A Day In The Life Of A Live-in Carer
An interview with Kim Norris, Live-in Carer
Published: 18/03/2026
Meet Kim Norris
Live-in care means different things to different people and we find that until you or your loved ones are faced with the need for full time care, chances are you aren’t sure what it entails – or indeed if it is the right choice for you.
Kim has more than forty years of experience caring for people, from older adults with dementia to children and adults with disabilities or learning difficulties, as well as people recovering after illness or surgery.
She’s been working as a Live-in carer for Right at Home Havant & Petersfield for nearly three years and we caught up with her to answer questions, clear up misconceptions and share what Live-in care genuinely looks like day-to-day.
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Q&A Interview With Kim
Q: Who is Live-in care for?
A: “Live-in care is for anyone who needs full-time support but wants to remain in their own home. I’ve cared for clients in all sorts of situations.
Sometimes it’s short-term – perhaps a week or two to give respite to a family member who's been caring full-time for their loved one, or to step in when someone's partner is recovering from surgery and needs extra support themselves.
Other times it’s a longer-term arrangement. I’ve lived with clients for two years or more, becoming part of their daily routine. This might include help with bathing, dressing and personal care, as well as providing companionship – accompanying them on walks, driving to appointments or the shops, preparing meals, or simply sharing a cup of tea and a chat.
Every client is different, which is a big part of what makes this job so rewarding.”
Q: And what is that daily routine like?
A: “My job varies each day, but generally I start each morning by bringing a cup of tea or coffee – and sometimes breakfast – to my client in bed. From there, I often help them get up, wash, get dressed and then we plan their day together.
I regularly join them on outings and walks, visits with family and friends, and help them with chores like shopping. My job is part cook, part chauffeur, full-time carer and companion.”
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Q&A Interview With Kim
Q: What is your favourite part of the job?
A: “I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they can do things they haven’t managed on their own for a while – perhaps because of mobility issues or they’ve had to give up driving. Something as simple as getting their nails done, visiting family, or meeting friends for coffee brings them so much joy. I feel privileged that I can help give them their freedom back.”
Q: When should people consider making the move to having a Live-in carer?
A: “There is no single answer to this question, but people often reach out when they notice changes that make them worry about the safety or quality of life for their loved ones.
For example, you may notice they have been falling more frequently, or are struggling to manage their medication. If your loved one has dementia, they may be wandering more and need more care or supervision, particularly overnight. Daily tasks like cooking, bathing or getting dressed can also become overwhelming for them to manage without support.
Whatever the reason, it’s important for you to know that choosing Live-in care for a loved one isn’t giving up – it’s quite the opposite; it’s about recognising that they may need more support than you or a family member can provide. Bringing in full-time professional carers means your loved one can continue living as comfortably and safely as possible in their own home, and it lifts that constant worry from your shoulders, knowing someone's always there to keep them safe.
I’ve cared for clients who live alone, but I’ve also worked with couples where one partner has been doing all the caring and simply needs support. In those situations, my role isn’t to replace their partner – it’s to provide the practical care needed, whether that means helping with personal care, food shopping and preparing meals, driving them to appointments or being there through the night, so everyone can rest easily.
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"I am always mindful that coming into someone’s home at a time when they may feel they've lost some independence or privacy requires sensitivity and patience.
It’s really important that couples have the time they need to adjust to this new arrangement, so I always make sure to respect the vows they've made to each other – they should have their own time and space together, while knowing I'm always on hand whenever they need me.”
– Kim Norris | Live-In Carer, Right at Home Havant and Petersfield
Is Live-in care suitable for you?
Hopefully Kim has shone a light on what Live-in care can look like, but is it right for you or your loved one? Here are a few questions that might help you think it through:
• Are you missing out on things because it’s harder for you to get around?
• Are daily tasks like cooking, bathing or getting dressed becoming more difficult?
• Do you worry about being alone at night?
• Do you have a spare bedroom? (Live-in carers need their own private space)
• Do you have a pet? (Unlike care homes, you can keep your beloved pet at home with Live-in care)
If you answered ‘yes’ to some of these questions, Live-in care could be an option worth exploring.
Our friendly office team would be happy to chat with you about how it works and whether it might be a good fit – no pressure, just a conversation.