It’s natural to worry about a loved one, and knowing when to seek care can feel overwhelming. Some signs to look out for include difficulty with daily tasks, increased forgetfulness, mobility issues, or changes in mood and behaviour. If your mum is struggling to maintain her independence or you’re concerned for her safety, it might be time to explore care options. A live-in carer can provide support while allowing her to remain in the comfort of her own home. The best approach is to have an open conversation and consider her needs together.
CareConnect gives families flexibility and control. We introduce families to vetted, self-employed carers, but the day-to-day care arrangements are managed directly between the family and the carer. It’s a good option for those who prefer to handle care schedules themselves. Because you’re employing the carer directly, rates can often be more affordable. CareConnect offers peace of mind too, because you get unlimited access to our network of carers, so you know you’ll be able to find cover if your current carer falls ill or goes on holiday. It’s a practical, lower-cost alternative to a fully managed service while still ensuring quality care.
If your parents want to stay in their own home but don’t want a live-in carer, hourly care could be a great alternative. A carer can visit at set times to assist with daily tasks, companionship, and personal care while respecting their independence. That way, they get the support they need without making a big lifestyle change.
Choosing the right care service can feel overwhelming, but the key is to focus on your loved one’s needs and preferences. Consider whether they need full-time support, occasional help, or simply companionship. Live-in care is a great option for those who want to remain at home with continuous support, while hourly care may suit someone who needs companionship and someone to take them to appointments. It’s also important to choose a provider that aligns with your family’s values and offers personalised care. Speaking with a care consultant can help you explore the best fit.
We will rotate carers as needed for example, covering night waking shifts, holidays, or complex care requirements while ensuring continuity through our Care Manager oversight.
It depends on the level of support someone needs, but the cost of live-in care is usually comparable to or even cheaper than that of a care home, especially for people who prefer to stay in their own home. It’s also important to consider what’s included. With live-in care, you’re receiving one-to-one support tailored to your own routine, and taking into account your preferences when it comes to things like meals and activities, so it can be a better value option. I would recommend families look at both choices side by side, and see what works best for their situation.
No. Live‑in care often works out more affordable than residential or nursing homes when factoring in flexibility, one‑to‑one support, and absence of relocation costs
There are various ways of paying for care depending on your financial situation. Live in care can be an option if you receive direct payments, as well as privately funded. Looking at all options before making a decision will allow you to choose the best option suited to your needs and wants.
A professionally-matched carer lives with your loved one in their home for a minimum agreed period (usually 3+ weeks). They deliver personal care, companionship, domestic help, medication monitoring, and support routines. Part-time live‑in care is also available for those not needing 24/7 support
Absolutely. You don’t need to wait until lots of help is needed before arranging some support. Many families ask for a carer to pop in to take someone shopping, help with the bags, or accompany them to appointments. It’s as much about company as it is about the practical side of things. We can set up a regular visit that suits your mum’s routine. It’s a simple way to help her stay independent and connected.
Planning ahead is a great way to ensure they have the right support in place when the time comes. Start by having conversations about their preferences, such as whether they’d like to start introducing hourly care or consider different care options. Understanding financial aspects, exploring local services, and keeping an eye on any changes in their health or mobility will also help you make informed decisions when needed. Many families choose to introduce small levels of support early on, such as companionship care, to make future transitions smoother.
You can describe home care as having a friendly helper who comes to support someone at home. Try saying, “A carer is like a special friend who helps Granddad with things like making meals, getting dressed, and keeping him company so he stays happy and safe.” This makes the concept feel positive and reassuring.
Dysphagia is a medical term for difficulty swallowing. It’s fairly common in older adults and people with conditions like dementia or Parkinson’s, or people who have had a stroke. It can make eating and drinking harder, and if not managed carefully, it can lead to choking or chest infections. When caring for someone with dysphagia, it’s very important to follow any guidance from speech and language therapists, including avoiding certain textures in meals, or thickening drinks. Don’t rush the person during mealtimes, encourage them to take small bites, and check that they’re sitting upright. If you notice anything like coughing while eating, weight loss, or frequent chest infections, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
A carer matching service helps connect you with a vetted, self-employed carer who matches your needs and preferences. Unlike a fully managed care service, you remain responsible for managing all aspects of your care, including contracts and payments.
CareConnect is ideal for those who want full control over their care and are comfortable handling the administrative side of the arrangement. However, if you prefer a fully managed service with ongoing oversight and support from a dedicated Care Team, take a look at our live-in care packages.
