Outstanding in Essex
Providers of CQC Rated outstanding home care services to older people in their own homes, giving you complete peace of mind.
Speak to a care expert
- Personalised round-the-clock support - 24/7 expert care from a Caregiver who knows everything from your medication routine to how you like your cup of tea.
- A team that knows your area - Experienced Caregivers supporting families from Basildon to Braintree and everywhere in between.
- Stay independent in familiar surroundings - Helping individuals remain at home, close to loved ones, local parks, and the high streets they know.




My mum’s got all her things around her, she’s got more freedom and 1-1 with the carers. She sleeps better, eats better, is more content and can go out when she likes.
Rated 9.9/10 on homecare.co.uk


One of the Top 20 Home Care Groups in 2024 - homecare.co.uk
What is live-in care and how does it work?
Live-in care provides round-the-clock support from a professional Caregiver who stays in your home. It’s a practical alternative to a care home, allowing you or your loved one to receive continuous, tailored support in familiar surroundings.
Is 24-hour live-In care suitable for my loved one?
Live-in care is a great option for those who need ongoing support but want to stay in the place they know and love. Whether your loved one enjoys the village charm of Ingatestone or the green open spaces of Loughton, they can continue their usual routines while receiving the care they need at home.
This type of support is especially beneficial for those with long-term health conditions, limited mobility, or anyone who values daily assistance and companionship. With a dedicated Caregiver by their side, your they can maintain their independence and quality of life in familiar surroundings.
Meet your Live-In Care Manager for Essex
Kate McGourlay, our Live-In Care Manager for Essex, joined us in 2021 after a 30-year career as a paediatric sister. She brings extensive nursing knowledge and a warm, personal approach to supporting both clients and Caregivers.
Kate creates tailored care plans, offers hands-on support to her team, and ensures every client feels heard and cared for. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband, two daughters, and their Labrador, Ferdie. She finds real joy in hearing clients’ stories and seeing the positive difference care can make.
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC




Kate
Live-In Care Manager For Essex
Understanding live-in care costs in Essex
Live-in care offers a desirable option for those wishing to remain in their familiar home environment while receiving needed support. The costs for live-in care vary, reflecting factors like care needs, provider experience, and location.
Care for couples
An expert Caregiver provides personalised, round-the-clock care for both partners, ensuring they can continue to live comfortably together at home.
£2,240 /per week
No setup fees
Free assessment
Care for individuals
Attentive one-to-one support from a fully-trained Caregiver ensures all your needs are met and you can remain safe and comfortable at home.
£1,785 /per week
No setup fees
Free assessment
What our pricing includes
- Tailored care plans to meet individual needs
- Emotional support and companionship
- Help with daily activities: personal care, meal prep, light housework, and medication management
- Specialist care for complex conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s
- Regular check-ins and updates with family members
- 24/7 support from a dedicated Care Manager
- No minimum term or lengthy contracts
Why costs vary?
Several factors can affect live-in care pricing:
Regional factors
Costs can vary by area, with higher prices often found where demand for care is greater and local living costs are higher.
Care requirements
More intensive care, especially for complex conditions, increases costs due to the need for specialist support.
Type of provider
Regulated providers, overseen by the CQC, may charge more due to strict standards and detailed care management.
Funding support for live-in care
There are two main sources of funding support for live-in care:
Local authority contribution: Financial support may be offered, dependent on an assessment of care needs and financial circumstances.
NHS continuing healthcare:This covers all costs for those with substantial medical needs, following an NHS eligibility assessment.
Other financial support
Some benefits help with extra costs for health or disability:
Attendance allowance: Â Weekly payments available for those over State Pension age who need assistance due to health or disability issues.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Financial support for those aged 16 to State Pension age with ongoing health conditions or disabilities
We provide live-in care across the whole of including:
Basildon
Benfleet
Billericay
Braintree
Brentwood
Chelmsford
Clacton-on-Sea
Colchester
Grays
Harlow
Southend-on-Sea
Wickford
As well as providing Live In Care in Essex, we also provide live‑in care across England, including the neighbouring counties of Suffolk and Kent. Looking for another area? See all our locations.
How to find a high-quality care service in Essex
Live-in care is an excellent option for those who need regular support but want to stay in the place they know and love. With live-in care, your loved one can continue to enjoy the serene beauty of Brentwood's parks or the historic appeal of Billericay, all while living comfortably in their own home.
Factors to look for when choosing live-in care
Services offered
Ensure the provider offers the right level of support for your loved one’s needs.
Experience & reputation
Look for a provider with a strong track record, well-trained Caregivers, and positive client reviews.
Personalised matching
A good provider carefully pairs Caregivers with clients based on needs and personality.
Regulatory standards
Choose a provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for safety and quality assurance.
Quality monitoring
Regular assessments ensure care remains high-quality and responsive to changing needs.
Emergency & contingency planning
A reliable provider should have backup plans in place if a Caregiver is unavailable to ensure continuous care and support.
Transparent costs & communication
Look for clear pricing, open communication, and a structured process for feedback.
Family involvement
The best providers encourage families to be part of care decisions and ongoing support.
Personalised care in just
Simple steps to get the right care in place quickly
1. You’ve found the right care
You’re on the right path to personalised live in care.
You're here
2. Free assessment
Call or enquire online. We’ll start with a chat and arrange a free home visit within days to ensure you get the right care.
3. Crafting your care plan
We’ll create a care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs and lifestyle.
4. Matching your Caregiver
Together we'll find a Caregiver who's a perfect match for your loved one’s needs and personality.
5. Care in place
Care usually starts within a week. Your Care Manager will attend on day one and check in again on day seven.
What does a live-in Carer do?
A live-in Caregiver provides more than essential support - they enhance daily life by offering both physical assistance and emotional reassurance within the comfort of home.
Personal care: Assisting with washing, dressing, and grooming.
Medication assistance: Ensuring medications are taken safely and on time.
Meal preparation: Preparing meals that suit dietary preferences.
Monitoring wellbeing: Watching for health changes and raising concerns.
Companionship: Offering conversation, company, and reassurance.
Mobility support: Assisting with safe movement indoors and out.
Housekeeping: Keeping the home tidy, clean, and comfortable.
Hobbies & social activities: Supporting hobbies and social outings.
"I can't really thank the carers enough for the practical and emotional assistance and reassurance they currently bring to my elderly dad. The quality of care provided is high, and office and care staff seem to take such pride in their work. Thank you Unique."
VF, daughter of a client via Homecare.co.uk
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC


Benefits of home care in Essex
Home care enhances quality of life by providing personalised support while promoting independence:
Tailored personal care: Support is customised to individual needs, ensuring comfort and dignity.
Independence at home: Round-the-clock care provides reassurance for both clients and families.
Flexible and adaptive care: Support evolves with changing needs, offering the right help at the right time.
Family involvement: Loved ones can stay actively involved in care decisions and daily life.
Cost-effective alternative: For couples needing support, it's often more affordable than residential care.
Emotional wellbeing: Familiar surroundings reduce stress, promoting a sense of security and happiness.
Continuity of care: A consistent Caregiver builds trust and understands personal preferences.
Better health outcomes: Regular monitoring helps prevent issues and ensures early intervention.


Caregivers in Essex
We select just one in 80 applicants to ensure outstanding care. Every Caregiver has at least a year of experience and a strong commitment to quality.
Training & development that sets us apart
Comprehensive training: Covers dementia care, first aid, and medication management.
Ongoing learning: Regular training keeps your Caregivers up to date with best practices.
Award-winning: Recognised with the Princess Royal Training Award and as Centre of Excellence by Skills for Care.
 Skilled Caregivers: Highly trained and dedicated professionals ensure you’re always in safe hands.
Understanding different in Essex
Finding the right care starts with understanding what’s available. Whether your loved one needs occasional support or full-time care, here’s a quick guide to the options.
Types of care services
Home care:Â Personalised support at home, tailored to individual needs and routines.
Day care: Daytime assistance with activities, companionship, and social engagement.
Residential care: 24/7 support in a communal setting for those with higher needs.
Specialist care: Focused care for conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, or palliative needs.


