{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-blog-post-js","path":"/blog/live-in-care-company-vs-matching-agency-whats-the-difference/","result":{"data":{"ghostPost":{"html":"<p>When you start arranging live-in care, there is a choice to make that many families do not even realise they are making, and it is an important one. Broadly, there are two quite different types of provider out there: a fully managed live-in care company, and a one-off matching, or introductory, agency.</p><p>They can sound similar at first, and both will help you find a carer. But they work very differently, and the difference has a real impact on your experience, your responsibilities, and your peace of mind. Here is what sets them apart, so you can choose what is right for your family.</p><h2 id=\"what-is-a-one-off-matching-agency\"><strong>What is a one-off matching agency?</strong></h2><figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-3abc45bc-9223-4f17-8a1d-7efc84dae62d-1-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-3abc45bc-9223-4f17-8a1d-7efc84dae62d-1-1.png 600w\"></figure><p>A matching or introductory agency does exactly what the name suggests: it introduces you to a self-employed carer, usually for a fee, and then largely steps back. Once that introduction is made, the carer effectively works for you directly, and the responsibility for managing the arrangement passes to you and your family.</p><h2 id=\"what-is-a-managed-live-in-care-company\"><strong>What is a managed live-in care company?</strong></h2><figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-4058b8f0-fe52-4fdb-b99c-eb67c646809f-1-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"418\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-4058b8f0-fe52-4fdb-b99c-eb67c646809f-1-1.png 600w\"></figure><p>A managed live-in care company, like Edyn, takes responsibility for the whole thing, from start to finish and beyond. That means finding and carefully matching your carer, training and vetting them, planning and overseeing the care, monitoring its quality, arranging cover when needed, and supporting you throughout the entire journey. In England, managed providers of this kind are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).</p><h2 id=\"the-differences-that-really-matter\"><strong>The differences that really matter</strong></h2><figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-78e937ce-8fa1-40ed-8079-fc8fdd469f9f-1-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"441\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-78e937ce-8fa1-40ed-8079-fc8fdd469f9f-1-1.png 600w\"></figure><p>The distinction is not just technical. It shows up in several very practical ways that affect daily life.</p><p>Who carries the responsibility. With a matching agency, you effectively become the carer's employer, which means you are responsible for things like their pay, tax, insurance and day-to-day management. With a managed company, all of that is handled for you.</p><p>Regulation and accountability. Matching agencies are generally not regulated by the CQC, whereas managed providers are inspected and held to national standards. Crucially, if something ever goes wrong, a managed company is accountable for putting it right. We explain this side of things in more depth in our guide to<a href=\"https://www.edyn.care/blog/cqc-vs-introductory-agency/?ref=edyn-care.ghost.io\"> <u>CQC-regulated care versus introductory agencies</u></a>.</p><p>Cover when your carer is away. This is a big one. With a matching agency, if your carer falls ill, takes a holiday or moves on, arranging replacement cover is usually left to you. A managed company plans backup and cover in advance, so your loved one is never left without support.</p><p>Ongoing support and management. A matching agency's involvement largely ends once the introduction is made. A managed company gives you a dedicated care team, a care manager, regular reviews, quality monitoring, and support whenever you need it, for as long as care continues.</p><p>Training, vetting and safety. A managed company trains and thoroughly vets its carers, with background checks and ongoing competency monitoring. With an agency, you often rely more on checking these things yourself.</p><p>Cost. A matching agency can look cheaper at first glance, because its fees are lower. But it is worth weighing that against everything you take on in return: the responsibilities, the admin, and the risk if things go wrong. A managed company's fee reflects a complete, supported service, and the peace of mind that comes with it.</p><h2 id=\"so-which-is-right-for-you\"><strong>So which is right for you?</strong></h2><p>It is worth saying honestly that neither option is simply \"right\" or \"wrong.\" A one-off matching agency can suit families who want maximum direct control, and who are comfortable taking on the responsibilities, and the risks, of employing and managing a carer themselves. For some, that works well.</p><p>A managed live-in care company suits families who would rather have expert support, clear accountability and genuine reassurance at every step, and who would prefer to spend their energy simply being family, a daughter, a son, a husband, rather than becoming a care administrator overnight. It comes down to how much you want to take on, and how much you would like handled for you.</p><h2 id=\"why-we-are-a-managed-company\"><strong>Why we are a managed company</strong></h2><p>At Edyn, we are a fully managed, CQC-regulated live-in care company, rated \"Good\", and we have chosen that model very deliberately. We believe families deserve to be supported throughout, not handed a carer and left to manage everything alone. So we take care of the matching, the management, the cover, the quality and the care itself, with a dedicated team behind every client, so that you can focus on what matters most: your loved one.</p><p>If you would like to understand which approach would suit your family best, we would be glad to talk it through, honestly and without any pressure.</p><p>Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900. We are always happy to help.