If you are considering care for yourself or a loved one, understanding the cost of 24-hour care is likely to be one of your first questions. While every person’s needs are different, knowing what influences the cost can help you make an informed decision.
For many families, 24-hour care at home offers an alternative to moving into a residential care home. It provides continuous support in familiar surroundings, allowing people to remain independent while receiving personalised care.
What Is 24-Hour Care?
24-hour care provides continuous support throughout the day and night.
Depending on an individual’s needs, this may involve:
- A live-in carer who provides care during the day and is available for occasional assistance overnight.
- Two carers working in shifts to provide continuous waking support when regular care is needed throughout both the day and night.
The most suitable option depends on the person’s health, mobility and overnight care requirements.
How Much Does 24-Hour Care Cost?
The cost of 24-hour care varies depending on the level of support required.
Country Cousins’ live-in care starts from around £1,000 per week, or approximately £4,000 per month. The final cost depends on the type of care needed, whether specialist support is required and whether overnight waking care is necessary. If someone requires continuous waking support throughout the day and night, additional carers or overnight services may increase the overall cost.
Before care begins, all costs will be clearly explained, so you and your family know exactly what to expect with no unexpected surprises.
What Affects The Cost Of 24-Hour Care?
Several factors influence the cost of care.
Level Of Care Required
Someone needing companionship and help with everyday tasks will usually require a different level of support from someone living with advanced dementia, Parkinson’s disease or complex medical needs.
Overnight Support
One of the biggest factors affecting cost is the amount of overnight care required. If the carer only needs to provide occasional assistance during the night, a standard live-in care arrangement may be suitable. However, if regular support is needed throughout the night, waking night care or a two carer arrangement may be recommended.
Specialist Care
Care for complex conditions may require carers with additional training and experience, which can influence the overall cost.
Location
Costs may vary slightly depending on where you live in the UK and local carer availability.
Is 24-Hour Care Cheaper Than A Care Home?
It depends on the individual’s circumstances.
Cousins’ live-in care costs start from around £1,000 per week, while the average UK residential care home costs around £1,298 per week. Nursing care averages £1,535 per week, although prices vary by region and level of care required.
For couples, 24-hour care at home can often provide even better value, as both people may be supported in the same home rather than paying for two separate care home places.
Why Families Choose 24-Hour Care At Home
While cost is important, many families also value the benefits that care at home provides.
These include:
- Remaining in familiar surroundings
- One to one personalised care
- Greater independence
- Continuity with the same trusted carer
- Staying close to family, friends and pets
- Flexible support that changes as care needs develop
For many people, the benefits of live-in care are just as valuable as the financial comparison.
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 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
