Author: Amy Barron
Last updated: August 2025
When someone you care about needs daily support, finding the right full-time carer can provide the expertise and continuity needed to maintain independence at home. This guide explains everything you need to know about full-time care options, from live-in support to flexible live-out arrangements.
What is a full-time carer?
A full-time carer is a qualified professional who provides ongoing daily support in your own home. Unlike occasional visits, full-time care offers consistent assistance with personal care, household tasks, companionship, and specialist support when needed. The number of people over 75 has increased by almost 21% since 2013, and despite this, fewer older people are receiving long-term care.
Full-time carers work either as live-in support (staying in your home) or live-out care (visiting for extended daily shifts). Each arrangement is tailored to individual needs, ensuring the right level of support whilst maintaining dignity and independence.
Benefits of full-time care at home
Maintaining familiar surroundings
Staying in your own home provides emotional comfort and helps maintain established routines. Familiar surroundings support cognitive function and reduce anxiety, particularly important for people living with dementia.
Personalised one-to-one attention
Unlike care facilities, full-time home care provides dedicated support focused entirely on one person's needs. This personalised approach means care adapts throughout the day based on how you're feeling and what support is most helpful.
Family peace of mind
Professional full-time care reduces worry for family members who may live far away or have their own commitments. Knowing a qualified carer is providing expert support offers reassurance that help is always available.
Safety and security
Having an experienced adult in the home provides additional security, which is particularly useful for elderly people. Full-time carers are trained to recognise health changes, prevent falls, and respond appropriately in emergencies.
Types of full-time care
Live-in care
Live-in carers stay in your home, providing round-the-clock presence and support. This comprehensive option includes:
- 24-hour availability for emergencies
- Assistance with night-time needs
- Continuous companionship and monitoring
- Meal preparation and household management
Live-in care typically suits people who need regular assistance throughout the day or those who feel safer with someone always present.
Live-out care
Live-out carers visit for extended daily shifts, usually 8-12 hours. This flexible option provides:
- Daily personal care and support
- Meal preparation and light housekeeping
- Companionship and social activities
- Medication reminders and health monitoring
What's included in full-time care?
Personal care
- Assistance with washing and dressing
- Mobility support and transfers
- Medication management and reminders
- Health monitoring and liaison with healthcare professionals
Household support
- Meal planning and preparation
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Bed linen changes
- Pet care, including dog walking
Companionship and activities
- Social conversation and emotional support
- Organising hobbies and interests
- Accompanying appointments and social events
- Supporting cognitive activities and mental stimulation
Specialist support
- Care for people living with dementia
- Post-hospital discharge support
- Respite care for family carers
- Support for specific health conditions
Who can benefit from full-time care?
Older adults maintaining independence
People who want to continue living at home but need daily assistance with personal care, household tasks, or companionship.
People living with long-term conditions
Individuals managing conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, diabetes, or mobility limitations who benefit from consistent specialist support.
Post-hospital recovery
Those returning home after illness, injury, or surgery who need temporary intensive support during recovery.
Respite for family carers
Families who have been providing care but need professional support to prevent carer burnout and ensure quality care continues.
Costs and funding options
Full-time care costs vary depending on the level of support required and whether you choose live-in or live-out arrangements.
Potential funding sources include:
- Local authority assessments for financial support - you will need to do a care needs assessment first
- NHS Continuing Healthcare for qualifying health needs
- Personal budgets and direct payments
- Private funding and insurance options
How we select and vet our carers
Every Guardian Carers professional undergoes rigorous screening to ensure they meet our high standards:
Essential qualifications
- Enhanced DBS check (criminal record check)
- First Aid certification
- Safeguarding training
- Minimum 3 years' professional care experience
- Verified references from previous employers
Comprehensive assessment
Our care consultants conduct face-to-face interviews, reviewing experience, qualifications, and personal qualities. We verify all references and ensure each carer's skills match specific client requirements.
Ongoing support
Unlike agencies that step away after placement, we provide continuous support throughout the care arrangement, with regular check-ins and immediate assistance if adjustments are needed.
How to arrange a full-time carer with Guardian Carers
1. Initial consultation
Our care consultants discuss your specific needs, preferences, and any health considerations. This helps us understand what type of support would be most beneficial.
2. Personalised matching
We recommend 2-3 carefully selected carers whose experience, personality, and availability align with your requirements. This includes consideration of language preferences and cultural fit.
3. Meet your recommended carers
You'll have the opportunity to meet potential carers, ask questions, and choose who feels right for your situation.
4. Ongoing support
Once care begins, our team remains available for guidance, adjustments, or replacement if circumstances change.
Why choose Guardian Carers?
Part of Hometouch
Guardian Carers now operates within Hometouch, combining our personalised matching expertise with access to a broader network of qualified carers and clinical oversight.
Comprehensive service
We handle all aspects of care coordination, from contracts and payroll to ongoing relationship management, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
Flexible and responsive
Care arrangements can be adjusted as needs change, whether increasing support levels or transitioning between live-in and live-out care.
Frequently asked questions about full-time care
How quickly can full-time care start?
We typically provide recommended carer profiles within 48-72 hours of initial consultation, with care often beginning within a week of selection.
What happens if the carer arrangement doesn't work out?
We offer free replacement within the first six months for recent placements, ensuring you find the right match without additional costs.
Can care levels be adjusted over time?
Yes, our flexible approach means support can increase or decrease based on changing needs, with our consultants helping coordinate any transitions.
Do carers work with other healthcare professionals?
Our carers work collaboratively with GPs, district nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care.
What areas do you cover?
Guardian Carers offers comprehensive care services nationwide, supported by consultants who are familiar with local healthcare resources and community support networks.
Is there a minimum commitment period?
While we focus on building long-term care relationships, arrangements can be adjusted to meet your specific needs and circumstances.
Ready to explore full-time care options? Our care consultants provide clear guidance without pressure. Contact us today.
