Live-in support for everyday life, with your choices, routines and interests at the centre.
If you or someone you love needs more help at home, a live-in carer offers practical support and companionship while helping you continue the activities which matter to you.
Country Cousins has introduced people to live-in carers since 1959. We take time to understand your support needs, how you like to live and your preferences for someone sharing your home.
We are an introductory agency. We introduce self-employed carers, and you or your representative agree the arrangements directly with your chosen carer and oversee day-to-day support. Country Cousins does not manage or supervise the care delivered.
Our team will discuss whether this arrangement suits your circumstances. If you need a fully managed service, ask about the option available through our sister company, Trinity Homecare.
What is elderly live-in care?
Elderly live-in care means a carer lives in your home and provides agreed support with daily life. This includes practical help, personal care and companionship, depending on your needs and the carer’s skills.
Support might involve washing and dressing, preparing meals, medication reminders, household tasks or accompaniment to appointments. For some people, companionship and help to continue hobbies are the main priorities.
The aim is to support your choices and abilities while helping you remain connected to family, friends, pets and your local community.
Home care or a care home: which is better?
The right setting depends on your wishes, support needs, home environment and available help. Consider overnight support, mobility, any nursing needs and who will oversee the arrangements.
| Consideration | Live-in support at home | Care Home |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | You remain in your own home. | You move into a residential setting. |
| Routines and meals | You agree support around your routines and circumstances. | Ask how the home supports individual routines, food choices and meal times. |
| Support | One-to-one help during agreed hours. Additional cover is needed for breaks or other gaps. | A staff team supports residents. Staffing and nursing provision vary by home. |
| Social life | Continue local connections and receive visitors at home. | Communal activities and company is available. Ask about visitors and outings. |
| Oversight | With Country Cousins, you or your representative oversee day-to-day arrangements. | the provider manages care and staffing. |
| Costs | Consider carer and agency gees, household costs and any additional support. | Check the accommodation, meals, care and extras included in the fee. |
What support at home includes
The tasks agreed with your carer should reflect your needs and their relevant skills and experience.
Depending on suitability, support includes:
- Washing, dressing, personal hygiene and getting ready for bed.
- Toileting and continence care.
- Preparing meals and drinks, shopping and agreed household errands.
- Medication reminders and agreed help with collecting prescriptions.
- Cleaning, laundry and other agreed household tasks.
- Companionship, hobbies, outings and appointments.
- Agreed help with pets.
- Mobility assistance within the carer’s skills and the agreed arrangements.
Medication reminders are different from administering medication. Explain the exact help needed before an introduction. Support involving hoisting, specialist equipment, complex moving and handling or clinical tasks needs a specific suitability discussion and appropriate skills. These tasks are not automatically included.
A diagnosis such as dementia or Parkinson’s does not, by itself, determine whether the introductory service is suitable. The person’s daily needs, risks and available oversight matter. Where needs require provider-led management or specialist input, our team will discuss other options.
Working hours and overnight support
A live-in carer needs regular breaks and time to sleep. Agree tasks, working hours, rest periods and overnight requirements before support starts. Arrange additional help if support is needed during breaks or other times when the carer is unavailable.
Frequent night-time assistance or continuous supervision requires additional planning. Discuss these needs with our team rather than assuming one live-in carer provides continuous day-and-night support.
The benefits of support at home
For people whose needs suit the arrangement, live-in support offers:
- Help to continue daily activities and make personal choices.
- One-to-one assistance during agreed working hours.
- Familiar surroundings and routines.
- Companionship and support with social connections.
- Practical help shaped around individual preferences.
The benefits depend on a suitable match, clear arrangements and support which keeps pace with changing needs.
Helping Mary find her feet again
After a hip fracture, Mary and her family had to think carefully about what would happen next. Residential care was one option, but they wanted to see whether Mary could continue living at home with the right support.
Live-in care gave her the help she needed while allowing her to recover in familiar surroundings.
How we match you with a live-in carer
Relevant experience matters, alongside personality and compatibility.
