Live-in Care in Soho

Yes, live-in care works in Soho wherever the flat has a second bedroom for the carer. The carer lives in, helps with getting washed and dressed, tablets, food and going out, and is there through the day and in the next room at night. Jackie, our registered manager, does a free assessment in the flat first and writes the care plan with you.

Is there room for a live-in carer in a Soho flat?

Sometimes, and the only way to know is to look. Soho's homes are small: flats above shops and restaurants on streets such as Greek Street, Frith Street and Old Compton Street, council blocks, and housing association homes tucked between offices. Many are one-bedroom or studio flats, and those can't take a live-in carer. Two-bedroom flats do exist, for instance where a grown-up child has moved out or a partner has died, and that second room is enough.

If there isn't one, home care visits in Soho are the practical answer. Soho is among the parts of Westminster we reach most easily from Lewisham, though visits still depend on which carers are free.

Tenants: telling the landlord

Many Soho flats are rented from Westminster City Council or a housing association. A live-in carer isn't a tenant and doesn't take over the tenancy, but the landlord should know that someone is staying in the flat to provide care. Speak to the housing officer before the carer moves in, and ask at the same time about grab rails, a level shower or a door entry system the person can use; adaptations usually start with a council occupational therapy assessment.

Noise, nights and the carer's sleep

A live-in carer works through the day and needs a night's sleep, the same as anyone. In Soho that takes a little planning. Bars close late, and bins, deliveries and street cleaning start early. At the assessment we look at which bedroom faces the street, and suggest the quieter room for whoever needs sleep more.

If the person is awake and needing help for much of the night, one live-in carer can't safely cover both days and nights. The plan would then need night support as well, and we will say so plainly.

Changeovers without a car

Nobody drives to a Soho changeover. The neighbourhood is inside the Congestion Charge zone, it's Westminster parking zone G, and there are no visitor permits in Westminster. Our carers come by train: Southeastern from Lewisham to Charing Cross, then a walk up Charing Cross Road, or the Elizabeth line from Abbey Wood and Woolwich straight to Tottenham Court Road. At the flat, the carer finishing their stretch talks the new arrival through the care notes before heading home.

An hour in Soho Square

The carer's daily break doesn't need a park; it needs somewhere to sit that isn't the flat. Soho Square has lawns, trees and benches and is accessible for wheelchairs, so it also works for an outing together. St Anne's Churchyard on Wardour Street is quieter, but has no wheelchair access. Golden Square is a few minutes west.

Other places a carer can take someone, if they want to go:

• Berwick Street market, for fruit, vegetables and lunch;
• Charing Cross Library, which runs IT sessions for over-50s (three steps and a handrail at the door);
• the Westminster Chinese Library in the same building, which holds one of the largest Chinese collections in UK public libraries;
• St Patrick's Church on Soho Square, or St Anne's, for anyone who wants to keep going to services.

While the carer is on their break, someone should be around if the person can't be left; a friend, a neighbour or a short sit-in visit can cover it.

From UCH back to W1

Soho's nearest emergency department is at University College Hospital (UCH), a short taxi ride north. When a patient there is ready to leave but can't yet manage the stairs to the flat or the kitchen alone, a live-in carer can be there from the day they come home. Call while discharge is being planned and ask the ward whether NHS Continuing Healthcare has been considered. Our hospital discharge support page explains the first days.

Paying for it

There's no phone quote: the figure comes in writing once we've assessed. If the council may contribute, start with a needs assessment through Westminster Adult Social Care on 020 7641 2500; that route is explained on our Westminster live-in care page. How placements, breaks and holiday cover work is on our London live-in care page. If a partner or friend has been doing the caring, they can ask for their own carer's assessment, which Carers Network can carry out.

What we can help with in Soho

• A carer living in, with their own room
• Care for one person or a couple
• Personal care through the day
• Medication support
• Cooking, housekeeping and laundry
• Dementia support at home
• Company, outings and appointments
• Cover arranged for the carer's breaks