Outstanding in Hertfordshire
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 Bishop’s Stortford to Rickmansworth 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 historic charm of St Albans or the riverside setting of Ware, 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, they can maintain their independence and quality of life in familiar surroundings.
Meet your Live-In Care Manager for Hertfordshire
Kate McGourlay, our Live-In Care Manager for Hertfordshire, 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 Hertfordshire
Understanding live-in care costs in Hertfordshire
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:
Bishop's Stortford
Borehamwood
Cheshunt
Hatfield
Hemel Hempstead
Hitchin
Hoddesdon
Letchworth
St Albans
Stevenage
Watford
Welwyn Garden City
As well as providing Live In Care in Hertfordshire, we also supply dedicated 24/7 care services across England, including the neighbouring counties of Buckinghamshire and London. Looking for another area? See all our locations.
How to find a high-quality care service in Hertfordshire
Live-in care is a fantastic option for those who need ongoing support but prefer to stay in their familiar surroundings. With live-in care, your loved one can continue to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Ashridge Estate or the historic charm of St Albans, 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?
Live-in Caregivers offer much more than practical help - they play a crucial role in promoting their client’s physical and emotional wellbeing at home.
Personal care: Helping with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Medication assistance: Making sure prescriptions are taken properly.
Meal preparation: Cooking meals that match dietary needs.
Mobility support: Assisting with safe movement indoors and out.
Companionship: Providing conversation and social interaction.
Monitoring wellbeing: Checking for health changes and concerns.
Hobbies & social activities: Encouraging pastimes and outings.
Housekeeping: Keeping living spaces clean and comfortable.
"The staff at Unique Senior Care have been excellent throughout everything. The carers have been outstanding and sensitive to our needs, and having care in place with Unique has been a big relief to the family."
GL, son of a client via Homecare.co.uk
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC


Benefits of home care in Hertfordshire
Home care improves daily life by offering one-to-one support while promoting long-term independence.
Tailored personal care: Support is based on individual needs, to ensure comfort and dignity.
Independence at home: 24-hour care provides peace of mind for clients and their families.
Flexible and adaptive care: Assistance adjusts as needs change, ensuring the right support.
Family involvement: Loved ones can stay involved in decisions and daily activities.
Cost-effective alternative: For couples, it’s often cheaper than a residential care home.
Emotional wellbeing: Familiar surroundings reduce stress and create a sense of security.
Continuity of care: A dedicated Caregiver builds trust and understands preferences.
Better health outcomes: Regular check-ups help prevent issues and allow early action.


Caregivers in Hertfordshire
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 Hertfordshire
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 Hertfordshire – FAQs
Find answers to your questions about our live in care services and how we can help.
Yes! We offer live-in care across Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Ware, Bishop’s Stortford, Harpenden, Rickmansworth, and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just get in touch, and 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 Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire for additional support, advice, and community connections relevant to live-in care and beyond.
- Hertfordshire County Council - Adult Social Care: Provides a range of services including care assessments, advice on independent living, and information on local support services. They also offer assistance with financial planning for care costs.
- Carers in Hertfordshire: Offers advice, information, and support to unpaid carers of all ages. They provide services such as carer's assessments, emergency planning, and connections with other carers.
- Age UK Hertfordshire: Provides a variety of services to help older people live independently, including befriending services, information and advice, and support for maintaining health and well-being.
- Hertfordshire Mind Network: Offers mental health services including counselling, support groups, and specific support for carers. They also provide resources for those living with dementia and their carers.
- HertsHelp: A network of community organisations providing information and support on a wide range of issues including home adaptations, meals on wheels, and funding for care.
- Hertfordshire Independent Living Service: Provides meals on wheels, community alarm services, and other support to help older people live independently at home.
- Hertswise: Provides support for people with dementia, memory loss, and their carers, including groups, one-to-one support, and information services.
- Alzheimer's Society - Find Support Near You: Offers support for individuals and families affected by dementia, including local support groups and advice.
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.