivers must pass our ‘Mum Test’ i.e. we would allow them to look after our own loved ones
Clients and their families have rated us in 2023 as one of the Top 20 homecare providers in England
Your 100% satisfaction is our aim – if you think we need to do better, please let us know
Our standards are uncompromising, and we are very proud of our reputation for providing an outstanding service
Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of a Live-In Carer in London
Live-in carers offer much more than just caregiving services. They become companions, providing both emotional and practical support, greatly enhancing the daily lives of those they care for.
Personal Care: Assisting with grooming, bathing, and dressing tasks.
Medication Management: Ensuring timely medication administration.
Meal Preparation: Cooking nutritious meals which are tailored to specific dietary needs.
Housekeeping: Maintaining a clean and orderly living environment.
Companionship: Providing emotional support and a friendly ear.
Mobility Support: Helping with movement inside and outside the home.
Encouraging Activities: Assisting and motivating participation in hobbies and social events.
Ensuring Compatibility Between Carer and Client
It's essential to ensure our Caregivers and clients are well matched. This is based on things personality, interests, and preferences. This compatibility is central to our approach at Unique Senior Care, helping us build relationships that are mutually beneficial. It’s key to ensuring the best outcome for our clients, ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease with their carer.
I have had Unique carers for almost two years and always found them to be kind, caring, thoughtful, on time and willing to do extra jobs around the house. They take special care of my personal needs and care as I am wheelchair-bound now after a leg amputation. I would recommend them above any other
agencies I have had, although there have been staffing issues/problems at times. They endeavour to send someone who I know. I feel very lucky to be able to have Unique Care. - AB
Why Choose Live In Care in London?
Live-in care is an excellent option for those who need regular support but want to stay in the place they know and love. With live-in care, your loved one can continue to enjoy the serene beauty of Brentwood's parks or the historic appeal of Billericay, all while living comfortably in their own home.
Benefits of Home Care in London
Tailored Care: Care plans are bespoke to the individual, ensuring care is provided to meet each person's preferences and daily habits.
Constant Support: Continuous care ensures safety and offers peace of mind, not just for clients, but also for their families.
Promoting Independence: The focus is on allowing individuals to live in their homes, fostering a sense of autonomy and comfort.
Adaptive Care: The care provided seamlessly evolves as needs change, ensuring it remains suitable and effective.
Engaging Families: Families are involved in care planning, ensuring good communication and understanding.
Affordability: This option can be more cost-effective than residential care facilities while maintaining the highest standards of care.
Comfort of Home: Staying in familiar surroundings can greatly alleviate stress and anxiety.
Enhanced Living Standards: The aim is to elevate the standard of living through dedicated, personalised attention.
Health Supervision: Regular monitoring of health conditions enables timely adjustments to care plans when needed.
How to Find the Right live-in Care Service in London?
To find the best round the clock care, provided in the comfort of your own home, thorough research is important. Whether you're in the vibrant cityscape of Westminster or amidst the peaceful greenery of Richmond upon Thames, there are several things to consider:
What to Look for in a Live In Care Provider?
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Live-in Care Agency
When considering a live in care company, you might inquire about:
The provider's experience in 24-hour care and carer qualifications.
Their approach to matching carers with clients and managing emergencies.
Policies on feedback, complaints, and the fee structure for live in care
Factors to Consider When Exploring Live in Care Services in London
When choosing a live in carer in the London area, think about:
The variety of services available and if they suit your needs.
The training and experience of the carers, and the reputation of the agency.
How the cost fits with your budget.
Looking at reviews and getting personal recommendations for more information.
Training and Qualifications of Live-in Carers in London
At Unique Senior Care, our rigorous selection process ensures the highest quality care for our clients. We hire only one in every 80 applicants, guaranteeing that each live-in Caregiver not only has at least a year's experience but also embodies the dedication and expertise we expect.
- Thorough Training: Our Caregivers receive thorough training in areas like dementia care, first aid, and medication management.
- Continuous Development: We commit to continuous professional development, keeping our care staff up to date with the latest care methods.
- Recognised for Excellence: Our approach to training is award-winning. We received the Princess Royal Training Award in 2021 and, in 2022, were recognised as a Centre of Excellence by Skills for Care.
What is the Difference Between Live-In Home Care Services and Residential Care?