</p>","html_sections":{"json":[{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"When you start arranging live-in care, there is a choice to make that many families do not even realise they are making, and it is an important one. Broadly, there are two quite different types of provider out there: a fully managed live-in care company, and a one-off matching, or introductory, agency.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"They can sound similar at first, and both will help you find a carer. But they work very differently, and the difference has a real impact on your experience, your responsibilities, and your peace of mind. Here is what sets them apart, so you can choose what is right for your family.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"<strong>What is a one-off matching agency?</strong>","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"what-is-a-one-off-matching-agency"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"<img src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-3abc45bc-9223-4f17-8a1d-7efc84dae62d-1-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-3abc45bc-9223-4f17-8a1d-7efc84dae62d-1-1.png 600w\">","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"A matching or introductory agency does exactly what the name suggests: it introduces you to a self-employed carer, usually for a fee, and then largely steps back. Once that introduction is made, the carer effectively works for you directly, and the responsibility for managing the arrangement passes to you and your family.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"<strong>What is a managed live-in care company?</strong>","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"what-is-a-managed-live-in-care-company"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"<img src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-4058b8f0-fe52-4fdb-b99c-eb67c646809f-1-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"418\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-4058b8f0-fe52-4fdb-b99c-eb67c646809f-1-1.png 600w\">","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"A managed live-in care company, like Edyn, takes responsibility for the whole thing, from start to finish and beyond. That means finding and carefully matching your carer, training and vetting them, planning and overseeing the care, monitoring its quality, arranging cover when needed, and supporting you throughout the entire journey. In England, managed providers of this kind are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"<strong>The differences that really matter</strong>","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"the-differences-that-really-matter"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"<img src=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-78e937ce-8fa1-40ed-8079-fc8fdd469f9f-1-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"441\" srcset=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-78e937ce-8fa1-40ed-8079-fc8fdd469f9f-1-1.png 600w\">","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"The distinction is not just technical. It shows up in several very practical ways that affect daily life.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Who carries the responsibility. With a matching agency, you effectively become the carer's employer, which means you are responsible for things like their pay, tax, insurance and day-to-day management. With a managed company, all of that is handled for you.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Regulation and accountability. Matching agencies are generally not regulated by the CQC, whereas managed providers are inspected and held to national standards. Crucially, if something ever goes wrong, a managed company is accountable for putting it right. We explain this side of things in more depth in our guide to<a href=\"/blog/live-in-care-company-vs-matching-agency-whats-the-difference/?ref=edyn-care.ghost.io\"> <u>CQC-regulated care versus introductory agencies</u></a>.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Cover when your carer is away. This is a big one. With a matching agency, if your carer falls ill, takes a holiday or moves on, arranging replacement cover is usually left to you. A managed company plans backup and cover in advance, so your loved one is never left without support.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Ongoing support and management. A matching agency's involvement largely ends once the introduction is made. A managed company gives you a dedicated care team, a care manager, regular reviews, quality monitoring, and support whenever you need it, for as long as care continues.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Training, vetting and safety. A managed company trains and thoroughly vets its carers, with background checks and ongoing competency monitoring. With an agency, you often rely more on checking these things yourself.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Cost. A matching agency can look cheaper at first glance, because its fees are lower. But it is worth weighing that against everything you take on in return: the responsibilities, the admin, and the risk if things go wrong. A managed company's fee reflects a complete, supported service, and the peace of mind that comes with it.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"<strong>So which is right for you?</strong>","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"so-which-is-right-for-you"}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"It is worth saying honestly that neither option is simply \"right\" or \"wrong.\" A one-off matching agency can suit families who want maximum direct control, and who are comfortable taking on the responsibilities, and the risks, of employing and managing a carer themselves. For some, that works well.