How to find a live in carer

The the first step to take when searching for live in care is to understand your own needs and choose the type of care that fits around your lifestyle.

It might be that you are looking for someone to help with housework, medication, mobility and running errands. On the other hand, you may require companionship from a live-in carer who can also assist with personal care.

Once you have a clearer idea about the specific areas you need help with, the next step is to find a suitable live-in carer that can deliver the type of care you need.

This guide will walk you through how to find a live-in carer who's not just qualified on paper, but truly compatible with you.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is a form of support where a professional carer moves into the home to provide help, companionship and reassurance throughout the day and night.

It offers a way to receive personalised care without leaving your home, allowing daily life to continue in a setting that already feels safe and meaningful. This kind of care can benefit anyone who needs consistent, tailored support, whether due to age-related changes, reduced mobility or ongoing health needs.

What to consider when searching for a live-in carer

Start by thinking about the level of care that will be required. It’s also worth considering how you will fund your care, so you have a clear sense of what is possible from the outset.

Compatibility

Finding someone whose outlook, habits and way of communicating naturally complement your own helps build trust from the start.

Many care agencies recognise how important this step is and give families the chance to speak with potential carers, before any formal arrangement is made. This gives you a chance to assess whether their values and communication methods are the right match before committing.

Practicalities matter too. Both you and the carer will at times need space and privacy, so this should be considered before making any arrangement. Taking time to reflect on these points before speaking to agencies or carers will help you make decisions with confidence.

Experience and qualifications

When choosing a carer, it’s vital to check that they have the right background and training for the specific type of support you need. This includes confirmed qualifications, relevant certificates and hands-on experience in any specialist areas you may need such as dementia care, mobility support or personal assistance. Most reputable agencies carry out detailed background checks, including DBS verification, and provide references so you can be confident in the carer’s professionalism and reliability.

Cost of care

Live-in care costs can vary depending on how much help is needed and how long the care is provided. It’s worth exploring funding routes like local authority support or NHS Continuing Healthcare to help manage expenses and make sure care remains affordable.

Questions to ask before you decide

Knowing how to find a live in carer who truly fits begins with the right questions. These early conversations are your chance to understand how a carer works, what matters to them and whether their approach feels compatible with your needs.

Ask about their experience, the types of care they have provided and how they respond to unexpected changes or emergencies. It’s also helpful to learn what a typical day of care looks like and how they support independence, dignity and respect.

Examples of questions you could ask:

• What is the most complex medical or personal care situation you have managed?
• What training or certifications do you hold that are relevant to my specific needs (e.g, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, diabetes management)?
• Can you describe how you've helped a client maintain a hobby or interest they love?
• What does a 'good day' look like in your care routine, and what does a 'challenging day' look like?
• How do you balance ensuring safety with promoting independence?

Practicalities and boundaries

Be sure to ask any potential carers about expectations for breaks, privacy, and use of common spaces. It is also important to find out how they typically handle grocery shopping, meal preparation, and other household tasks when caring for someone.

Most importantly, listen to how you feel during these discussions. Practical answers are valuable, but your instinct about comfort and trust will often tell you just as much about whether it’s the right match.

Do your due diligence

Once you have discussed qualifications and experience, the next step is to make sure everything is properly verified. If you are not going through an agency that carries out background checks, ask to see official documentation such as proof of training, a current DBS certificate and contact details for referees who can confirm the carer’s professionalism and reliability. These checks might feel formal, but they are there to protect you and ensure that the person you welcome into your home meets the highest standards of care.

If you’re working through an agency, take a moment to confirm that it is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or the equivalent regulatory body. This means their carers are vetted, supervised and regularly assessed for the quality of support they provide.

Doing your due diligence might take a little extra time, but it offers lasting reassurance.

How to find a live-in carer using Autumna

If you are looking for a live-in carer, Autumna makes the search much easier for you. Our search directory can connect you with a list of suitable live in care agencies in the capital.

Simply head over to our homepage and select ‘live-in’ care above the search bar. Type in your preference and our platform will then generate a list of search results in your area.

You can also use our FREE Shortlisting Tool and answer some questions to receive a more personalised list of live in care agencies in the UK that match your requirements. If you need to talk through your options, contact us on 01892 335 330.