The difference between live-in care at home and residential care
Understanding the difference between live-in care and residential care can help you decide what’s best for your loved one.
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC


Home care
One-to-one support in the person’s own home.
Care is personalised to meet individual needs.
Encourages independence and familiar routines.
Provides emotional comfort in familiar surroundings.
Family plays an active role in everyday decisions.
Residential care
 Care is provided in a shared living environment.
Requires adapting to a new home setting.
 Includes group-based activities and social schedules.
Daily living follows scheduled routines
Family visits may follow set times.
Download your guide to live-in care
Live-in care guide
All you need to know about live-in care


A 38-page resource covering how it works, costs, and funding. Perfect for those who want a detailed understanding before making a decision.
Live-in care brochure
A simple overview of live-in care


A short, easy-to-read guide covering the key benefits and how it works. Ideal for those looking for a quick introduction.
Live-in care in Essex – FAQs
Find answers to your questions about our live in care services and how we can help.
Yes! We offer live-in care across Essex, including Chelmsford, Brentwood, Colchester, Loughton, and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just get in touch – we’ll be happy to help.
Live-in care starts from £1,785 per week for an individual and £2,240 per week for couples. For respite, palliative, or complex care, pricing is £2,100 per week for individuals and £2,485 per week for couples. Costs can vary depending on care needs, and some families may qualify for local authority funding or NHS Continuing Healthcare support.
Yes. If you need urgent support, we can often arrange live-in care within a few days. Our local care team will guide you through the process and ensure everything is set up smoothly, whether care is needed immediately or as part of a long-term plan.
Our Caregivers can assist with GP visits, hospital appointments, and any other healthcare needs. We work closely with Essex NHS Trusts, district nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
We take time to understand your loved one’s personality, interests, and care needs before matching them with the right Caregiver. If they enjoy visiting local parks, gardening, or social activities, we’ll aim to match them with a Caregiver who shares their interests, ensuring a natural and comfortable connection.
We do everything possible to make the right match from the start, but if your loved one isn’t happy, we’ll work quickly to find a Caregiver who is a better fit. Our priority is making sure they feel comfortable, safe, and well-supported at all times
Explore these essential local resources in Essex for additional support, advice, and community connections relevant to live-in care and beyond.
- Essex County Council Adult Social Care - Provides a variety of services including care assessment and advice on independent living.
- Age Well East - Offers support services for the elderly in Essex, focusing on wellbeing and companionship.
- Age Space - An online hub providing support, information, and advice for anyone caring for older relatives in Essex.
- Essex Wellbeing Service - Provides support for carers, including advice, information, and guidance.
- Carers FIRST Essex - Offers support and advice for carers, providing resources, training, and advocacy to enhance their wellbeing.
- Dementia Adventure - Offer training, support, and holiday services for people living with dementia and their carers.
- Essex Dementia Care - Provides support, information, and advice for people with dementia and their carers.
- Mind in West Essex - Offers mental health services including counselling and support groups.
- Essex Libraries – Home Library Service - Delivers books to those who are unable to visit the library due to health or mobility issues.
- DIAL South Essex - dedicated to supporting disabled individuals in Essex through advice, practical help, and advocacy service.
- Alzheimer's Society - A comprehensive range of support services across the UK for people with dementia, their families, and caregivers. Their website offers a tool to find local support services in Essex, including dementia advice, support groups, and information on living with or caring for someone with dementia.
Still have questions?
We're here to help you!


Speak to our live in care experts
Meet Stacey, your friendly expert care advisor
Navigating Live in care can feel overwhelming, and we understand how personal this decision is. We're here to guide you every step of the way—offering advice, reassurance, and ensuring your loved one receives the highest quality care.
- Quick 30-minute call: We'll discuss your situation and provide expert advice on care options.
- Book a free assessment: If you're ready, we can arrange a no-obligation assessment to match your needs.
- Fast, flexible care setup: We can start care within days if necessary, ensuring your loved one receives prompt, personalised support.
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC


FREE assessment enquiry
Stacey or one of our team of friendly and experienced care advisors, will be in touch as soon as possible by phone or email to discuss your live in care needs.