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"A managed live-in care company suits families who would rather have expert support, clear accountability and genuine reassurance at every step, and who would prefer to spend their energy simply being family, a daughter, a son, a husband, rather than becoming a care administrator overnight. It comes down to how much you want to take on, and how much you would like handled for you.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"<strong>Why we are a managed company</strong>","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"why-we-are-a-managed-company"}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"At Edyn, we are a fully managed, CQC-regulated live-in care company, rated \"Good\", and we have chosen that model very deliberately. We believe families deserve to be supported throughout, not handed a carer and left to manage everything alone. So we take care of the matching, the management, the cover, the quality and the care itself, with a dedicated team behind every client, so that you can focus on what matters most: your loved one.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"If you would like to understand which approach would suit your family best, we would be glad to talk it through, honestly and without any pressure.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900. We are always happy to help.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}}]},"title":"Live-in care company vs matching agency: what's the difference?","meta_title":"Live-in Care Company vs Matching Agency: Key Differences","meta_description":"Not all live-in care providers work the same way. Understand the difference between a fully managed CQC-regulated company and a one-off matching agency before you decide.\n","custom_excerpt":null,"excerpt":"When you start arranging live-in care, there is a choice to make that many families do not even realise they are making, and it is an important one. Broadly, there are two quite different types of provider out there: a fully managed live-in care company, and a one-off matching, or introductory, agency.\n\nThey can sound similar at first, and both will help you find a carer. But they work very differently, and the difference has a real impact on your experience, your responsibilities, and your peac","plaintext":"When you start arranging live-in care, there is a choice to make that many families do not even realise they are making, and it is an important one. Broadly, there are two quite different types of provider out there: a fully managed live-in care company, and a one-off matching, or introductory, agency.\n\nThey can sound similar at first, and both will help you find a carer. But they work very differently, and the difference has a real impact on your experience, your responsibilities, and your peace of mind. Here is what sets them apart, so you can choose what is right for your family.\n\n\nWhat is a one-off matching agency?\n\nA matching or introductory agency does exactly what the name suggests: it introduces you to a self-employed carer, usually for a fee, and then largely steps back. Once that introduction is made, the carer effectively works for you directly, and the responsibility for managing the arrangement passes to you and your family.\n\n\nWhat is a managed live-in care company?\n\nA managed live-in care company, like Edyn, takes responsibility for the whole thing, from start to finish and beyond. That means finding and carefully matching your carer, training and vetting them, planning and overseeing the care, monitoring its quality, arranging cover when needed, and supporting you throughout the entire journey. In England, managed providers of this kind are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).\n\n\nThe differences that really matter\n\nThe distinction is not just technical. It shows up in several very practical ways that affect daily life.\n\nWho carries the responsibility. With a matching agency, you effectively become the carer's employer, which means you are responsible for things like their pay, tax, insurance and day-to-day management. With a managed company, all of that is handled for you.\n\nRegulation and accountability. Matching agencies are generally not regulated by the CQC, whereas managed providers are inspected and held to national standards. Crucially, if something ever goes wrong, a managed company is accountable for putting it right. We explain this side of things in more depth in our guide to CQC-regulated care versus introductory agencies.\n\nCover when your carer is away. This is a big one. With a matching agency, if your carer falls ill, takes a holiday or moves on, arranging replacement cover is usually left to you. A managed company plans backup and cover in advance, so your loved one is never left without support.\n\nOngoing support and management. A matching agency's involvement largely ends once the introduction is made. A managed company gives you a dedicated care team, a care manager, regular reviews, quality monitoring, and support whenever you need it, for as long as care continues.\n\nTraining, vetting and safety. A managed company trains and thoroughly vets its carers, with background checks and ongoing competency monitoring. With an agency, you often rely more on checking these things yourself.\n\nCost. A matching agency can look cheaper at first glance, because its fees are lower. But it is worth weighing that against everything you take on in return: the responsibilities, the admin, and the risk if things go wrong. A managed company's fee reflects a complete, supported service, and the peace of mind that comes with it.\n\n\nSo which is right for you?\n\nIt is worth saying honestly that neither option is simply \"right\" or \"wrong.\" A one-off matching agency can suit families who want maximum direct control, and who are comfortable taking on the responsibilities, and the risks, of employing and managing a carer themselves. For some, that works well.\n\nA managed live-in care company suits families who would rather have expert support, clear accountability and genuine reassurance at every step, and who would prefer to spend their energy simply being family, a daughter, a son, a husband, rather than becoming a care administrator overnight. It comes down to how much you want to take on, and how much you would like handled for you.