05/09/2025
Live-In Care in Kingston upon Thames: Helping Older People Thrive at Home
When the time comes to think about extra support for a loved one, many families in Kingston upon Thames, Surbiton, Esher and the surrounding towns face a difficult choice: arrange visiting home care or consider live-in care. Both options can make a big difference, but the right decision depends on your loved one’s needs, personality, and circumstances.
At Clarendon Home Care, we’ve supported older people in Surrey for over 25 years. One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen recently is the rise in families choosing live-in care. Here’s why.
Home Care vs Live-In Care: What’s the Difference?
Home care (domiciliary care):
A carer visits for scheduled calls — perhaps an hour in the morning, half an hour at lunch, and an evening check-in.
Flexible, affordable, and ideal for people who only need limited help with personal care, meals, or medication.
However, carers come and go, and there may be gaps between visits when your loved one is alone.
Live-in care:
A professional carer lives in the home, providing support and companionship around the clock.
Tailored to the individual’s routines, preferences, and lifestyle.
Offers reassurance for families, knowing someone is always there if needed.
For many, live-in care feels like a “halfway point” between traditional home care and residential care homes: the safety net of 24-hour support, without the upheaval of moving away.
Why Live-In Care Can Be Life-Changing
Independence and familiarity
Staying in the comfort of your own home - with familiar surroundings, neighbours, and routines - often helps older people remain active and engaged for longer. Research shows people who receive live-in care are 32% more likely to continue living independently five years later compared to those in residential care.
Couples can stay together
For older couples, residential care often means separation - one partner may move into a care home while the other remains at home. With live-in care, both can stay together, supported by a single carer who adapts to their joint needs. This not only works out more affordable, but also preserves companionship and emotional wellbeing.
Personalised support
Unlike care homes, where staff share their time among many residents, a live-in carer focuses solely on your loved one. That means meals cooked the way they like, daily walks in familiar places and care shaped to their exact wishes.
Peace of mind for families
Knowing someone is always present offers reassurance for adult children who may live further away or juggle busy working lives.
The Cost of Live-In Care
There’s no getting around it: live-in care is a significant investment. But then, all good care is. The important thing is to compare the value with other options:
A quality care home in Surrey costs, on average, £1,200–£1,600 per week per person.
Live-in care typically costs around £1,100–£1,400 per week for an individual, and only slightly more for a couple.
This means couples often find live-in care is up to 45% cheaper than both entering residential care separately, while also keeping them together at home.
In addition, some families are eligible for local authority support. The local council may contribute towards care costs following a financial assessment and there may also be NHS Continuing Healthcare options depending on medical needs.
Is Live-In Care Right for Your Family?
Every situation is unique. For some, visiting home care is more than enough. But for those who want reassurance, companionship, and a genuine alternative to a care home, live-in care can be transformative.
At Clarendon Home Care, we don’t believe in heavy sales pitches. Our job is to provide honest advice, share our experience, and help you make the decision that’s right for your family.
If you’d like to explore live-in care in Kingston, Surbiton, Walton-on-Thames, or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact us for an informal chat. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent need, we’re here to listen and guide you through the options.