We consider:
- Support needs, including personal care, mobility, communication and overnight requirements.
- Relevant skills, training and experience for the agreed tasks.
- Personality and interests, including hobbies and pets.
- Routines, appointments and social activities.
- Location preferences, availability and assignment length.
Tell us which preferences matter most. For example, a carer who enjoys cooking or feels comfortable around dogs might suit your household. We will discuss suitable options and any limits on availability.
The benefits of elderly care at home
Staying at home with the right support can offer benefits that go beyond the practical help a carer provides.
How the arrangement works
1. Talk to us
Tell us about your needs, your home and what you want support to help you do. We will explain the introductory service and your role in managing the arrangement.
2. Consider a suitable match
We identify suitable carers for you to consider. Discuss your expectations and the proposed arrangement before deciding.
3. Agree and begin support
Agree terms directly with your chosen carer, including tasks, working hours, breaks, fees, overnight needs and the start date. You will need suitable accommodation for the carer and arrangements for food and household expenses.
You or your representative oversee day-to-day support. Agree how changes, absences and concerns will be handled. Country Cousins will discuss further matching options when needed, subject to availability.
What live-in care costs
The total cost depends on your support needs, the carer’s experience and the arrangements agreed. Ask our team for current pricing and a breakdown before committing.
Check the registration fee, agency fee, carer fee, travel expenses, bank holiday rates and any overnight charges. You will also continue to meet household costs and provide agreed accommodation and food for the carer. Additional cover adds to the total cost.
When comparing care options, check what each fee includes. A care home fee usually includes accommodation and meals, while support at home sits alongside your usual household expenses.
Funding depends on individual circumstances and eligibility. Contact your local authority or NHS services for advice about assessments and available support. Read our live-in care cost guide for more information.
Elderly care describes support for older people with everyday life. Help should reflect the individual’s needs, abilities and preferences, rather than assumptions about age.
There is no single age which determines when someone needs care. Consider the help needed with daily life and the person’s wishes.
Many people pay privately. Others qualify for financial support following the relevant assessments. Contact your local authority or NHS services to explore eligibility and ask us for a clear breakdown of private fees.
We introduce self-employed carers for assignments across the UK. A suitable carer is not necessarily based nearby. Discuss location preferences, availability and travel arrangements with our team.
Our selection process includes an interview, references, right-to-work checks and relevant criminal-record checks. We also review evidence of experience and professional development. Ask our team about the checks completed for a proposed carer.
Training and experience vary between carers. Discuss the skills needed for your specific tasks and ask about relevant training and experience when considering a match. Do not assume every carer holds the same qualifications.
Include these tasks in your discussion before agreeing terms. Explain food preferences, household routines, shopping needs and any driving requirements. The tasks must fit within the agreed role and working hours.
We introduce suitable options according to your requirements and carer availability. You decide whether to proceed with a proposed match. Availability affects the choices and start dates offered.
Raise concerns promptly with the carer where appropriate and contact Country Cousins to discuss the match. We will explore alternatives, subject to availability and the terms of your arrangement. Arrange safe interim support if needed.
Tell us about the person’s specific needs, including communication, mobility, personal care, medication and supervision. We will discuss relevant experience and whether an introductory arrangement is suitable. More complex needs require a separate discussion about oversight and specialist support.
Agree which activities you want to continue and where you need help. A carer should encourage your participation and choices, offering assistance which fits your abilities and preferences.
The start date depends on your needs, location, suitable carer availability and completion of the agreed arrangements. Tell us if you need urgent support. Our team will explain the earliest suitable options without promising a fixed start time.
You or your representative agree terms directly with the self-employed carer and oversee day-to-day support. Country Cousins provides introductions and matching. For provider-led care management and supervision, ask about Trinity Homecare’s fully managed service.
Talk to Country Cousins
Speak to our team about the support you need, your preferences and whether an introductory live-in arrangement suits your circumstances.
Call 01293 224 706 or complete our online enquiry form. Lines open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm & Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Reviewed by Barbara Baig, Head of Quality and Continuous Improvement. Wednesday 14th October 2026.
