When considering the right form of care for your loved one, cost plays a crucial role in the final decision. Many people believe that a care home is the most cost-effective solution, but this is not always the case. Costs can vary depending on your care needs, location in the UK, and any additional services the home charges for.
In this guide, we will break down the costs of care homes, explore live-in care vs. care homes, and compare these with other alternatives so that you can make a fully informed choice about the most appropriate form of care for your loved one.
Care home costs
The basic costs of care homes vary from provider to provider, but the provision included in costs also can vary. This means that to get the most accurate picture of the costs, you will need to investigate each care home individually.
Below, we share the average costs for care homes in the UK as a starting point. But be mindful that your location in the UK will affect care home facility fees, with unsurprisingly, London-based care homes charging the most.
On average in the UK, you can expect to pay:
- £1,232 per week in a residential care home and £1,470 for nursing care.
- £64,000 per year for a residential care home and around £76,000 per year for a nursing home care.
The fees incurred will also vary depending on the level of support needed and funding entitlement.
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.
Care home vs. home care costs
People often assume that care home costs are more affordable than opting for live-in home care. However, there is really very little difference between the costs of these two types of care services.
On average you can typically expect these services to cost or include the following:
| Care home | Live-in home care |
| £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 |
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.
Care home alternatives
Care homes are not always the most suitable solution, so what other options are available out there? Here are some care home alternatives to explore:
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 fast becoming a sought-after care choice, as individuals do not have to relocate or sell the home they love. 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.
How Country Cousins can help
If you are weighing up the costs of care and are leaning towards live-in care, contact our friendly team at Country Cousins for 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.
With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable home care for your loved one. For more advice on choosing in-home care for your elderly loved one, check out our guide to live-in care at home.
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.
