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Choosing a live in care provider: How to make the right decision

17 June 2025

Written byHollie Bradbury

Choosing a live in care provider: How to make the right decision

When the time comes to consider 24-hour care at home, choosing the right live in care company can feel overwhelming. With many live in care providers available, this deeply personal decision requires careful research to ensure your loved one receives compassionate, professional care.

At Radfield Home Care, we understand how important this choice is. Whether you’re exploring care at home providers for the first time or looking to change services, this guide will help you understand what to look for in live in care, the right questions to ask, and how to confidently choose your care provider.

Why choosing the right live in care provider matters

Live in care offers personalised, continuous support in the comfort of home. However, the quality of care your loved one receives depends heavily on the experience, values and professionalism of the live in care company you select.

Many families prefer live in care to residential care homes because it provides one-to-one support without the upheaval of relocation. With the right provider, your loved one can maintain independence, emotional wellbeing, and familiar routines.

Taking time to compare care at home providers ensures not only high-quality care today but also flexibility to adapt to your loved one’s changing needs over time.

Why choosing the right live in care provider matters

What to look for in a live in care provider

When comparing live in care providers, it’s helpful to start with a clear picture of what matters most to your family. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. CQC regulated care services

Make sure the agency is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). CQC registration means they’re routinely inspected for safety, effectiveness, responsiveness, and leadership. You can view ratings online to compare providers in your area.

2. Person-centred approach

The best care is built around the individual. Ask whether care plans are personalised and whether Care Professionals are matched to clients based on needs, personality, and preferences.

3. Live in care testimonials

Look for recent live in care testimonials that families have shared. Honest feedback provides valuable insights into real-life experiences and the level of trust others place in the agency. You can often find testimonials on platforms like Google Reviews or homecare.co.uk, where families share honest experiences- and feedback about their care provider.

4. Experience and training

A trusted live in care agency should have robust training programmes, supervision, and ongoing development for Care Professionals. Ask how they ensure high standards of care.

5. Continuity and compatibility

Consistent care from familiar faces helps build trust. Ask how often Care Professionals rotate and how compatibility is managed.

Key questions to ask live in care providers

Asking the right questions can reveal a lot about how an agency operates and whether they’re the right fit. Here are some examples:

  • How do you match live-in Care Professionals with clients? 
  • What happens if our usual Care Professional is on leave? 
  • How do you handle emergencies or overnight needs? 
  • Are your services fully managed and CQC regulated?
  • How do you involve families in care planning and updates?

These questions help assess the agency’s values, responsiveness, and readiness to provide high-quality live in support.

Key questions to ask live in care providers

Comparing live in care providers

To make a meaningful care service comparison, consider setting up a simple checklist based on the priorities that matter most to your family. Compare areas such as:

  • CQC rating 
  • Staff training and supervision 
  • Live in care costs and what’s included 
  • Flexibility of care plans 
  • Testimonials and reviews 
  • Response time for queries or issues

Creating a side-by-side comparison of live in care table can help visualise which agency best aligns with your expectations. You may also want to compare residential care costs and services if you are deciding between care homes and home-based support.

Why families choose Radfield Home Care

At Radfield, we pride ourselves on being one of the best live-in care providers in the UK, offering CQC-regulated services that are professional, reliable, and tailored to each individual’s lifestyle and health needs.

Our Radfield Home Care team is committed to supporting people in staying connected to what matters most, family, community, and personal routines. We take time to understand your needs, match you with the right Care Professional, and remain involved every step of the way.

What sets us apart:

  • Compassionate, trained Care Professionals 
  • Local care teams offering personalised support 
  • Transparent communication and responsive care planning 
  • Real testimonials from families who trust us with their loved one’s wellbeing

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Choosing a live in care provider is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. With the right information and a clear sense of your family’s values, you can confidently select a provider who feels like the right fit, professionally and personally.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or actively comparing providers, we’re here to help you navigate the process.

Talk to us about live in care

If you’re ready to explore live in care options or have questions about how Radfield can support your family, we’re here for you.

Contact your local Radfield Home Care team today to arrange a free consultation and see how our tailored approach to live-in care can help your loved one age well at home.

Author

Hollie Bradbury

Hollie Bradbury

Project Manager

Hollie has a vast array of skills she has developed throughout her career from working in varying roles and fields, which she uses to greatly benefit the Radfield team.

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