Yes! We provide live‑in and hourly care throughout rural communities. Our specialist consultants understand rural contexts, supporting those in remote areas to remain in the comfort of home.
Visit our “Join Our Care Team” page. You’ll need:
All carers undergo a comprehensive induction, including online training, qualification leading to the Care Certificate, first-aid, medication, moving & handling, and condition-specific training (e.g. MND). Refresher training is also provided.
As a CQC‑registered provider, we meet regulatory standards for safety, quality, staff training, recruitment, and governance. We offer:
Social engagement and staying active are essential for well-being. If getting out and about is becoming difficult, a carer or companion can provide transport, accompany her on outings, or simply offer company at home. Local community groups or befriending services may also help her stay socially connected. The key is to find a balance that supports her independence while ensuring she feels safe and engaged. A lack of social interaction and isolation can have a significant emotional impact, often leading to a decline in physical well-being. In many cases, companionship is just as important—if not more so—than any other aspect of care when it comes to maintaining overall health and well-being.
Small changes can help! Offer drinks she enjoys, such as squash/cordial, (herbal) tea, or flavoured water, if she dislikes plain water. Keep a glass or bottle within easy reach and remind her to sip throughout the day. Foods with high water content, like jelly, fruit, soup, and yoghurt, can also help improve hydration. If needed, a carer can provide gentle reminders and assistance to ensure she drinks enough fluids.
Yes, many live-in carers can accompany the people they support on holiday, both in the UK and abroad. It’s a good way for people to continue enjoying trips with the peace of mind that their care needs are still met. Before travelling, it’s important to plan ahead: checking travel insurance, medication supplies, and whether the destination has suitable facilities. It can make holidays more relaxing for everyone, knowing that support is in place and familiar routines are maintained as much as possible.
Living far away from an ageing parent can be challenging, but there are ways to ensure she gets the care and companionship she needs. A live-in carer can provide round-the-clock support, helping with daily tasks, companionship, and any health-related needs. Regular updates from the carer and video calls with Mum can help you stay involved and reassured that she’s in good hands. Planning ahead and having a trusted support system in place can make all the difference.
Use simple language and reassure them. You can say, “Gran’s brain is like a big library, but some of the books are missing, so she forgets things.” Encourage kindness and patience, and let them know that even if their loved one forgets names, they still love them. Reading age-appropriate books about dementia together can also help.
Care costs can be a concern, but there are different funding options that may be available depending on your mum’s circumstances. Local authority funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and Attendance Allowance are just a few potential sources of support. Read more on our website under Care Costs.
It’s completely understandable for an elderly parent to feel uncertain about accepting care. The best approach is to have open, empathetic conversations, focusing on how care can enhance their independence rather than take it away. Introducing care gradually – perhaps through companionship visits or occasional support – can also help ease the transition. Reassure them that they’ll remain in control and that care is about improving their quality of life, not taking away their freedom.
Yes, respite live-in care is a great option for family carers who need a break. It means a professional carer can move in temporarily and look after your mum while you’re away, following her usual routine and keeping things as familiar as possible. Consistency and reassurance are key to dementia care, so having someone there who understands how to manage memory problems, confusion, or mood changes is important. We can help you plan the respite care so it fits around your holiday dates and your mum’s preferences, so you can have peace of mind while taking time for yourself.
Dementia affects everyone differently, but it typically progresses in stages. Early signs might include memory problems, difficulty finding words, or struggling with everyday tasks. As it develops, people may become more confused, need help with personal care, or show changes in mood and behaviour. In later stages, mobility and communication can become affected too. You should seek advice as soon as you notice any memory issues or confusion that’s affecting daily life. Early support makes a real difference, from getting a proper diagnosis to accessing care, community services, and making practical plans for the future. Don’t wait for a crisis.
Promedica24 can arrange urgent live‑in or so he can leave hospital and be supported at home immediately. We often provide emergency care to facilitate your loved one’s smooth discharge and help provide short term or long term care. An experienced care manager is able to visit your loved one in hospital, complete an assessment and get care organized. Care in your own home often aids recovery as there is no new routine to get used to, or an unfamiliar environment to contend with. The care manager is also able to liaise with other medical professionals on your behalf and with your permission to ensure your return home goes smoothly.
Your Care Manager is your ongoing point of contact, coordinating all aspects of your support:
Our live‑in carers are experienced in palliative and end‑of‑life care. They help with personal care, medication management, emotional support, mobility, and companionship creating a stable, compassionate environment at home. This will enable the family to spend time with their loved one without worrying about the day to day tasks. Our live in care worker will be there throughout the day and night and give peace of mind during a difficult time.
