By 2026, the number of people spending Christmas completely alone is expected to hit 8.4 million, up from 7.5 million in 2024

As Loneliness Rises, So Does the Role of Live-In Carers This Christmas

While most people are busy wrapping presents and planning family dinners, tens of thousands of live-in carers will be quietly showing up for those who’d otherwise spend the holidays alone.

This year, around 171,000 care workers will be working on Christmas Day – up from 166,000 last year.

By 2026, the number of people spending Christmas completely alone is expected to hit 8.4 million, up from 7.5 million in 2024.

Most of them? Older adults in rural or suburban areas. Many are women, but increasing numbers of younger people in cities are quietly joining that statistic.

Live-in carers are often the only human connection these individuals have during the holidays, making their presence not just practical, but deeply personal.

Noble Live-In Care, part of City & County Healthcare Group (CCH), the UK’s largest provider of community-based care, is drawing attention to the increasing number of live-in carers working over the Christmas period.

“We want to shine a light on the unseen heroes,” says a spokesperson. “The ones bringing warmth, conversation, and comfort when it matters most.”

As the UK population ages and isolation grows, live-in care is becoming more than just a service; it’s becoming a lifeline.

People Spending Christmas Day Alone by Region – 2025
Scotland: – 450,000–500,000

Mostly older adults (65+) in urban centers like Glasgow and Edinburgh; women living alone (widows) are most common, though younger single adults are increasing.

South East England: – 200,000–250,000

Predominantly older adults, often widowed or living without extended family; some younger adults in high-cost urban areas.

Wales: -120,000–150,000

Mix of older adults in rural towns and isolated communities; social isolation is a concern in sparsely populated areas.

North West England: -180,000–220,000

Urban areas such as Manchester and Liverpool have high single-person households; both younger adults (20–34) and older adults (65+) are likely to be alone.

London: – 350,000–400,000

High density of single-person households; predominantly younger adults (20–40-year-old professionals), but also some older adults in inner-city housing.

Rest of England (Midlands, North East, South West): – 500,000–600,000 combined.

Carers Expected to Work on Christmas Day – 2025 vs 2024

2024: 166,000 care workers
2025: 171,000 care workers expected
An additional 5,000 carers are expected to work on Christmas Day in 2025 compared to the previous year, which is a rise that reflects not only a growing demand for live-in care, but also the incredible dedication of those giving up their own celebrations to support others.

These carers step into homes, hospitals and other care settings to ensure vulnerable individuals aren’t left alone, providing essential care, comfort, and companionship when it matters most.

Kirsty Prendiville Lawes, Operations Manager at Noble Live-In Care

Kirsty Prendiville Lawes, Operations Manager at Noble Live-In Care, shares:

“The dedication of our live-in carers, who choose to be away from their own families to care for others during the Christmas period, is truly commendable. Their commitment ensures that some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society receive the care and companionship they deserve. As we look towards 2026, we anticipate a continued increase in demand for live-in care services, highlighting the vital role our carers play in enhancing the quality of life for those in need.”