\n\n\nWhy we are a managed company\n\nAt Edyn, we are a fully managed, CQC-regulated live-in care company, rated \"Good\", and we have chosen that model very deliberately. We believe families deserve to be supported throughout, not handed a carer and left to manage everything alone. So we take care of the matching, the management, the cover, the quality and the care itself, with a dedicated team behind every client, so that you can focus on what matters most: your loved one.\n\nIf you would like to understand which approach would suit your family best, we would be glad to talk it through, honestly and without any pressure.\n\nBook a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900. We are always happy to help.","primary_tag":{"name":"Starting the conversation"},"slug":"live-in-care-company-vs-matching-agency-whats-the-difference","publishedDisplay":"09 Jul 2026","updatedDisplay":"23 Jul 2026","publishedIso":"2026-07-09T14:00:00.000+00:00","updatedIso":"2026-07-23T13:01:01.000+00:00","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/f19bc/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/26cfb/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/1b035/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/f19bc/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/921bf/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/b7ef5/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/c9c6a/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"primary_author":{"bio":"Communications and Marketing Lead","name":"Jamie Shie","slug":"jamie","profile_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#383838","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/2e55b/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png","srcSet":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/5fbde/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 132w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/6672c/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 264w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/2e55b/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 528w","sizes":"(min-width: 528px) 528px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/df6d7/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 132w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/5bda5/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 264w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/3155f/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 528w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 528px) 528px, 100vw"}]},"width":528,"height":466}}}}},"relatedPosts":{"nodes":[{"title":"From Active Retirement to Care: How Needs Evolve Over the Years","slug":"from-active-retirement-to-care-how-needs-evolve-over-the-years","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e81d11349c0464a227984cfc848e0c3d/f19bc/age-cymru-2obyM4zYt3Y-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e81d11349c0464a227984cfc848e0c3d/26cfb/age-cymru-2obyM4zYt3Y-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/e81d11349c0464a227984cfc848e0c3d/1b035/age-cymru-2obyM4zYt3Y-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/e81d11349c0464a227984cfc848e0c3d/f19bc/age-cymru-2obyM4zYt3Y-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/e81d11349c0464a227984cfc848e0c3d/921bf/age-cymru-2obyM4zYt3Y-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/e81d11349c0464a227984cfc848e0c3d/b7ef5/age-cymru-2obyM4zYt3Y-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/e81d11349c0464a227984cfc848e0c3d/c9c6a/age-cymru-2obyM4zYt3Y-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Growing older is not a single moment but a gradual journey, and a person's needs tend to change and evolve along the way. Understanding the broad shape of that journey, sometimes called the care continuum, can genuinely help families: it lets you anticipate rather than be caught off guard, plan calmly rather than in a crisis, and make good decisions in good time.\n\nHere is how needs often evolve over the years, and why having a sense of the bigger picture is so useful. First, though, an important","published_at":"13 Aug 2026"},{"title":"When Caring for a Parent Affects Your Own Marriage or Relationships","slug":"when-caring-for-a-parent-affects-your-own-marriage-or-relationships","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/6d5995d3ec82a889a0226d85f139c4c6/f19bc/centre-for-ageing-better-N8z6mWyPM4I-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d5995d3ec82a889a0226d85f139c4c6/26cfb/centre-for-ageing-better-N8z6mWyPM4I-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d5995d3ec82a889a0226d85f139c4c6/1b035/centre-for-ageing-better-N8z6mWyPM4I-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/6d5995d3ec82a889a0226d85f139c4c6/f19bc/centre-for-ageing-better-N8z6mWyPM4I-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/6d5995d3ec82a889a0226d85f139c4c6/921bf/centre-for-ageing-better-N8z6mWyPM4I-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/6d5995d3ec82a889a0226d85f139c4c6/b7ef5/centre-for-ageing-better-N8z6mWyPM4I-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/6d5995d3ec82a889a0226d85f139c4c6/c9c6a/centre-for-ageing-better-N8z6mWyPM4I-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"When you are caring for an ageing parent, there is often someone else quietly feeling the strain: your partner, and your relationship. Caring can put real pressure on a marriage, and on other close relationships too, and it is something that frequently goes unspoken, even as the tension builds.