At Elder, we provide tailored 24-hour care, so your loved one can stay safe, supported and surrounded by the comforts of home.
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24-hour care at home, sometimes called round-the-clock or live-in care, provides constant support for those with ongoing or complex care needs. A dedicated carer stays in the home to assist with everything from personal care and mobility to medication and daily routines.
24-hour care ensures that someone is always there – day or night – to offer reassurance, respond to emergencies, and help maintain a safe, comfortable routine at home. It’s a flexible alternative to residential care, allowing individuals to remain in familiar surroundings with one-to-one support tailored to their needs.
24-hour care at home means having a dedicated carer or team of carers available at all times to provide continuous support with daily tasks, personal care, and medical needs. This is usually arranged through a shift-based system, with one carer supporting during the day and another at night.
This approach ensures that there’s someone always alert and ready to help, whether that’s assisting with morning routines, managing medication, or offering reassurance during the night. It’s a flexible and safe alternative to residential care, tailored to the individual’s health, lifestyle, and preferences.
24-hour care can support a wide range of needs, including elderly care, dementia care, and companionship care – all delivered in the comfort of home.
Arrange 24-hour care
Before arranging 24-hour care at home, it’s important to understand the level of support needed. A care needs assessment helps determine whether round-the-clock support is the right option.
You can request a care needs assessment through your local authority, your GP, or – if the person is currently in hospital – it may be arranged by the hospital discharge team.
The assessment considers:
24-hour care is often recommended for people living with degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Multiple Sclerosis, especially in later stages. These conditions can make daily tasks more difficult and may lead to sleep disturbances, confusion, or a risk of falls and wandering at night.
In these cases, a personalised care plan ensures the right level of support is in place, providing comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
24-hour home care offers a unique blend of personalised support, independence, and peace of mind. Unlike residential care, it allows individuals to stay in familiar surroundings, helping to maintain routines and reduce confusion or distress, especially for those living with dementia or progressive conditions.
Familiar surroundings and daily routine
Remaining at home supports emotional wellbeing, especially for older people or those with memory loss. Familiar sights, routines, and personal belongings can help reduce anxiety, confusion, and behaviours like sundowning.
Constant, personalised support
With 24-hour care, help is always available – day or night. Carers assist with personal care, medication, mobility, and more, offering a reassuring presence for both the person receiving care and their loved ones.
Reduced health risks
Around-the-clock care helps lower the risk of falls, infections, and missed medication. It ensures better hydration, nutrition, and hygiene – key to maintaining overall health and preventing hospital admissions.
Care tailored to individual needs
Care plans are completely bespoke, built around the individual’s medical needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Carers are carefully matched not only by skills, but by personality, whether that means sharing a language, preparing favourite meals, or offering companionship.
Greater independence and peace of mind
24-hour home care promotes supported independence. It allows people to continue living life on their terms, with the safety net of dedicated, compassionate care, and gives families peace of mind that help is always at hand.
The cost of 24-hour live-in care in the UK can vary depending on a range of factors, such as the type and level of care required and whether multiple carers are needed for added support.
Most live-in care packages for one person typically cost between £1,200 to £2,000 per week. At Elder, the average cost is around £1,150 per week, with tailored quotes for couples who want to stay together at home.
Unlike care homes, 24-hour home care offers dedicated one-on-one support, making it a more cost-effective option for couples, as only one carer is needed instead of paying for two care home beds.
Financial assistance may be available through benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment. Additionally, your local authority may offer direct payments to help cover care costs, depending on your needs and assessment.
In some cases, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover the full cost of 24-hour care at home. To see if you’re eligible, speak to your GP and request an NHS Continuing Healthcare checklist.
At Elder, we recommend a four-step approach to securing funding for care:
Arranging 24-hour care at home with Elder involves a clear and supportive process, typically completed in three simple steps:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 storyAt Elder, we provide a full range of home care services to suit every need. If your loved one requires occasional support or your primary carer needs a temporary break, these options may be more suitable:
Temporary 24-hour support
Flexible home visits