Preparing your home for a live-in carer

Preparing for a live-in carer mainly means giving them a private, furnished bedroom, access to a bathroom and kitchen, wi-fi, and clear information about the person they’ll support. A little planning before the first day helps the carer settle quickly and lets care start smoothly. Use the checklist below to get everything ready.

At a glance

• A private bedroom is essential; providers make it a condition of live-in care.
• The carer needs bathroom and kitchen access, somewhere to store food, and wi-fi.
• Most households provide the carer’s food or a food allowance.
• Make the home safe for the person being cared for, with any equipment in place.
• Write down routines, contacts and house rules before day one.

What are the room requirements for a live-in carer?

Providers expect the carer to have their own room. It doesn’t need to be large, but it should be private, comfortable and somewhere they can properly rest.

Bedroom checklist:

• ☐ a proper bed with clean bedding (not a sofa bed in a shared room);
• ☐ a wardrobe or drawers for clothes;
• ☐ a bedside table and a lamp;
• ☐ curtains or blinds for privacy and sleep;
• ☐ heating and ventilation;
• ☐ a door that closes, ideally with a lock;
• ☐ a mirror and a chair if there’s room.

If you don’t have a spare bedroom, some families convert a dining room or study. If that isn’t possible, hourly care may suit better. See live-in care vs hourly care.

What other facilities does the carer need?

• Bathroom: access to a bathroom and toilet. This can be shared with the person being cared for.
• Kitchen: space in the fridge and cupboards for the carer’s food.
• Wi-fi: the carer usually needs internet to contact the provider’s office, keep care records and stay in touch with family during a placement of several weeks.
• Laundry: use of the washing machine and somewhere to dry clothes.
• Cleaning supplies: vacuum, cleaning products and bin bags.

Food

Most providers expect the household to provide the carer’s meals or a food allowance. Agree the arrangement in advance, including any dietary needs, and add it to your weekly budget. Live-in care itself costs about £1,540–£1,610 a week in England, varying by region; see live-in care cost in London for a worked example.

How to make the home safe for the person being cared for

The carer’s job is easier and safer if the home is set up well.

• ☐ Clear trip hazards such as loose rugs and trailing cables.
• ☐ Check lighting on stairs, hallways and the route to the bathroom.
• ☐ Fit grab rails or a shower seat if needed.
• ☐ Arrange any equipment, such as a hospital bed, hoist or commode, before care starts.
• ☐ Test smoke alarms.
• ☐ Put a list of emergency contacts by the phone.

Your council’s adult social care team can arrange an occupational therapy assessment for equipment and adaptations. Community equipment and minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less are free if the council assesses you as needing them. See falls prevention at home.

What information should you prepare for the carer?

A short “welcome pack” helps a new carer get to know the person quickly. Include:

• daily routine, including wake-up and bedtime;
• likes, dislikes, food preferences and favourite activities;
• life history, family names and topics they enjoy talking about;
• medication list and GP details (the provider will also record this in the care plan);
• emergency contacts, including family and neighbours;
• where to find the stopcock, fuse box, spare keys and bins;
• bin collection days and any local services, such as a lunch club.

For someone living with dementia, photos and a simple life story can help. See live-in dementia care.

For everything else about arranging a live-in carer, from matching to costs, see our live-in care guide.

Local practicalities

• Parking: if the carer drives, check your council’s rules on visitor or carer parking permits, which vary from area to area.
• Keys and access: agree who holds keys; a key safe may help relief carers and visiting nurses.
• Transport: note nearby bus routes, stations and taxi numbers for the carer’s time off.
• Council Tax: a live-in carer may be disregarded if conditions are met. Apply to your council; it isn’t automatic.

Agree house rules together

Talk openly before the carer arrives. Things to agree:

• when the carer takes their daily break, and who covers it;
• use of the TV, kitchen and shared spaces;
• visitors and phone calls;
• smoking (usually not in the home);
• how the carer and family will keep in touch.

Remember the carer needs regular breaks and undisturbed sleep. See what does a live-in carer do?

Frequently asked questions

Does a live-in carer need their own bedroom?

Yes. Live-in care providers require the carer to have a private bedroom where they can rest and sleep undisturbed. It should have a proper bed, storage for clothes and privacy. Without a spare room, live-in care is usually not possible, and visiting care may suit better.

Does a live-in carer need their own bathroom?

No. The carer needs access to a bathroom and toilet, but this can be shared with the person they care for. Agree times if the bathroom is busy in the morning, and make sure there’s space for the carer’s toiletries.

Do I have to provide wi-fi for a live-in carer?

Most providers expect it. Carers use the internet to contact the office, keep care records and stay in touch with their own family while living away from home for several weeks. If you don’t have broadband, discuss options with your provider before care starts.

Should I tell my home insurer about a live-in carer?

It’s sensible to check with your home insurer, as someone new will be living in the property. A managed care provider will have its own insurance for the care it provides. If you employ a carer directly, you’ll usually need employer’s liability insurance too.

Sources

• Agincare: what does a live-in carer need? (Oct 2024)
• Helping Hands: live-in carer FAQs
• DHSC: Care and support statutory guidance
• GOV.UK: who has to pay Council Tax
• HSE: employers’ liability insurance

This guide is general information, not financial, legal or medical advice. Last reviewed September 2026.

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 15 October 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.