When considering long term care, cost is often one of the first questions families ask. Alongside finding the right level of support, it is important to understand how different care options compare financially.
Many people are surprised to learn that live-in home care can be a cost effective alternative to a care home, particularly for couples or people with more complex care needs. While every situation is different, looking beyond the weekly cost can provide a clearer picture of the overall value each option offers.
Understanding The Cost Of Care
The cost of live-in nursing care or specialist live-in support can vary depending on the level of assistance required, but the main elements of pricing typically include the following:
- The level of support required
- Whether care is needed during the day, at night or both
- The person’s medical needs
- Where they live
- The type of care provider chosen
Because care is tailored to the individual, there is no single price that applies to all clients.
How Much Does Live-in Home Care Cost?
Live-in home care involves a professional carer living in the client’s home to provide personalised support throughout the day.
The cost usually covers:
- Personalised one to one care
- Companionship
- Personal care
- Household support
- Meal preparation
- Medication support
- Ongoing continuity of care
Unlike hourly home care, there is no need to arrange multiple daily visits, making live-in care a practical option for people who require regular support.
Country Cousins’ live-in care costs start from around £1,000 per week, or approximately £4,000 per month, depending on the level of support required. Care is tailored to each individual, so the final cost will depend on factors such as care needs, overnight support and the type of service required.
How Much Does A Care Home Cost?
Live-in home care costs vary depending on the level of support required, but, according to carehome.co.uk, many families can expect prices to start from around £1,250 to £1,800 per week.
While this may appear similar to, or higher than, residential care, it includes dedicated one to one support in the person’s own home. For couples, live-in care can often be more cost effective because both people can usually be supported by one live-in carer, rather than paying for two separate care home places.
Is Live-in Home Care Cheaper?
The answer depends on your individual circumstances. For one person with relatively straightforward care needs, a residential care home may sometimes cost less.
However, live-in home care can offer excellent value in many situations, particularly when someone requires frequent support throughout the day. It may also become more cost effective when compared with arranging several daily home care visits.
Live-in Home Care For Couples
One of the biggest financial advantages of live-in home care is that couples can often remain together in their own home while sharing the cost of one live-in carer. In contrast, moving into residential care may mean paying for two separate places, which can significantly increase overall costs. Remaining together also allows couples to continue enjoying their home, routines and independence.
Looking Beyond The Cost
While cost is important, it should not be the only factor when choosing care.
Many families also consider the benefits that live-in home care provides, including:
- Remaining in familiar surroundings
- Receiving one to one personalised careMaintaining daily routines
- Staying close to family, friends and neighbours
- Greater independence
- Flexible support that adapts as needs change
- Consistent companionship
For many people, these benefits make live-in home care a valuable investment in both wellbeing and quality of life.
Can Live-in Home Care Reduce Other Costs?
In some cases, remaining at home may help reduce other expenses. For example, there may be no need to sell a property immediately or pay for separate accommodation for two people if a couple continue living together.
There may also be fewer travel costs for family members who can visit in familiar surroundings rather than travelling to a care home. Every family’s financial situation is different, but considering the wider picture can help when comparing care options.
Finding The Right Value
When asking whether live-in home care is cheaper than a care home, there is no simple yes or no answer.However, for many individuals and couples, live-in home care offers excellent value by combining personalised one to one support with the comfort and familiarity of home.
Looking beyond the weekly cost and considering independence, continuity, flexibility and quality of life can help you choose the care solution that is right for you and your family.
Download our free Live-in Care Guide to compare your care options and discover whether live-in home care could be the right choice for your family.
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
