Live-in care vs care home: Kenn and Nicole’s story
When dementia specialists advised against a care home, Kenn and Nicole found live-in care as another way to support their parents and keep them in the family home.
Read Kenn and Nicole's story
CQC rating: Requires improvementDiscover care options
Woodlands
Operated by Woodlands Residential Care Home Limited · 20 beds
Woodlands is a medium size care residence in London housing a maximum of twenty individuals. Woodlands houses adults over 65 including people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
33-35, Fox Lane, London, N13 4AB, London, N13 4AB
About Woodlands
Woodlands is a medium size care residence in London housing a maximum of twenty individuals. Woodlands houses adults over 65 including people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has monitored the residency since July 2022. In May 2021, the CQC rewarded the care home with an overall rating of requires improvement.
Woodlands Residential Care Home Limited is registered as the provider that operates the home. There are no other facilities registered by the same group in England.
To enquire about availability at Woodlands, contact the home at 02088868725.
Registration summary
Registration date: 20 July 2022
CQC rating for Woodlands
CQC rating: Requires improvementRatings are provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and reflect the most recent report for this care home.
See CQC's page explaining ratings for more details about ratings and inspection practices of care homes in England.
Safe
Requires improvement
People are protected from abuse and avoidable harm
Effective
Good
People's care, treatment and support achieves good outcomes
Caring
Good
Staff involve and treat people with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect
Responsive
Good
Services are organised to meet people's needs
Well-led
Requires improvement
Leadership, management and governance of the organisation assures delivery of high-quality care
THINKING IT THROUGH
Is a care home really the right choice?
Many families explore care homes first - but home-based personal care is often a better fit for wellbeing, continuity, and independence.
Care at home with Elder
OFTEN PREFERRED- Your loved one stays in a familiar, comfortable environment
- One-to-one dedicated support - not shared across residents
- You choose the carer and set the routines
- Greater flexibility around schedules, preferences, and family visits
- Continuity of the same carer builds genuine trust and rapport
- Often more cost-effective than residential care
- Supports independence and dignity for longer
Residential care home
MAY SUIT SOME NEEDS- Suitable where 24-hour supervised nursing care is required
- Staff rotate - your loved one may see different faces daily
- Less personal control over routines, mealtimes, and daily life
- Can be significantly more expensive for personal care needs
- Adjustment to a new environment can be distressing
- Family visits may be restricted or scheduled
- Not always necessary for personal care needs alone
What are the benefits of live-in care?
Live-in care offers a safe and flexible alternative to residential care, allowing people to receive full-time support in the comfort of their own home. From practical help with everyday tasks to emotional support and companionship, there are many reasons families choose this type of care.
Personalised, one-to-one support
With live-in care, your loved one receives dedicated, round-the-clock support from a single, trusted carer. They provide personalised help with daily routines, companionship, and personal care, all tailored to individual preferences.
Independence and familiar surroundings
Live-in care allows your loved one to stay at home, surrounded by the things, people, and memories they love. For those with dementia, this consistency can reduce confusion and anxiety while supporting confidence and independence.
Peace of mind for families
A live-in carer offers reassurance that your loved one is safe, supported, and never alone. Families can relax knowing professional help is always on hand while independence and choice are respected.
Flexible and cost-effective care
Live-in care can be more affordable than many expect, often costing less than residential care. You only pay for the support you need, and local authority funding may help cover costs. Learn more in our guide to funding your care.
Social life and wellbeing
Staying at home helps your loved one remain active and connected. Carers can accompany them to social events, clubs, or family visits, making it easier to maintain friendships and hobbies.
Better health outcomes
Research shows live-in care can lead to fewer falls, faster recovery, and fewer hospital admissions. Staying at home also means keeping the same GP and healthcare team for consistent, trusted support.
Couples can stay together
Separating elderly couples when one can no longer cope can be painful. Live-in care allows them to stay together as a single carer can ensure the needs of both are taken care of, only assisting where required.
What's the difference between live-in care and care home costs?
Care costs in the UK vary by location, the level of need and the type of care. As a guide:
- Care homes typically cost £1,000 to £1,600 a week.
- Live-in care typically costs £1,200 to £1,500 a week for one-to-one support in the home.
- Visiting care starts from £30 an hour, suited to people who need help at set times each day.
For people who need 24-hour personal care but not constant nursing, live-in care often works out less than care homes. On average, Elder's live-in care costs 35% less than the average UK care home.*
Three main routes fund care, whichever option you choose:
- Self-funding: If your loved one has assets above £23,250 in England, they're expected to pay for their own care. Independent care fees advice is worth the cost.
- Local authority funding: Below the threshold, the local council may contribute after a needs assessment and a financial assessment.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: Where there's a primary health need, the NHS pays 100% of care costs, in a care home or at home. It's not means-tested.
For more information, read our guide on how to fund your care.
*Based on comparison of Elder's average weekly live-in care fee against the UK average weekly residential care home fee. Care home fees vary by region, room type and care needs.How to arrange live-in care with Elder
01
Share your care request
Tell us what you're looking for using our simple request form or speak with a dedicated care advisor to build your care profile and describe the care you need.
02
Select the right carer
You’ll start receiving profiles of your uniquely matched carers in 24 hours. Chat online to carers you’d like to know better, or arrange a phone or video call.
03
Prepare for care
Use MyElder to communicate with your chosen carer and the Elder support team, manage your care schedule, and set up secure payment.
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.
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This care home finder uses data from the CQC and NHS Choices