The average cost of a care home in the UK depends on the type of care, where you live and the level of support required. Residential care is generally less expensive than nursing care, while home-based options such as live-in care may offer comparable costs with the benefit of one-to-one support.
This guide explains average care home fees, what affects the price and how live-in care compares.
How much does a care home cost per week?
Care costs at a glance, based on national averages:
| Residential care home | Around £1,232 per week* |
| Nursing care home | Around £1,470 per week* |
| Live-in care | From around £1,100 per week* |
| Costs vary depending on | Location, care needs and provider |
*Average costs only. Figures are based on UK average care costs at the time of publication and should be used as a guide only. Actual fees vary depending on location, care provider and the level of support required.
To get the most accurate picture of the costs, you will need to investigate each care home individually.
You may be eligible for financial support to help with care home or home care fees from local council funding or through the NHS. For more information, take a look at our guide to financing and funding.
How do care home costs compare with live-in care?
People often assume that care home costs are more affordable than opting for live-in home care. While costs vary, many families are surprised to find that live-in care can be comparable in price to residential care, particularly when personalised one-to-one support is required.
On average you can typically expect these services to cost or include the following:
| Care Home | Live-in Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Average weekly cost | £1,232 | From £1,100 |
| One-to-one care | Usually extra | Included |
| Stay in your own home | No | Yes |
| Meals | Included | Prepared at home |
| Housekeeping | Included | Light housekeeping |
| Personalised care | Shared staff | One-to-one support |
As the costs are so similar, it is less of a question surrounding budget and more to do with an individual’s personal preferences and care needs. For elderly people wishing to remain in the comfortable environment of their own home whilst receiving one-to-one support, live-in home care would be a more appropriate solution.
For more information on the costs of live-in home care, take a look at our useful guide to the costs of live-in care.
What are the alternatives to a care home?
A care home isn’t the only option. Depending on a person’s health, independence and preferences, there are several alternatives worth considering.
Live-in care
Should your loved one wish to remain in the familiar surroundings of home, live-in care could be an appropriate alternative. With live-in care, a carer resides in the home to provide round-the-clock personalised care whenever it is required. Live-in care is an increasingly popular option for people who wish to remain in their own home while receiving personalised support.
This form of care can be completely tailored to the individual’s needs, assisting them with the aspects of daily living they find challenging.
Visiting home care
Similarly to live-in care, visiting care is administered in the individual’s home without them having to move to a care facility. The difference is that with visiting care, a carer does not live with your loved one but instead visits them at home at prearranged times. This flexible form of care service can be used as little or as much as is needed.
Retirement villages
These residential care facilities enable elderly people to live independently with a little added support. Retirement villages are mostly aimed at individuals who are still able to care for themselves. The social aspect of these communities is the main attraction as the range of facilities, events, and activities on offer aim to help combat loneliness and isolation. For those with more complex health or mobility needs, retirement villages may not offer the support they require.
Moving in with family
Moving in with family could also be a possibility. With this option, factors such as available space, accessibility, availability of family members, and their ability to offer care should be considered before making this step. Much like moving into a care home environment, individuals may lose their privacy and have to relinquish the home they love. This form of care necessitates deep discussion and agreement between both parties.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in care home fees?
Most care home fees include accommodation, meals and personal care. Nursing homes also provide care from registered nurses. Additional services may incur extra charges depending on the provider.
Do care home costs vary across the UK?
Yes. Fees are generally higher in some parts of the country, particularly London and the South East, although costs vary between individual providers.
Is live-in care more expensive than a care home?
Not necessarily. Depending on care needs, live-in care can cost a similar amount to residential care while providing personalised one-to-one support in the person’s own home.
Can couples share the cost of live-in care?
In many cases, one live-in carer can support a couple, making live-in care a cost-effective option compared with paying for two separate care home places.
Why choose Country Cousins for live-in care?
If you are weighing up the costs of care and are leaning towards support at home, contact Country Cousins, an experienced live-in care provider, for friendly advice. Our nationwide live-in care service can introduce your loved one to a perfectly matched live-in carer, ensuring that they receive one-to-one support in line with their health needs and personal preferences.
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, Country Cousins has helped families arrange live-in care since 1959, giving us first-hand experience of comparing home care with residential care 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, 9am to 6pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
