Living with a disability doesn’t mean giving up the routines, relationships and activities that matter to you. With the right support at home, you can continue to make your own choices and enjoy everyday life in a way that suits you.
A live-in carer can help with daily tasks, getting to work or college, going shopping or spending time with friends. The support is agreed around your needs, circumstances and routine.
At Country Cousins, we help adults with disabilities find suitable live-in carers. We introduce carefully vetted, self-employed carers, so you can choose someone you’re comfortable welcoming into your home.
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Bespoke disability care from Country Cousins
Everyone has different support needs. Depending on what you agree with your carer, help may include:
- Companionship and conversation
- Preparing meals to suit your tastes and dietary needs
- Light household tasks and shopping
- Getting to appointments, outings and social activities
- Help with washing, bathing and dressing
Your needs may change over time. If they do, you can discuss adjustments to your care arrangements with your carer and contact us if you’d like help exploring other matches.
Live-in carers provide agreed practical and personal support. Medical treatment, nursing and therapy remain the responsibility of your healthcare professionals. Any help with medication, such as reminders, should be agreed as part of your arrangement.
Why is disability care important?
Having support with everyday tasks can make it easier to stay independent, keep in touch with friends and family and take part in the activities you enjoy.
That might mean getting ready for work, going to a favourite class or having help with tasks that have become more difficult. Good support also respects your privacy and gives you the space to do things for yourself whenever you can.
For family members who provide regular help, a live-in carer can take some of the pressure off. This can leave more time to enjoy each other’s company rather than focusing every visit on practical tasks.
Disabilities and conditions we can help with
Disability affects everyone differently. The conditions below are examples of where live-in care may help. We’ll discuss your individual needs and look for a carer with relevant experience.
Physical and neurological conditions
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s
- Motor neurone disease
- Recovery after a stroke
These conditions can affect movement, coordination and stamina. Depending on your needs, a carer may help with personal care, preparing meals, getting to appointments or moving around the home, following advice from your healthcare team.
Learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions
- Learning disabilities
- Down’s syndrome
- Autism
Everyone has different strengths, preferences and support needs. A carer might help you plan your week, prepare meals, get to work or enjoy activities in your community.
Clear communication and familiar routines can make a real difference. We’ll take time to understand what helps you feel comfortable and what you’d like support with. You can read more about learning disabilities and autism on the NHS website.
Sight and hearing loss
- Sight loss
- Hearing loss
Support might include reading letters aloud, helping you navigate unfamiliar places or accompanying you on outings. We’ll talk through the support you need, including whether you need help overnight, to see whether a live-in arrangement is suitable.
What a live-in arrangement includes, day and night
Your carer lives in your home but doesn’t work around the clock. They’ll need a private bedroom, proper rest overnight and daily breaks. Occasional help during the night may be agreed, but regular overnight support may require a waking-night carer or additional help. Find out more about overnight care.
If you use a hoist or other moving and handling equipment, let us know when discussing your needs. Some transfers require two people, which one live-in carer can’t safely manage alone.
How we match you with a carer
Choosing someone to share your home is a personal decision. Your dedicated Care Relationship Executive will discuss your support needs, daily routine and the qualities you’d value in a carer.
Every carer we introduce goes through our selection process, including an interview, reference checks and a DBS or PVG criminal record check. We also ask for at least 12 months’ experience in a care setting.
When looking for a suitable match, we consider:
- Your care needs: The practical support you need and any relevant experience or moving and handling skills.
- Personality and communication: How you like to communicate and who you’d feel comfortable sharing your home with.
- Interests: Whether you enjoy cooking, gardening, pets or other activities together.
- Location: Where possible, finding someone within reasonable travelling distance.
- Practical preferences: For example, whether you need a carer who drives or can accommodate particular dietary requirements.
How introductory live-in care works
Country Cousins is an introductory agency. We introduce you to carefully vetted, self-employed carers, and you choose your carer, agree arrangements directly with them and oversee care day to day. Your Care Relationship Executive provides matching and ongoing support.
This gives you a say in who supports you and how care is organised. It also means you, or someone acting on your behalf, will need to oversee the arrangement. If you’d prefer a provider to manage care for you, read our guide to introductory vs fully managed live-in care.
What does disability care at home cost?
The cost depends on the support you need and how long care is arranged for. Short-term care lasting less than four weeks is priced differently from ongoing live-in care.
Your costs may include:
- The fee paid directly to your carer
- Agency charges and a one-off registration fee
- Agreed extras, such as travel or bank holiday rates
- Your carer’s food and a share of household bills
We’ll explain the relevant costs before you decide. Read our guide to the cost of live-in care or compare options on our live-in care price comparison page.
Help with funding
You may be eligible for financial support towards your care. In England, your local council can carry out a needs assessment to work out what help you need. If you’re eligible, a financial assessment will show whether the council can contribute to the cost. You may also be able to use direct payments to arrange eligible care yourself. Ask your council whether these can be used for an introductory live-in care arrangement.
Depending on your circumstances, disability benefits may also help with additional living costs. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is generally available to eligible people who claim before State Pension age, while Attendance Allowance may be relevant after that age. Scotland has separate benefits, including Adult Disability Payment and Pension Age Disability Payment.
Eligibility varies, so check the official guidance for your circumstances and where you live.
Questions about disability care at home
Your carer will need a private bedroom and access to a bathroom and kitchen. It’s also worth discussing how you’ll share living spaces and make room for privacy. If you’re unsure whether your home is suitable, talk it through with us.
Availability depends on where you live, your support needs and the experience you’re looking for. We’ll discuss what’s possible and be honest about likely timescales. If live-in care isn’t suitable, we can talk through alternatives, such as visiting care or a fully managed provider.
Yes. You might need a carer for a few weeks while a family member takes a break or while you recover after a hospital stay. Our guide to respite care at home explains more.
Possibly. One carer may be able to support both partners, depending on the help each person needs and when they need it. Find out more about care for couples at home.
You may also be interested in
If you’re considering additional support, or arranging care alongside another condition, these related services may help you explore your options.
Talk to our team today
Country Cousins has been introducing live-in carers to people in their own homes since 1959. Call us on 01293 224 706 to discuss your needs and request a quotation. There’s no obligation to go ahead.
Our lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. You can also complete our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you.