\n\nIf your relationship is feeling the weight of it, you are far from alone, and it is well worth protecting. Here is how caring for a parent can affect your relationships, and how to look after them throug","published_at":"13 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Live-in Care vs Moving In With an Adult Child: An Honest Comparison","slug":"live-in-care-vs-moving-in-with-an-adult-child-an-honest-comparison","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#c8c8b8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/8865f9a9239b466947622c70987a9bd9/8f95c/getty-images-CrBv6I1JvT0-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8865f9a9239b466947622c70987a9bd9/28380/getty-images-CrBv6I1JvT0-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/8865f9a9239b466947622c70987a9bd9/1b035/getty-images-CrBv6I1JvT0-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/8865f9a9239b466947622c70987a9bd9/8f95c/getty-images-CrBv6I1JvT0-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/8865f9a9239b466947622c70987a9bd9/76f01/getty-images-CrBv6I1JvT0-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/8865f9a9239b466947622c70987a9bd9/b7ef5/getty-images-CrBv6I1JvT0-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/8865f9a9239b466947622c70987a9bd9/d6ae7/getty-images-CrBv6I1JvT0-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1334}}},"excerpt":"When a parent needs more support, one of the questions families wrestle with most is this: should we bring them to live with us, or arrange live-in care in their own home? Both options come from a place of deep love, and both can be absolutely the right choice, depending on the family. There is no universal answer.\n\nThis is an honest look at the two, the genuine benefits and the real challenges of each, to help you think it through clearly. We will be straight with you rather than steering you, ","published_at":"13 Aug 2026"},{"title":"When One Spouse Becomes the Decision-Maker for the Other's Care","slug":"when-one-spouse-becomes-the-decision-maker-for-the-others-care","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#b89898","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/87096f20fcc1daf15945fbc85a0a4864/dbd40/vitaly-gariev--FYWsRxATAE-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/87096f20fcc1daf15945fbc85a0a4864/d3119/vitaly-gariev--FYWsRxATAE-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/87096f20fcc1daf15945fbc85a0a4864/26b49/vitaly-gariev--FYWsRxATAE-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/87096f20fcc1daf15945fbc85a0a4864/dbd40/vitaly-gariev--FYWsRxATAE-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/87096f20fcc1daf15945fbc85a0a4864/cd07d/vitaly-gariev--FYWsRxATAE-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/87096f20fcc1daf15945fbc85a0a4864/bf95e/vitaly-gariev--FYWsRxATAE-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/87096f20fcc1daf15945fbc85a0a4864/d36eb/vitaly-gariev--FYWsRxATAE-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1125}}},"excerpt":"There are few harder moments in a marriage than the one where you realise your husband or wife can no longer make their own decisions, and that you must begin making them on their behalf. Whether it comes gradually with dementia, or suddenly after a stroke or serious illness, taking on the role of primary decision-maker for the person you have shared your life with is a profound responsibility, emotionally and practically.\n\nIf you are facing this, you are carrying a great deal. Here are some tho","published_at":"10 Aug 2026"},{"title":"The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Kids, Career and Ageing Parents","slug":"the-sandwich-generation-balancing-kids-career-and-ageing-parents","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#c8b8a8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/bb45911faef74962dc4701ff2e58a672/dbd40/thay-jesus-7qrFkW3pgAg-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bb45911faef74962dc4701ff2e58a672/d3119/thay-jesus-7qrFkW3pgAg-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/bb45911faef74962dc4701ff2e58a672/26b49/thay-jesus-7qrFkW3pgAg-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/bb45911faef74962dc4701ff2e58a672/dbd40/thay-jesus-7qrFkW3pgAg-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/bb45911faef74962dc4701ff2e58a672/cd07d/thay-jesus-7qrFkW3pgAg-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/bb45911faef74962dc4701ff2e58a672/bf95e/thay-jesus-7qrFkW3pgAg-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/bb45911faef74962dc4701ff2e58a672/d36eb/thay-jesus-7qrFkW3pgAg-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1125}}},"excerpt":"There is a name for the particular kind of exhaustion that comes from caring for your children and your ageing parents at the same time, while holding down a job in between. It is called being part of the sandwich generation, and if you are living it, you will know exactly why.\n\nYou are squeezed from both sides. Your children still need you. Your parents increasingly need you too. And your work, your relationship, and your own life sit somewhere in the middle, often getting whatever is left, whi","published_at":"06 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Caring for a Parent From Abroad: Coordinating Care as a British Expat","slug":"caring-for-a-parent-from-abroad-coordinating-care-as-a-british-expat","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#d8e8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/97090933ad132ac7b5f6b73eae412378/f19bc/getty-images--M3AdCUWYoc-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/97090933ad132ac7b5f6b73eae412378/26cfb/getty-images--M3AdCUWYoc-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/97090933ad132ac7b5f6b73eae412378/1b035/getty-images--M3AdCUWYoc-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/97090933ad132ac7b5f6b73eae412378/f19bc/getty-images--M3AdCUWYoc-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/97090933ad132ac7b5f6b73eae412378/921bf/getty-images--M3AdCUWYoc-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/97090933ad132ac7b5f6b73eae412378/b7ef5/getty-images--M3AdCUWYoc-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/97090933ad132ac7b5f6b73eae412378/c9c6a/getty-images--M3AdCUWYoc-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Building a life overseas is something to be proud of. But when a parent back in the UK starts to need more support, living abroad brings a particular kind of worry, and a particular kind of guilt. You are hundreds or thousands of miles away, in a different time zone, unable to simply pop round, and trying to coordinate care across borders and systems you are no longer close to.