Sometimes referred to as supported living or extra care, assisted living enables elderly people to live independently and enjoy the rest of their lives with a little added help. Although this sounds like the perfect solution for older individuals facing the challenges that come with ageing, there is the issue of cost to consider.
Cost is an important factor in all forms of care. Being aware of the fees charged by care services is part of the care planning process. From exploring exactly what this care service is and what is included to uncovering the charges it incurs, this article will break down the complete costs of assisted living care.
What is assisted living?
When most people hear the term “assisted living”, they most likely think of a care home setting. However, assisted living is a service that can also be provided at home, allowing individuals to receive support in the comfort of their own homes. From personal care to mobility support and medication management, assisted living at home enables individuals to continue to live as independently as possible.
In both cases, assisted living or assisted living at home, the aim is to ensure that individuals feel fully supported while going about their daily routines. Whichever assisted living service you decide upon, the key is to understand what services are available for your budget so you can make a financially astute decision.
What is the cost of assisted living?
So, what can you expect to be charged if you opt for an assisted living service? This is an important question that can help to influence your decision. We will break down the costs of both assisted living in a care home and assisted living at home, as they differ slightly. There are also additional factors, from utility bills to accommodation fees, to consider.
Typically you can expect assisted living at home and in a care home to cost or include the following:
| Assisted living in a care home | Assisted living at home |
| £1,232 per week | £1,100 per week (for live-in care) |
| £64,000 a year | £56,760 a year |
| Utility costs included | Utility costs not included |
| Additional charge for one-to-one care | One-to-one care included |
| Meals included | Meal preparation included |
| Housekeeping included | Light housekeeping included |
| Personal care included | Personal care included |
Assisted living at home can be offered as live-in care, where a carer resides with the individual in their own home. This service allows elderly people to receive personalised, round-the-clock care and offers their families and friends complete peace of mind. For more information about this form of home care, check out our guide to live-in care.
Assisted living or home care?
As assisted living can be offered as a live-in care service, it can encompass the many different types of care at home. The decision is not down to choosing between assisted living or home care but rather whether you should opt for care at home vs. in a care home setting. This choice is dependent on the individual’s care needs and whether they would be happy to relocate from the home they love.
Being aware of the pros and cons of assisted living in a care home and at home can help inform your decision. The advantages of assisted living at home include:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Living in the home you love | Utility bills, mortgage, and cost of home upkeep will still need to be paid |
| Remaining in the local area, close to family, friends, and neighbours | Fewer opportunities for socialising |
| Receiving one-to-one personalised care | Home adaptations may be necessary, e.g. ramps, stairlifts |
| Maintaining daily routines | If choosing live-in care, a carer will be living in your own home 24/7 |
| Staying together as a couple in your own home | |
| Staying with beloved pets | |
| Privacy |
On the other hand, the benefits of assisted living in a care home setting include:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Access to on-site facilities such as hairdressers or fitness centres | Extras such as hairdressing, activities, and trips may incur additional costs |
| Easier to make new friends | One-to-one care is not offered as standard; this will incur extra charges |
| Facilities are designed for easy access e.g. ramps, grab rails, and more | Disruption of daily routines |
| Events, day trips, and social activities arranged for residents to partake in | Inconvenience of selling up and moving out of the home you love |
| Moving away from the local area, friends, family, and neighbours | |
| Privacy may be affected |
How Country Cousins can help
When putting together a care plan, finances are understandably an important factor to consider. Being aware of the costs of assisted living, both at home and in a care home facility, can help to better inform your decision. At Country Cousins, we offer live-in assisted living services at competitive rates and with a fully transparent pricing structure. For more information about care fees, check out our cost of live-in care guide.
With more than 60 years of experience, you can trust us to help you or your loved one find a suitable carer to provide assisted living support at home. To find out more, download our informative live-in care brochure, to help you understand all your options.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 244 706. should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
