The cost of care is a major factor in deciding which service to choose. From hourly care to live-in care, the fees vary depending on the level of care needed, where you live, and which service provider you pick.
Despite all these influencing factors, it is a good idea to be aware of the costs of care in general so that you have a rough estimate. In this article, we will highlight the fees and charges incurred by the various types of carers so that you can make an informed decision.
Different types of carers
When it comes to care, it is recognised that care needs and preferences vary from person to person. That’s why it is important that there are different care options to choose from to suit the individual’s needs:
Visiting carers
Visiting care, otherwise known as hourly care, provides support and assistance at set times during the day or week. A visiting carer commutes to the residence of the person needing care, to help them with certain aspects of daily living that they might struggle with. Individuals who are still quite independent may benefit from this service as it allows them to do as much as they can for themselves, with a little added support from time to time.
Live-in carers
On the other hand, live-in carers provide round-the-clock care for individuals who need help regularly throughout the day. A live-in carer can support an elderly person from the moment they wake up, assisting with morning routines, preparing meals, medication management and moving around the home. Live-in carers reside at home with the person receiving care so that they are always on hand to provide help. If enlisting the help of a live-in carer, they will need their own private room in the house and access to essential facilities.
Family caregivers
Another type of carer is the family caregiver. This carer is a family member who acts as a carer for an elderly loved one. Whilst this can be the most economical choice and require the least organisation, a family carer is often not a professional. For individuals with complex health needs, having a family member take care of them can be a difficult undertaking and can cause tension between loved ones.
How much do carers cost?
Costs can vary depending on the type of carer you choose. An individual’s needs can also affect the overall costs, as live-in care is more economical for someone with high-level care needs than paying for visiting care by the hour.
How much do carers cost per hour?
If you decide to opt for visiting or hourly care, this can incur a small callout charge in addition to a typical cost of around £30 per hour. The hourly rate may reflect on the expertise of the carer, with more experienced carers or those dealing with complex conditions charging higher rates.
How much do live-in carers cost?
Live-in care costs vary between different care providers, but they typically range between £1,100 and £2000. Again, the final fees will vary depending on whether your loved one needs specialist care, 24-hour care, or overnight care cover in addition to daytime live-in care.
Home care vs. care home costs?
Many people mistakenly believe that care home costs are significantly lower than hiring a live-in carer. In fact, whilst the charges are very similar, the services available differ. For example, one-to-one care provided by a live-in carer is included in the costs, whereas in a care home environment, this would incur an additional fee. Care offered in a care home can typically cost around £1,200 whilst a live-in carer’s starting fees are approximately £1,100.
How much do private carers cost?
Private carers are individuals who offer their services outside of an official care service provider. If you have received a good word-of-mouth recommendation about a private carer this may be an appealing option. However, with private care, you do not get the same customer service support as you would with an introductory care agency such as Country Cousins or a fully managed care provider. Fees can vary from around £15 to £30 per hour, as can quality of service.
How Country Cousins can help
Although finances play a major role in making a decision surrounding care, it is also important to consider the individual’s care needs, the additional support they will receive, and the quality of service. At Country Cousins, we offer a variety of live-in care services that are tailored to the individual’s needs. For more information, read about the different types of care services offered as part of our live-in care provisions.
With more than 60 years of experience, you can trust us to help you or your loved one find a suitable carer to provide live-in care at home. To find out more, download our informative live-in care brochure, to help you better understand this service.
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.