\n\nIf this is you, please know that distance does not have to mean helplessness. A great many expats care devotedly for p","published_at":"06 Aug 2026"},{"title":"Grandparents raising grandchildren while managing their own care needs","slug":"grandparents-raising-grandchildren-while-managing-their-own-care-needs","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/472483b97b2e686436f3829492f30360/f19bc/getty-images-QDrKuRlxWjE-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/472483b97b2e686436f3829492f30360/26cfb/getty-images-QDrKuRlxWjE-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/472483b97b2e686436f3829492f30360/1b035/getty-images-QDrKuRlxWjE-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/472483b97b2e686436f3829492f30360/f19bc/getty-images-QDrKuRlxWjE-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/472483b97b2e686436f3829492f30360/921bf/getty-images-QDrKuRlxWjE-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/472483b97b2e686436f3829492f30360/b7ef5/getty-images-QDrKuRlxWjE-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/472483b97b2e686436f3829492f30360/c9c6a/getty-images-QDrKuRlxWjE-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Across the country, a great many grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Sometimes it happens gradually, sometimes overnight, and it is almost always an act of extraordinary love, stepping in so that a child can stay within their family, and be safe and loved.\n\nIt is also, quite often, extremely hard. Raising children is demanding at any age. Doing it in your sixties, seventies or beyond, while managing your own health conditions and growing care needs, is a great deal to carry. And it is ","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"When your parent doesn't want a \"stranger\" in the house","slug":"when-your-parent-doesnt-want-a-stranger-in-the-house","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/7aad9e1acb92c4697208dbea2c85af23/6f2c3/AdobeStock_58367735--2-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7aad9e1acb92c4697208dbea2c85af23/ddcb5/AdobeStock_58367735--2-.jpg 500w,\n/static/7aad9e1acb92c4697208dbea2c85af23/fe8da/AdobeStock_58367735--2-.jpg 1000w,\n/static/7aad9e1acb92c4697208dbea2c85af23/6f2c3/AdobeStock_58367735--2-.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/7aad9e1acb92c4697208dbea2c85af23/325b6/AdobeStock_58367735--2-.webp 500w,\n/static/7aad9e1acb92c4697208dbea2c85af23/dcea0/AdobeStock_58367735--2-.webp 1000w,\n/static/7aad9e1acb92c4697208dbea2c85af23/5a6cd/AdobeStock_58367735--2-.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1325}}},"excerpt":"\"I don't want a stranger in my house.\"\n\nIf you have heard this from a parent, you are in very good company. It is one of the most common objections families come up against, and it can feel like a brick wall. You know they need support, and yet the very idea of an unfamiliar person in their home seems to close the conversation before it has begun.\n\nHere is the thing, though. It is a completely reasonable thing to feel, and it is also, in practice, one of the easiest worries to resolve. Here is w","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"When both parents need care at the same time","slug":"when-both-parents-need-care-at-the-same-time","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#0858a8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/5f09a478c0e943b5751e7897e04597ad/f19bc/tim-mossholder-mCpNGIRYx0M-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5f09a478c0e943b5751e7897e04597ad/26cfb/tim-mossholder-mCpNGIRYx0M-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/5f09a478c0e943b5751e7897e04597ad/1b035/tim-mossholder-mCpNGIRYx0M-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/5f09a478c0e943b5751e7897e04597ad/f19bc/tim-mossholder-mCpNGIRYx0M-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/5f09a478c0e943b5751e7897e04597ad/921bf/tim-mossholder-mCpNGIRYx0M-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/5f09a478c0e943b5751e7897e04597ad/b7ef5/tim-mossholder-mCpNGIRYx0M-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/5f09a478c0e943b5751e7897e04597ad/c9c6a/tim-mossholder-mCpNGIRYx0M-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"It is a situation many families eventually face, and it can feel especially daunting: not one parent needing support, but both. Perhaps their health has declined together, or perhaps one has been quietly propping up the other for years, and now neither can manage alone.\n\nAlongside the practical worries comes a deeper fear, one that families feel very keenly. After a lifetime together, might Mum and Dad have to be separated? It is a heartbreaking thought, and happily, it is usually an unnecessary","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Live-in care explained: how it compares to a nanny or au pair","slug":"live-in-care-explained-how-it-compares-to-a-nanny-or-au-pair","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#d8c8b8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/50a0021f4e8de184d1c410b67cd2e609/8f95c/AdobeStock_180861051--1-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/50a0021f4e8de184d1c410b67cd2e609/28380/AdobeStock_180861051--1-.jpg 500w,\n/static/50a0021f4e8de184d1c410b67cd2e609/1b035/AdobeStock_180861051--1-.jpg 1000w,\n/static/50a0021f4e8de184d1c410b67cd2e609/8f95c/AdobeStock_180861051--1-.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/50a0021f4e8de184d1c410b67cd2e609/76f01/AdobeStock_180861051--1-.webp 500w,\n/static/50a0021f4e8de184d1c410b67cd2e609/b7ef5/AdobeStock_180861051--1-.webp 1000w,\n/static/50a0021f4e8de184d1c410b67cd2e609/d6ae7/AdobeStock_180861051--1-.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1334}}},"excerpt":"If you have never come across live-in care before, it can be a hard thing to picture. Someone comes to live in my parent's house? How does that even work? Where do they sleep? What do they do all day? Is it not terribly intrusive?