It’s understandable to have concerns, but there are care solutions that can help your daughter live independently while still receiving the support she needs. A live-in carer can provide assistance with daily tasks, ensuring she remains safe and well-supported while allowing her to enjoy university life. Tailored care plans can be designed to fit her needs, giving both of you peace of mind. It’s worth exploring options early so she can transition smoothly into this new chapter.
Yes, planning ahead can be really beneficial. Exploring care options early allows you to understand what support is available and ensures your parents have a say in their future care. It also means that when the time comes, you won’t have to make rushed decisions during a crisis. Starting conversations now can help normalise the idea of care, making any future transitions smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. Even if care isn’t needed yet, small support measures—like companionship visits or help with household tasks—can make a big difference in maintaining their independence.
Caring for loved ones while juggling other responsibilities can be exhausting, and it’s important to look after your own well-being too. Home care services can provide support for your parents, whether through live-in care or regular visits from an hourly carer. This can ease your workload and ensure they receive professional, compassionate care. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it allows you to be there for your family without sacrificing your own health.
Our hourly carers can provide reassuring presence and routines: assisting with reorientation, offering emotional support, re-establishing daily rhythms, encouraging mobility, medication reminders and companionship, ideal to reduce confusion and anxiety.
A live-in carer moves into the person’s home to provide hands-on, daily support. They help with personal care such as washing, dressing, and medication management, and can also support with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Live-in carers are also provide a friendly face for conversation and companionship. If someone has specialist needs such as Parkinson’s or dementia, the carer will handle this safely and sensitively, and in collaboration with the person’s healthcare providers, for example GPs or neurologists. With live-in care, everything is tailored around the person’s usual routine so they can keep living comfortably and safely in their own home.
Being registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) means that a care provider meets strict standards for safety, quality, and professionalism. CQC regularly inspects and monitors care services to ensure they are delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Choosing a CQC-registered provider gives you peace of mind that the service is accountable, well-regulated, and committed to continuous improvement.
A fully managed service means every aspect of your care is overseen by a regulated provider such as us. We recruit and train carers, complete risk assessments, manage care plans, and handle any day-to-day concerns. It gives families reassurance that their loved one is being supported by professional carers backed by experienced care managers who offer additional guidance and regularly review the care plan. It also means that the services is regulated, inspected, and rated by the Care Quality Commission for an extra layer of safety and accountability.
It’s a good idea to start these conversations early! As your child approaches 18, their care and support arrangements will be reviewed. Your local authority should carry out a “child’s needs assessment” before your child turns 18, to help plan for transition to adult services. This looks at future social care, education, housing, finances, and work opportunities. They should also offer a carer’s assessment for you, and, if your child needs ongoing support, draw up a care and support plan. Depending on your child’s needs and their aspirations for the future, this could include residential services, support in the community, or ongoing care at home. If you and your child are looking at live-in support at home once they turn 18, we can carry out a care assessment and work alongside local authorities to build a personalised care package that works best for your situation.
Caring for an active disabled adult can be physically and emotionally demanding. A professional live-in or hourly carer can provide support by engaging him in activities, ensuring his safety, and assisting with daily routines. This allows you to take breaks while knowing he’s in good hands. Personalised care can be tailored to his needs, promoting independence while giving you peace of mind.
Yes, there are a few things live-in carers can’t do. They’re not permitted to carry out invasive medical procedures like giving injections, changing catheters, or managing controlled drugs unless specifically trained and authorised. They also can’t handle large sums of money or make financial decisions on behalf of the person they’re caring for. Heavy lifting, climbing ladders, or using specialist medical equipment without training is also restricted. We’re very clear about what’s safe, legal, and in the person’s best interests. If extra support is needed, like district nursing visits, we can help arrange this alongside the care package.
Yes, we offer short-term hospital discharge care in our hourly care locations. Whether you need support for 48 hours or a few weeks, an hourly carer can assist with tasks like mobility, meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal care during your recovery. That way you have the help you need while staying in the comfort of your own home. If your recovery is likely to take longer than two weeks, you could also look at our short-term live-in care services.
Via the “Join Our Care Team” page. Requirements include DBS clearance, right to work, fluent English, driver’s licence with car, and compassionate nature. Benefits: flexible hours, £12–£13/hour (higher on weekends), expenses, pension, leave, uniform and full training .
Absolutely. We offer hourly care services within local communities, ideal for hospital visits or discharge support. A trained carer can visit your mum in hospital (subject to hospital policy) to help with personal care, companionship, errands, and more .
