FAQs
About Live-in Care
What is live-in care?
Live-in care is when a carefully selected carer comes to live in your home, providing the personal support and companionship you need. This allows you to remain in familiar surroundings rather than moving to a care home. Your carer is there when you need them, helping you maintain your independence and continue living life on your terms.
How much does live-in care cost?
Our premium live-in care starts from £1,200 per week. The majority of costs go directly to your carer's pay - we believe in paying carers well to attract and retain the best professionals.
Is live-in care cheaper than a care home?
Generally yes, especially for couples who can share one carer rather than paying separate care home fees. Live-in care offers better value as you receive dedicated 1:1 support whenever needed, with all fees going toward actual care rather than accommodation and facility costs.
What's the advantage of live-in care over care homes?
You maintain complete independence in your own home, keeping your pets, garden, possessions, and daily routines. You receive personalised 1:1 care without institutional constraints, staying connected to your community, friends, and everything familiar to you.
How does live-in care work?
Your carefully matched carer lives temporarily in your home, adapting to your preferences and routines. They provide personalised support tailored to your specific needs, from personal care and companionship to household tasks and medication reminders - all delivered in a way that suits your lifestyle.
What's the difference between 24-hour care and live-in care?
24-hour care typically involves multiple carers working shifts around the clock for clients needing constant active care. Live-in care involves one carer living with you, providing support when needed while you maintain your independence and privacy.
About Unregulated Care
What's the difference between regulated and unregulated care?
Regulated care is overseen by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with strict protocols and procedures. Unregulated care offers more flexibility and personalisation, allowing carers to adapt their approach to your individual preferences without rigid institutional constraints.
Am I at a disadvantage with unregulated care?
Not at all. Unregulated care offers significant advantages: more flexible arrangements, faster placement times, personalised care approaches, and lower costs. We maintain high standards through careful vetting and ongoing support without bureaucratic constraints.
What is the role of AHC Recruitment?
We act as your dedicated partner throughout your care journey. We carefully match you with the right carer based on personality and needs, provide ongoing support to both you and your carer, handle all administrative aspects, and ensure everything runs smoothly while maintaining the flexibility of unregulated care.
About Our Process
How do you select carers?
Every carer is personally interviewed, thoroughly vetted, and assessed for both professional skills and personality fit. We prioritize compassion, reliability, and genuine care alongside practical experience.
What if the carer isn't the right fit?
We understand that compatibility is crucial. If a placement isn't working, we'll quickly arrange an alternative carer from our network. Our matching process aims to get it right first time, but we're always here to make adjustments.
What support do you provide?
We offer continuous support throughout your care journey, including regular check-ins, 24/7 contact for urgent matters, administrative support, and assistance with any adjustments needed to ensure your care arrangement works perfectly.
For Carers
What experience do I need to become a live-in carer?
We welcome carers from all backgrounds - previous care experience is valuable but not essential. We look for compassion, reliability, and genuine desire to help people. Full training and ongoing support are provided.
Do you provide training?
We provide ongoing support and guidance to all our carers, with formal training programs being developed as we grow our network. All carers receive thorough briefings on their specific placements and continuous professional support throughout their assignments.
How does the matching process work for carers?
We carefully match you with families based on your preferences, experience, and personality. You'll meet potential clients before committing to ensure mutual compatibility and comfort.
What support do carers receive?
We provide ongoing professional support throughout your placements, regular check-ins, 24/7 contact for guidance, priority access to the best opportunities, and administrative support so you can focus on providing excellent care.
Do I need to be available 24/7?
Live-in care involves being present in the home, but you'll have agreed rest periods and time off. The level of active care varies significantly between clients - we match you based on your preferences and the family's needs.
How are carers paid?
Carers are paid competitive rates weekly. As an unregulated service, we can offer more flexible payment arrangements and ensure more of the client's fees go directly to you rather than administrative overhead.
Can I choose my assignments?
We will work with you to find an assignment that works for you. Our established carers for the best opportunities and work with your location preferences, availability, and the type of care work you enjoy most.
Who can apply?
Anyone with the legal right to work in the UK can apply, whether you are currently in the UK or abroad. We particularly encourage applicants from South Africa who have a legal right to work in the UK to apply.