\n\nMany families find it easier to grasp by starting with something more familiar: the live-in nanny or au pair. Plenty of people have either employed one, or know a family who has. So it makes a useful way in.\n\nThe comparison is genuinely helpful, up to a point. But it ","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Is live-in care only for dementia? Clearing up a common assumption","slug":"is-live-in-care-only-for-dementia-clearing-up-a-common-assumption","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#a88878","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/0b69f981a8c413b9b334a35234057b50/8f95c/AdobeStock_180542041--3-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0b69f981a8c413b9b334a35234057b50/28380/AdobeStock_180542041--3-.jpg 500w,\n/static/0b69f981a8c413b9b334a35234057b50/1b035/AdobeStock_180542041--3-.jpg 1000w,\n/static/0b69f981a8c413b9b334a35234057b50/8f95c/AdobeStock_180542041--3-.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/0b69f981a8c413b9b334a35234057b50/76f01/AdobeStock_180542041--3-.webp 500w,\n/static/0b69f981a8c413b9b334a35234057b50/b7ef5/AdobeStock_180542041--3-.webp 1000w,\n/static/0b69f981a8c413b9b334a35234057b50/d6ae7/AdobeStock_180542041--3-.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1334}}},"excerpt":"There is a belief we come across a great deal, and it stops many families from getting help they could really use. It goes something like this: live-in care is for people with dementia, or for those with very advanced needs, so it is not for us. Not yet, anyway. Perhaps not ever.\n\nIt is an understandable assumption, and it is not true. Live-in care supports people across an enormously wide range of needs, from someone who is largely independent and simply wants company and a helping hand, right ","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Balancing your own life while caring for an ageing parent","slug":"balancing-your-own-life-while-caring-for-an-ageing-parent","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/427b8f7031d614e1d5b497acd6cf67ba/413b7/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/427b8f7031d614e1d5b497acd6cf67ba/126d1/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/427b8f7031d614e1d5b497acd6cf67ba/f464f/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/427b8f7031d614e1d5b497acd6cf67ba/413b7/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/427b8f7031d614e1d5b497acd6cf67ba/d03f3/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/427b8f7031d614e1d5b497acd6cf67ba/202c7/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/427b8f7031d614e1d5b497acd6cf67ba/5afe0/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1339}}},"excerpt":"Caring for an ageing parent is one of the most loving things a person can do. It can also be one of the most demanding. If you are trying to hold down a job, look after your own family, run a household, and be there for your parent all at the same time, you may often feel stretched impossibly thin.\n\nIf that sounds familiar, please know two things. You are not alone, and it is completely okay to need support. Here are some gentle thoughts on finding a little balance, and on looking after yourself","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"What to do when a parent refuses care","slug":"what-to-do-when-a-parent-refuses-care","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#a8a898","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/a6199ce62ee6f923926eef66ee0b69e1/f19bc/getty-images-W-n5iBmAA-4-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a6199ce62ee6f923926eef66ee0b69e1/26cfb/getty-images-W-n5iBmAA-4-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/a6199ce62ee6f923926eef66ee0b69e1/1b035/getty-images-W-n5iBmAA-4-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/a6199ce62ee6f923926eef66ee0b69e1/f19bc/getty-images-W-n5iBmAA-4-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/a6199ce62ee6f923926eef66ee0b69e1/921bf/getty-images-W-n5iBmAA-4-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/a6199ce62ee6f923926eef66ee0b69e1/b7ef5/getty-images-W-n5iBmAA-4-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/a6199ce62ee6f923926eef66ee0b69e1/c9c6a/getty-images-W-n5iBmAA-4-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"It is one of the hardest situations a family can face. You can see, clearly and worryingly, that a parent needs some help, and yet they simply will not accept it. It is painful, it can be frustrating, and it often leaves you feeling helpless. If this is you, please know that you are far from alone, and that there are gentle, effective ways through it.\n\nHere is how to approach a parent who is reluctant to accept care, with the compassion and patience the situation deserves.\n\n\nFirst, try to unders","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Live-in care company vs matching agency: what's the difference?","slug":"live-in-care-company-vs-matching-agency-whats-the-difference","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/f19bc/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/26cfb/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/1b035/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/f19bc/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/921bf/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/b7ef5/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/f3d965b9833174e97c0ba7c2c7d4b106/c9c6a/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"When you start arranging live-in care, there is a choice to make that many families do not even realise they are making, and it is an important one. Broadly, there are two quite different types of provider out there: a fully managed live-in care company, and a one-off matching, or introductory, agency.