01
Agree what the support is intended to achieve
Begin with the person receiving care. What would staying at home make possible, and what do they want help with? Write down the daily tasks, preferences and existing family involvement. For a couple, explain each person’s needs separately. Assessment must establish what one professional can safely provide and where additional staffing or specialist input is needed.
02
Discuss a suitable private room and facilities
A live-in care professional normally needs a private bedroom and appropriate access to household facilities. Ask the provider what is required before making changes or buying furniture. Discuss privacy, storage, internet access and any equipment relevant to the assessed arrangement. The person’s own space and preferences matter too: the home should still feel like their home.
- Private sleeping space
- Bathroom and kitchen arrangements
- Household access and security
- Equipment and safe working space
03
Explain the household’s normal routines
Share preferred meal times, food choices, faith or cultural practices, pets, smoking, visitors and quiet time. Discuss shopping and household expenses, including what is covered by the written agreement. Matching should consider practical needs and personal compatibility, with clear professional boundaries. Ask how an introduction will work and how concerns about the match can be raised.
04
Plan breaks, cover and nights before the start date
Live-in care does not mean one person is awake and working continuously. Agree breaks, sleep, rotation and how support will be covered when the professional is unavailable. Explain any regular help needed overnight. Waking nights, double-up support and clinical input may require additional arrangements and separate quotation. Do not leave these questions until the first evening.
- Who covers planned breaks?
- How are leave and sickness covered?
- What happens if night needs change?
- Who is the out-of-hours contact?
05
Read the complete proposal
Check the written tasks, staffing pattern, start arrangements, fees, expenses, notice terms and review process. Care Circle currently advertises live-in care from £1,310 per week after assessment. That starting figure does not establish the cost of every package: location, needs, nights, additional staff and any clinical input affect the individual quotation. Compare the whole arrangement with your requirements.
06
Arrange an assessment in your area
Care Circle welcomes live-in care enquiries across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk. Tell us the postcode, intended start period, daily support needs and what happens at night. We will discuss assessment and suitable availability before proposing care. Call 0333 006 2393 or use the live-in enquiry route to arrange a conversation.