Understanding Caregiver Working Hours: What You Need to Know

When arranging care for a loved one, one of the most common questions is how many hours a caregiver can work in a day. The answer depends on the type of care provided—whether it’s hourly home care, live-in care, or overnight care. Understanding the limits and working patterns of carers can help families make informed decisions about the level of support they need.

At In Home Care, we recognise that caregiving is demanding work, and it’s essential to balance high-quality care with fair working hours to maintain the well-being of both carers and those receiving care.

Hourly Home Carers

Hourly carers provide care for a set number of hours each day, ranging from a few hours to a full shift. A typical shift lasts between 6 and 8 hours, though this varies based on the care recipient’s needs.

For longer shifts, carers are entitled to breaks to rest and recharge. If a shift exceeds six hours, they typically receive a 30-minute break, with additional short breaks depending on their working hours. Some carers work part-time, offering just a few hours of support each day, while others may cover multiple shifts per week.

Hourly care is ideal for those who require flexible, structured support without needing 24/7 assistance.

Live-In Carers

Live-in carers stay in the client’s home and provide ongoing support throughout the day. While they are present 24 hours a day, they are not expected to be working at all times. A typical live-in carer provides active care for around 6 to 10 hours per day, depending on the individual’s needs.

To prevent exhaustion and ensure carers can provide the best possible care, live-in carers are given at least two hours of personal break time per day. Some care arrangements also include a secondary carer or family member who can step in during these break periods to ensure continuous support.

Many live-in carers work in rotations of several weeks before taking an extended rest period, allowing them to maintain their well-being while providing consistent care.

Overnight Care

Some individuals require assistance throughout the night, which is where overnight carers come in. There are two main types of overnight care, depending on the level of support needed:

• Sleeping Night Care: The carer stays in the home and sleeps overnight but is available if help is needed. This is suitable for individuals who may require occasional assistance, such as getting to the bathroom, but do not need continuous monitoring.
• Waking Night Care: The carer remains awake throughout the night to provide constant supervision and support. This type of care is ideal for individuals with complex needs, such as dementia or advanced mobility issues.

Overnight carers typically work 8 to 10-hour shifts, depending on the required level of care, and must have sufficient rest between shifts to ensure they remain alert and effective in their role.

Legal Working Hours for Carers in the UK

Caregivers in the UK are generally subject to a maximum of 48 hours per week, in line with working time regulations. However, carers may choose to sign an opt-out agreement if they are happy to work beyond this limit.

Despite the flexibility in caregiving schedules, carers must be given regular breaks and days off to prevent burnout. Employers and families must ensure that carers are not overworked, as fatigue can directly impact the quality of care and overall well-being of both the carer and the individual receiving support.

Finding the Right Balance Between Support and Well-Being

When arranging care, it is crucial to ensure that both the care recipient and the caregiver have a sustainable routine. Whether you need a few hours of care each day or round-the-clock assistance, professional home care services can provide flexible solutions that ensure high-quality support while maintaining fair working conditions for carers.

At In-Home Care, we are committed to delivering professional, compassionate, and well-balanced care services that meet the needs of both our clients and our carers. Our team provides hourly, live-in, and overnight care, ensuring that your loved one receives the support they need while maintaining their independence and comfort at home. If you’re considering home care and would like to discuss your options, get in touch with us today. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you find the right care solution for your family.