A Personal, Supportive Alternative to Residential Care

When someone you love starts needing more day-to-day support, deciding on the right kind of care can feel overwhelming. It’s a big life decision, one that touches on comfort, independence and family peace of mind.

Many families don’t consider live-in care until a crisis arises, but planning ahead can make a real difference. While care homes provide valuable services, they often require moving into a shared environment, which can feel daunting or unsettling for some.

At Home Instead Tavistock and Tamar Valley, we’re proud to be an Outstanding-rated home care provider offering compassionate, one-to-one live-in care. Our goal is simple: to provide high-quality care that helps older adults stay safe, comfortable, and independent in the place they love most, their home.

What Is Live-In Care?

Live-in care means a trained Care Professional lives in your loved one’s home to provide dedicated, around-the-clock support. It’s a flexible, highly personalised alternative to a residential care home, with the added benefit of comfort, continuity, familiarity and the ability to stay close to what matters most, including gardens and beloved pets.

At Home Instead Tavistock and Tamar Valley, our live-in care services include:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
• Medication support
• Help with mobility and physical needs
• Companionship and emotional support
• Daily routines, cooking, and light housekeeping
• Dementia care and complex needs support
• Overnight reassurance and safety monitoring

Live-in care allows your loved one to remain in familiar surroundings, maintain routines and receive a genuinely personalised approach to care, with peace of mind for the whole family.

For couples wishing to stay together, live-in care can be a more affordable and emotionally supportive alternative to residential care, allowing you to remain in the home you love.

Signs It Might Be Time to Consider Live-In Care

If any of the following sounds familiar, it may be time to explore live-in support:

1. Frequent Falls or Mobility Concerns

Struggling with stairs or getting around the home? A live-in carer provides daily assistance and helps prevent injuries.

2. Safety Concerns at Home

Forgetting to take medication, leaving the hob on, or becoming disoriented at night are all signs your loved one may need more consistent support.

3. Increased Personal Care Needs

If your loved one now needs help washing, dressing, or managing hygiene, having a trusted carer they know well can make a world of difference.

4. Cognitive Changes or Dementia

Routine, familiarity and a tranquil environment are crucial for those living with dementia. Live-in care helps maintain stability and personalised support without the disruption of a move.

5. Family Caregiver Burnout

If you’re providing care and starting to feel exhausted or overwhelmed, it may be time to bring in professional help. Live-in care allows family members to regain balance while knowing their loved one is in safe hands.

6. Social Isolation or Loneliness

Having someone there day-to-day provides vital companionship, conversation, and emotional support, which can dramatically boost quality of life.

Live-In Care with Home Instead Tavistock and Tamar Valley

Here’s what makes our live-in care unique:

• Delivered by hand-picked Care Professionals who receive award-winning training
• We conduct multiple home visits to understand each person’s lifestyle, routines, preferences, and health needs
• Our care plans are tailored, holistic, and updated regularly to reflect changing needs and wishes
• Rated Outstanding by the CQC for quality of care
• Available across Tavistock, Saltash, Launceston, Bude, Holsworthy, Callington, Torpoint, and surrounding areas

We take the time to carefully match each client with a small, consistent team of compassionate Care Professionals — building trusted relationships that often feel like extended family. Backed by our exceptional 24/7 on-call support, you’re never alone.

Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent care need, we’re here to help. No pressure, just kind advice.

Call us on 01822 258292
Email: [email protected]

Or visit our Live-In Care page to find out more about how we can support your loved one at home.

Live-In Care FAQs – What Families Often Ask

What makes live-in care a better option than a care home?

Live-in care provides one-to-one, tailored support in the comfort and familiarity of home. Unlike residential care homes — where staff time is shared and routines may be rigid — live-in care offers complete flexibility around your loved one’s needs, preferences, and daily habits. This can include everything from when meals are served to how they spend their mornings or evenings. It also enables continuity of lifestyle — including staying with pets, enjoying their own garden, and remaining part of their local community.

Who is live-in care suitable for?

Live-in care is ideal for older adults who:

• Need consistent personal care or help with mobility
• Have progressive or complex conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or stroke recovery
• Feel isolated or anxious when alone
• Want to avoid moving to a care home
• Are part of a couple wanting to stay together at home
• Have a primary caregiver (family member) experiencing burnout or needing respite

It’s also effective for short-term support after hospital discharge or during recovery.

How do you match a live-in Care Professional to my loved one?

At Home Instead Tavistock and Tamar Valley, we take time to truly understand your loved one’s personality, lifestyle, health needs and preferences. We then carefully match them with a small team of Care Professionals, considering shared interests, communication styles, and even things like pet-ownership or hobbies. Building trusting, consistent relationships is key to great care — and why we avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.

Can live-in carers support people living with dementia?

Yes. In fact, live-in care is often one of the most effective ways to support someone living with dementia. Studies and reports (e.g. by the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK) highlight that people with dementia cope better in known environments. Being at home helps preserve memory cues and reduces anxiety triggered by unfamiliar settings like care homes.

The consistency, calm routines and familiarity of home can significantly reduce confusion, anxiety and distress. Our Care Professionals receive specialist dementia training and are supported by an experienced office team to monitor and adapt care as needs evolve.

What happens if care needs increase over time?

We carry out regular reviews and are always in close contact with the family. If needs become more complex — such as changes in mobility, medication, or health conditions — we adapt the care plan accordingly. We can also bring in additional support, such as waking night care, visiting care workers, or support from clinical partners if needed.

Do live-in carers get time off, and how is this managed?

Yes, live-in carers typically work in structured shifts, with daily breaks and a pattern that supports both the client’s needs and their own wellbeing. Home Instead coordinates regular rotation schedules, so that care is consistent but carers have rest time. We ensure there’s always a qualified, familiar carer available and cover any handovers or holiday periods smoothly.

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