Written by: Dimple Chandarana
Last updated: August 2025
When someone you care about needs support to maintain their independence at home, one-to-one care provides the dedicated attention that makes the difference. Unlike shared care arrangements, this personalised approach means your loved one receives undivided attention from a carefully matched carer.
What Is One-to-One Care?
One-to-one care means a single carer provides dedicated support to one individual, either in their own home or occasionally in residential settings. This focused approach allows the carer to understand your loved one's unique preferences, routines, and needs.
The care can be structured as:
- Live-in support - 24-hour presence with scheduled rest periods
- Daily visits (or live-out support) - Regular support sessions (minimum 4-hour blocks)
- Respite care - Temporary arrangements to support family carers
One-to-one care makes staying at home possible by bringing professional support directly to familiar surroundings.
Who Benefits from One-to-One Care?
One-to-one care proves particularly valuable for people who are:
Looking for complex medical support
Those managing multiple medications, living with conditions like Parkinson's or diabetes, or recovering from strokes benefit from consistent, knowledgeable attention.
Living with dementia
The continuity of one carer helps maintain familiarity and reduces confusion for individuals living with dementia. Consistent routines and gentle guidance support cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Experiencing mobility challenges
Whether using walking aids, wheelchairs, or managing balance issues, having a dedicated carer ensures safe movement and appropriate assistance.
Feel isolated or lonely
Companionship from a matched carer provides social engagement, conversation, and emotional support that maintains mental well-being.
Require palliative care
Gentle, consistent support during end-of-life care helps maintain dignity and comfort in familiar surroundings.
Are discharged from hospital
Dedicated support during recovery ensures proper medication management, wound care, and gradual return to independence.
What Does a One-to-One Carer Do?
A skilled one-to-one carer provides comprehensive support tailored to individual needs:
Personal care assistance
Help with washing, dressing, and grooming. Medication reminders and administration. Mobility support and safe transfers. Continence care with dignity and respect.
Household management
Meal planning and preparation. Light housekeeping and laundry. Shopping and errands. Home maintenance coordination.
Companionship and activities
This involves engaging in conversation and social interaction. Assistance with hobbies and interests. Gentle exercise and mobility activities. Outings and appointments.
Health monitoring
Observing changes in condition or mood. Liaison with healthcare professionals. Support during medical appointments. Maintaining care records.
One-to-one care adapts as needs change. The carer adjusts their support accordingly, often anticipating requirements before they become urgent.
Live-in vs Hourly One-to-One Care
Live-in one-to-one care provides a round-the-clock presence in your loved one's home. The carer has their bedroom and becomes part of the household routine. This works well for people who need overnight reassurance or have unpredictable care needs. Hourly one-to-one care involves scheduled visits - typically, this will cost £25 per hour. This suits people who need specific support but remain largely independent between visits.
"Guardian Carers have been so helpful in finding us a carer for my mother. She is extremely independent, and Guardian Carers have helped reassure us that she has someone there to help her if needed." - Adam
Live-in arrangements often prove more cost-effective for individuals with extensive care needs, while hourly visits work well for those requiring targeted support.
One-to-One Care vs Care Homes
The choice between home care and residential care depends on individual circumstances, but one-to-one care at home offers distinct advantages:
Familiar environment
Staying in their own home means your loved one keeps their routines, possessions, and neighbourhood connections. This familiarity often supports better cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Personalised attention
Unlike care homes where staff care for multiple residents, one-to-one care means undivided attention focused entirely on your loved one's preferences and needs.
Family involvement
Home-based care makes it easier for family members to remain involved in daily life and care decisions.
Flexibility
Care adapts immediately to changing needs without waiting lists or facility policies.
Care homes do offer benefits, including 24-hour nursing coverage and social opportunities with other residents. The right choice depends on your loved one's specific needs and preferences.
What Do I Need to Provide?
Creating a comfortable environment for one-to-one care requires some preparation:
For live-in carers:
- Private bedroom
- Access to bathroom facilities
- Kitchen access for meal preparation
- Reasonable notice for time off
For all one-to-one care:
- Clear information about routines and preferences
- Medical information and emergency contacts
- Any special equipment or mobility aids
- House keys and security information
The most successful care arrangements happen when families, clients, and carers work together with mutual respect and clear communication.
What's the Cost of One-to-One Care?
One-to-one care costs vary based on:
- Type of support needed (personal care, companionship, specialist nursing)
- Hours of care required (live-in vs hourly arrangements)
- Location (rates vary across different regions)
- Carer experience and qualifications
Hourly care starts from £25 per hour. Live-in care typically ranges between £1,250 and £1,500 per week, depending on the level of support required.
Many people use a combination of funding sources:
- Local authority assessments may contribute to costs
- NHS Continuing Healthcare funding for complex medical needs
- Personal savings or family contributions
- Insurance policies covering care costs
At Guardian Carers, we provide transparent cost breakdowns during our initial assessment, so you can make informed decisions about care arrangements.
How to Arrange One-to-One Care
Getting started with one-to-one care involves several steps:
- Initial consultation - We discuss your loved one's needs, preferences, and circumstances during a no-obligation conversation.
- Care assessment - Our care experts visit your home to understand the full scope of support needed and assess the environment.
- Carer matching - We introduce you to carefully selected carers who match both care requirements and personality preferences.
- Trial period - Most arrangements begin with a short trial to ensure compatibility before confirming long-term care.
- Ongoing support - We maintain regular contact to ensure the care continues to meet evolving needs.
“I needed a last-minute carer for my father. Guardian carers were incredibly responsive, helpful and professional. They sent me through two people to interview for the role within two hours, and someone was confirmed before lunchtime - ready to help out the next day. - Leonora
Ready to explore one-to-one care options? Contact our care experts for a confidential discussion about your family's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does one-to-one care mean exactly?
One-to-one care means a single, dedicated carer provides personalised support to one individual, focusing entirely on their specific needs and preferences.
Can you have one-to-one care in a nursing home?
Whilst most nursing homes provide shared care, some do offer one-to-one support for residents with complex needs. However, this is typically more expensive than one-to-one care at home.
How is one-to-one nursing care different from regular care?
One-to-one nursing care involves a qualified nurse providing medical care alongside personal support. This is suitable for people with complex health conditions requiring clinical oversight.
Who pays for one-to-one care?
Funding can come from local authority assessments, NHS Continuing Healthcare, personal funds, or insurance policies. We help families navigate available funding options.
How quickly can one-to-one care be arranged?
Depending on your specific requirements, we can often arrange care within 48-72 hours for urgent situations, though we recommend allowing a week for the best matching process.