\n\nThey can sound similar at first, and both will help you find a carer. But they work very differently, and the difference has a real impact on your experience, your responsibilities, and your peac","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"What is the minimum cover time for live-in care?","slug":"what-is-the-minimum-cover-time-for-live-in-care","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/92d745086f554d0c79344f4ff1a62b27/94182/centre-for-ageing-better-rQJ3xo-0WYE-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/92d745086f554d0c79344f4ff1a62b27/26cfb/centre-for-ageing-better-rQJ3xo-0WYE-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/92d745086f554d0c79344f4ff1a62b27/826b9/centre-for-ageing-better-rQJ3xo-0WYE-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/92d745086f554d0c79344f4ff1a62b27/94182/centre-for-ageing-better-rQJ3xo-0WYE-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/92d745086f554d0c79344f4ff1a62b27/921bf/centre-for-ageing-better-rQJ3xo-0WYE-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/92d745086f554d0c79344f4ff1a62b27/323e8/centre-for-ageing-better-rQJ3xo-0WYE-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/92d745086f554d0c79344f4ff1a62b27/9181c/centre-for-ageing-better-rQJ3xo-0WYE-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1331}}},"excerpt":"Not everyone comes to live-in care looking for a long-term arrangement. Sometimes what you need is support for a few weeks: while a family carer takes a break, perhaps, or while a loved one gets back on their feet after a spell in hospital. So it's a very sensible question to ask: is there a minimum amount of time you have to book?\n\nAt Edyn, the answer is straightforward. Our minimum cover time for live-in care is two weeks. In this guide, we'll explain what that means, why the minimum exists, a","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"When is care needed? How to spot the signs, and what to do next","slug":"when-is-care-needed-how-to-spot-the-signs-and-what-to-do-next","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/45328e33d74bfad562906236fb03e39a/f19bc/AdobeStock_262215002.jpg","srcSet":"/static/45328e33d74bfad562906236fb03e39a/26cfb/AdobeStock_262215002.jpg 500w,\n/static/45328e33d74bfad562906236fb03e39a/1b035/AdobeStock_262215002.jpg 1000w,\n/static/45328e33d74bfad562906236fb03e39a/f19bc/AdobeStock_262215002.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/45328e33d74bfad562906236fb03e39a/921bf/AdobeStock_262215002.webp 500w,\n/static/45328e33d74bfad562906236fb03e39a/b7ef5/AdobeStock_262215002.webp 1000w,\n/static/45328e33d74bfad562906236fb03e39a/c9c6a/AdobeStock_262215002.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"It's rarely one big moment. More often, it's a string of small ones: a missed hospital appointment, a fridge with nothing much in it, the same cardigan worn three days running. On their own, none of these mean very much. Together, they're often the first sign that someone you love could use a little more support.\n\n\"When is the right time to start care?\" is one of the questions our Family Care Advisors hear most. There's no single answer, because every family and every situation is different. But","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"What can a live-in carer help with?","slug":"what-can-a-live-in-carer-help-with-2","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#d8c8b8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/f19bc/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/26cfb/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/1b035/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/f19bc/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/921bf/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/b7ef5/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/2c6a43b81adbad374389e36cc476a2aa/c9c6a/getty-images-z356KmWbajg-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Most people are surprised by how much a live-in carer can do. The phrase tends to bring to mind the basics: a hand getting dressed, help up the stairs, and those matter. But the real value is often quieter and bigger than any single task: it's having the right person in the house so that daily life keeps running smoothly, and the person being cared for gets to stay where they're happiest.\n\nA live-in carer is a trained professional who lives in the home, providing one-to-one support, companionshi","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Discussing care options as a family","slug":"discussing-care-options-as-a-family-2","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/a1933550e789d7184a6bb219b0ee4b02/8f95c/getty-images-oNnuIf5a0jM-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a1933550e789d7184a6bb219b0ee4b02/28380/getty-images-oNnuIf5a0jM-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/a1933550e789d7184a6bb219b0ee4b02/1b035/getty-images-oNnuIf5a0jM-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/a1933550e789d7184a6bb219b0ee4b02/8f95c/getty-images-oNnuIf5a0jM-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/a1933550e789d7184a6bb219b0ee4b02/76f01/getty-images-oNnuIf5a0jM-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/a1933550e789d7184a6bb219b0ee4b02/b7ef5/getty-images-oNnuIf5a0jM-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/a1933550e789d7184a6bb219b0ee4b02/d6ae7/getty-images-oNnuIf5a0jM-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1334}}},"excerpt":"Let's be honest. Talking about care with your loved ones isn't exactly anyone's idea of a fun Friday night. It can feel awkward, emotional, and sometimes a little bit scary. And if the person you're talking to feels they don't need any extra help, that can make things even trickier.\n\nBut here's the thing: having these conversations before a crisis hits means you get to make choices together, rather than rushing decisions in a hospital corridor when stress is high and options are limited.\n\nAt Edy","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"}]}},"pageContext":{"slug":"live-in-care-company-vs-matching-agency-whats-the-difference","publicPath":"/blog/live-in-care-company-vs-matching-agency-whats-the-difference/","tagSlug":"starting-the-conversation","feature_image":"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/sweet-life-axYZum3rdMY-unsplash.jpg"}},"staticQueryHashes":["1371987667","1706655005"]}