Live-In Care vs. Hourly Care: Which One Should You Choose?
🏡💙 A friendly guide from our family to yours
Choosing care for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re exploring support for the first time or reassessing current arrangements, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what type of care is best.
At ENA Care Group, we speak with families every day who feel exactly the same way—so we’ve put together this simple, friendly guide to help you understand the difference between live-in care and hourly care, and to hopefully make your decision a little easier.
What Is Live-In Care? 🏠
Live-in care means a professional carer lives in the home and is there to offer support day and night. Many families choose this option because it allows their loved one to stay safe, comfortable and independent in the place they know best—home.
Why Families Love Live-In Care
✔ Reassurance day and night – there’s always someone there if help is needed
✔ A genuine relationship – clients and carers often build strong, trusting bonds
✔ Familiar surroundings – no upheaval, no moving, no disruption
✔ Truly personalised care – everything is centred around the person, not a timetable
✔ Ideal for complex needs – including dementia, neurological conditions, mobility needs and recovery after illness or injury
Live-In Care Is Ideal For:
🛏️ People who need support throughout the day and night
🧠 Individuals with cognitive conditions such as dementia
♿ Those with complex or continuous care needs
🤝 Anyone who thrives with routine and consistency
🐾 People who want to stay with their pets and home comforts
What Is Hourly Care?
Hourly care (sometimes called domiciliary care) offers short, flexible visits at set times. It’s a great way to receive support while still maintaining plenty of independence.
Why Families Choose Hourly Care
✔ Flexible and affordable – only pay for the time you need
✔ Encourages independence – perfect for people who need a boost, not full-time support
✔ A helping hand for families – especially when family members do some care themselves
✔ Great for building confidence after an illness or hospital stay
Hourly Care Works Well For:
🍽️ Help with meal prep, medication or personal care
🚗 Support getting to appointments or the shops
💬 Companionship and social engagement
💼 Individuals who want help at specific times but are otherwise independent
Which One Should You Choose? 🤔
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
If someone is unsafe alone, needs help day and night, or has complex health needs → Live-In Care is usually the safest and most supportive option.
If they only need help at key times in the day → Hourly Care might be the perfect fit.
Every family is different, and the “right” choice is simply the one that gives everyone peace of mind.
Why Families Trust ENA Care Group 💙
For over 30 years, we’ve been supporting families across the UK with both live-in care and hourly care. What matters to us is simple: treating every person with dignity, warmth and respect, and helping them live the life they choose.
🌟 Compassionate, trained carers
🌟 Tailored care plans
🌟 Expertise in complex and neurological care
🌟 A dedicated support team available 24/7
🌟 Care across England & Wales (live-in) and Hertfordshire (hourly)
Talk to Us—We’re Here to Help 📞💬
If you’re still unsure which type of care is right, we’d love to help you explore your options.
📞 01707 333 700
📧 care@ena.co.uk
🌐 www.ena.co.uk
From our family to yours—whatever you decide, we’re here to support you.
