Visiting care
Visiting care involves carers calling at agreed times during the day (and, if needed, night) to carry out specific tasks, then leaving once the visit is complete. Visits can range from once a day to several times.
Live-in care
With live-in care, a carer lives in your home and is available to support you throughout the day, with time for their own rest built into the arrangement. This suits people who need more continuous support or reassurance, especially overnight.
Continuity and relationships
Live-in care can offer more continuity with a familiar carer, while visiting care may involve a small, rotating team covering different times of day — though providers aim for consistency wherever possible.
Suitability
Visiting care suits people who are largely independent but need help with specific tasks. Live-in care suits people who need more continuous support, companionship or supervision, but who want to remain in their own home rather than move into a care home.
Cost considerations
Costs are structured differently — visiting care is usually priced per visit, while live-in care is usually priced per day or week. Ask providers for a clear, itemised quote so you can compare like for like.
Common questions
Can I switch from visiting care to live-in care later?
Yes, your care plan can be reviewed and adjusted as your needs change.