Signs Your Loved One May Be Ready for Live-In Care

  24th November, 2025

As our loved ones get older, their needs can change in ways that may be difficult to manage alone. Families often try to support as much as they can, but there may come a point where extra help is not only useful but essential for safety, comfort, and peace of mind. One option that offers round-the-clock support without the upheaval of moving into a care home is live in care.

If you’re unsure whether the time is right, here are some clear signs that your loved one may benefit from having a carer living with them at home.

1. They’re Struggling with Daily Tasks

If everyday tasks like cooking, washing, dressing, or moving around the house are becoming difficult, it may be a sign that your loved one needs more consistent support. You might notice unwashed dishes, unopened post, or changes in personal hygiene. A live in carer can help with these tasks while encouraging as much independence as possible.

2. Increasing Falls or Safety Concerns

Falls are one of the most common reasons older adults require additional care. If your loved one has fallen recently or you are worried about their balance, stairs, or medication routines, having someone there 24/7 can significantly reduce risks and help them feel safer at home.

3. Changes in Memory or Confusion

Memory lapses happen to everyone, but frequent confusion, missed medication, leaving appliances on, or becoming disoriented can be signs of dementia or cognitive decline. In these situations, safety and supervision become a priority. Live-in carers can provide reassurance, structure, and gentle reminders throughout the day.

4. Loneliness or Isolation

Living alone can be emotionally challenging, especially for someone who has lost a partner, has limited mobility, or can no longer get out as often. Loneliness can affect mental and physical well-being. A live-in carer offers companionship, conversation, and help staying connected to hobbies, friends, and community.

5. Family Pressures and Carer Burnout

Family members often do everything they can to help, but caring can be exhausting. If relatives are struggling to balance work, rest, and personal responsibilities, bringing in a professional can relieve pressure while ensuring your loved one receives the support they deserve.

When to Take the Next Step

If one or several of these signs sound familiar, it may be time to explore live in care in more detail. It allows your loved one to stay in the place they know and love, surrounded by familiar comforts, while receiving compassionate support tailored to their needs.

Arbour Care is here to guide you through the process with understanding, clarity, and respect. If you’d like to talk about options for your family, our team is always ready to help.

"My friend has received continuous live in care for the last three years from Arbour Care. All the carers they have provided have been very good and the last two carers, who have worked back to back, have been excellent in every way. They have always accompanied her to church and church activities which has been a real blessing. They have become very fond of my friend and she of them. The owner was very helpful in coming to see my friend and assessing her needs before we decided that live in care was appropriate and this was much appreciated as it gave my friend confidence that this was the right thing for her at that particular phase of her life. The staff are extremely friendly and have always been very co-operative. If I have had any queries they have always been extremely helpful and assisted me in every way. I have no hesitation in recommending their services."

Jacky Breadmore

"We used Arbour Care to provide care for our parents while we were on holiday. Our parents were originally reluctant to have someone living in their home but eventually agreed that it was the best option. The care they received was so good, the carer cooked delicious meals (I need some recipe ideas!) she was company for Dad and made it possible for us to enjoy our holiday knowing there was someone available if anything was to happen. We would have no hesitation in recommending Arbour Care to anyone looking for care providers."

Clare H

"The carers have been very good, one even using her free time to visit the husband in hospital and really going the extra mile."

ED Westcott

"The care that Jola provides is fabulous in every respect. I cannot praise her highly enough for the patience she shows with. It was a happy day when she came to us."

RL Englefield Green

"As far as I am concerned, Roberta has been an absolute rock for our family. Completely unselfish in her care and invaluable."

CB Guildford

"We are absolutely delighted with Karolina she is gentle and kind I love chatting to her and really enjoy her company."

JH Cambridge

"Arbour provided live-in carers for my wife for six years from 2017-2023 including the pandemic. My main impression is of a very professional organisation in which owners and staff worked all the time to provide the support the client needed at as high a standard as possible. They gave equal attention to statutory requirements, care plans and staff training and never cut any corners."

Mark

"The support that we have had from Arbour Care has been, quite literally, lifesaving. They found an amazing carer to look after my elderly and disabled husband, who is very experienced, kind and thoughtful. She has made an enormous positive difference to the quality of our lives and I will always be grateful to her and cannot thank her enough."

Jesse

"Arbour Companions & Care's support over the last 20 months has been amazing. They found a wonderful carer to look after my husband who has a physical disability, with additional support provided by her supervisor. As his medical conditions have become more complicated, they have supported the carer and me, finding solutions to keep him living at home. Separately, the conversations that I had with members of their office team have been helpful and professional. I would happily recommend their services."

AB Chobham

"On behalf of myself and my sisters, we would like to thank the whole Arbour team that helped care for our Aunty on and off for the last 2 years. Without their help and support, she would not have been able to stay in her home which she loved. The team's communication was superb and all were professional, caring and helpful. We would highly recommend them."

Fiona M

"Hello everyone! My name is Edit, and I'm thrilled to share a little bit about my journey as a live-in carer. For the past couple of years, I've had the privilege of providing care and companionship to an elderly lady. It's a role that truly comes from the heart, and I find immense satisfaction in ensuring her comfort and well-being every single day."

Edit

"I am very happy with the agency. I am grateful for the level of interest that your carers show, and your personal approach. You know all your clients really well and that shows."

D. Sullivan

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