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: GoodDiscover care options
Handsale Limited - Silver Trees
Operated by Handsale Limited · 62 beds
Handsale Limited - Silver Trees is a large nursing home located in Bristol, with a capacity of 62. The nursing home houses younger and elderly adults including people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The facility also accepts individuals with physical disabilities.
Brockway, Nailsea, Bristol, BS48 1BZ, Bristol, BS48 1BZ
About Handsale Limited - Silver Trees
Handsale Limited - Silver Trees is a large nursing home located in Bristol, with a capacity of 62. The nursing home houses younger and elderly adults including people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The facility also accepts individuals with physical disabilities.
The nursing home has been operating since October 2011. In the last report by the CQC from March 2019, the care home received an overall rating of good.
The care home is operated by Handsale Limited. Handsale Limited runs a group of care homes, with two others registered with the CQC in England.
For more information about Handsale Limited - Silver Trees, please contact the home at 01275859556.
Registration summary
Registration date: 31 October 2011
Last CQC inspection: 12 February 2019
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CQC rating for Handsale Limited - Silver Trees
CQC rating: GoodRatings are provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and reflect the most recent report for this care home, which was published on 12 February 2019.
See CQC's page explaining ratings for more details about ratings and inspection practices of care homes in England.
Safe
Good
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
Good
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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How live-in care allowed Hayley's dad to remain at home
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This care home finder uses data from the CQC and NHS Choices