When considering 24-hour care in your own home versus residential care, understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed choice that suits your family’s individual circumstances.
| Provided in the individual's own home. | Provided in a residential setting, often with private living spaces. |
| Personalised one-on-one assistance. | Group-oriented, offering communal activities for interaction. |
| Supports personal independence and daily routines. | Encourages a semi-independent lifestyle in a community setting. |
| Familiar environment enhances emotional well-being. | Involves adjusting to a new, shared living environment. |
| Direct family involvement in care and decisions. | Structured family involvement, generally with set visiting schedules. |
How 24-Hour Live-in Care works
What Care Services are Offered in London?
Aside from a living at home with you, there are various other care options available, each offering unique benefits to cater to different needs. Understanding the benefits of each is key to making a well-informed decision so you know you or your loved one is receiving the best possible care.
Types of Care Services Offered in London
- Domiciliary Care Packages: These personalised care solutions are provided in the comfort and familiarity of your home, ensuring a sense of continuity and ease.
- Day Care: Ideal for those who need daytime support, these services offer engaging activities and social interaction in the day, while the individual continues to reside at home.
- Residential Care: For more constant care needs, residential care homes offer comprehensive support in a shared living environment.
- Specialised Care: Catering to specific conditions such as dementia or palliative care, these services are tailored to meet individual health requirements.
Navigating the Live-in Care Process in London
How to Arrange Quality Live-in Care in London?
Arranging quality live-in care involves several important steps to ensure the care aligns perfectly with individual needs:
Initial Contact:
Start by reaching out to a reputable and experienced care company. At Unique Senior Care, our client services team is on hand to discuss your care requirements.
In-Depth Consultation:
Our care manager will then meet with you to get a detailed understanding of your specific needs. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have at this stage.
Matching Process:
Following this, we’ll find a Caregiver whose personality and skills are perfectly aligned with your requirements.
Personalised Care Plan:
A tailored care plan is created based on the details gathered during the consultation to ensure your loved one receives the best live in care.
Final Steps:
A home visit finalises everything, followed by introducing the chosen Caregiver who will start their care duties while you continue to live in the comfort of your own home.
What is the Role of a Care Agency in Live-in Care at Home?
When you choose a live-in care provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), you're opting for a thorough and professional management approach. This includes:
Staff Recruitment and Management: Rigorous selection and continuous training of carers to uphold high care standards.
Quality Monitoring and Care Assessments: Regular checks to ensure the care provided meets both client needs and regulatory standards.
Administrative Management: Handling all aspects of care coordination, including scheduling and financial management.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Adherence to CQC guidelines ensures high standards in care delivery, safety, and overall service.
Emergency and Contingency Planning: Preparedness for emergency care, guaranteeing uninterrupted care under all circumstances.
We were looking for live-in care for my mother and were delighted to find Unique Senior Care. From the first conversation on the phone to subsequent communications, I have found the staff to be incredibly helpful, friendly, understanding and clear in terms of the service provided. Our first meeting with the live-in care manager was a lovely experience and helped to reassure my mum about arrangements.
Most importantly, having just finished the first two weeks of live-in care, we could not have asked for more from a caregiver, who has taken wonderful care of my mum, cooking her nutritious meals, making sure she is clean, comfortable and safe and providing excellent company. It feels such a relief to know that my mum is in good hands while also able to stay in her home. Thank you, Unique Senior Care. - PS, via Homecare.co.uk
Local Resources for Care Support in London
Explore these essential local resources in London for additional support, advice, and community connections relevant to live-in care and beyond.
- Adult social care services - To find advice and support in your local London borough, use the NHS Service Search for Local Authority Adult Social Care.
- Age UK London - Find your local London Age UK branch for essential support and services tailored to older adults' needs.
- Alzheimer's Society - The Alzheimer's Society provides a comprehensive list of support services near you, including advice, support groups, and information on living with or caring for someone with dementia.
- Mind in London - Mind in London offers mental health support including localised services such as counselling and support groups.
- The Advocacy Project - Provides independent, professional advocacy services in London, ensuring individuals' voices are heard, particularly those who are marginalised or vulnerable.
- Disability Advice Service Lambeth - offers a range of services to support disabled people in the Lambeth area. They provide advice, advocacy, and practical support, focusing on promoting independence and involvement in the community.
- Camden Carers - Offers advice, information, and a range of support designed to help carers in their role. This includes workshops, respite services, and tailored assistance.
- Carers Network - Dedicated to supporting carers in the areas of Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, and the City of London. They provide resources, advice, and assistance to enhance the wellbeing of unpaid carers.
Meet Stacey,
your Care Advisor
