How much does live-in care cost?

Live-in care costs can feel like a big financial step. You might worry whether you can afford to have a carer stay with you or your loved one around the clock. In reality, though, the overall price of live-in care can be surprisingly reasonable compared to moving to a care home. Not only do you get continuous support and person-centred care, but you also get the comfort of staying in a familiar place. That familiar home environment often plays a huge role in maintaining a sense of independence and security.

Choosing live-in care for your loved one means you’re looking beyond simple cost calculations. You’re looking to improve their quality of life, preserve their daily routines, and make sure they receive one-to-one support. This post explores the cost of live-in care in the UK. You’ll discover how these costs compare with care homes, which factors affect pricing, and how to organise funding. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what live-in care costs and whether it’s the right option for you or your family member.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is a service where a carer moves into your loved one’s home to provide support throughout the day and night. It suits many people who wish to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving help with personal care, meal preparation, domestic tasks, and sticking to medication schedules. It also helps them remain close to family and friends without the disruptions that can come with relocating.

Because the carer shares the same living space, your loved one gets one-to-one attention. This allows them to continue hobbies like gardening, watching favourite TV shows, or meeting friends, safe in the knowledge that support is always close at hand. For many, that sense of continuity is priceless. It’s also reassuring to know that everyday tasks, such as shopping or attending appointments, can be arranged with ease.

How much does live-in care cost in the UK?

The cost of live-in care in the UK can range widely. You might find providers charging as little as £800 a week, while others could charge £1,600 a week or more. Several things influence these figures, including the type of tasks your loved one needs help with, where they live, and the care provider’s overheads.

In some situations, a companion-focused service with minimal personal care might cost around £1,250 per week. For more extensive support, such as help with bathing, medication routines, or mobility, you might see fees closer to £1,500 per week. If there are more complex needs—perhaps dementia or advanced Parkinson’s—costs can climb to £1,600 or beyond.

These figures are not set in stone, and you’ll find companies charging above or below them. For instance, certain well-known names like Home Instead, The Good Care Group, Cavendish Homecare, or Patricia White’s often position themselves at the higher end of the market. Established providers with bigger overheads may charge higher fees. 

At the lower end, unregulated freelancers may charge less but could offer limited support or lack continuity. Smaller or independent agencies might undercut them but could offer less consistent backup when your main carer takes a break. By contrast, our approach at Tiggo Care is designed to be comprehensive yet still competitively priced.

Live-in care cost considerations

When trying to work out how much live-in care might cost, you should look at a range of factors:

1. Level of support needed
   
   • If you or your loved one needs help with complex daily tasks—like maintaining mobility routines from an occupational therapist—expect the cost to be higher than for simple companionship.
2. Carer experience and qualifications
   
   • Some carers have more experience with particular conditions. While care providers don’t “manage” or “treat” medical conditions, it can still be reassuring if they’ve previously supported a person with similar needs.
3. Location
   
   • Costs can be higher in certain parts of the UK. London and the South East often have higher rates.
4. Provider’s reputation
   
   • A company with robust training, regulated services, and good reviews may charge more than a freelance carer who operates independently. However, going with a reputable provider typically includes background checks, holiday cover, and greater overall reliability.
5. Length of care
   
   • If you only need short-term live-in care—perhaps after a hospital stay—your provider might charge a premium because it’s a temporary arrangement. Longer-term packages can sometimes be priced more favourably.

Factors in choosing between different live-in care providers

Many companies are offering live-in care, and their prices can vary a lot. You’ll also come across independent carers who charge lower fees but might not have the same oversight. Here are some points to keep in mind when comparing different providers:

1. Regulation and compliance
   
   • A regulated care provider must meet standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You’ll have extra reassurance regarding the quality and safety of the service. Freelance carers may be unregulated, so you’ll need to handle background checks yourself.
2. Continuity of care
   
   • Think about what happens if your carer goes on holiday or falls ill. A well-structured agency should have replacement carers ready, so you always receive continuous support.
3. Contract terms
   
   • Check whether the company has a minimum contract period or additional fees for early cancellation. Understanding the small print can save you hassle later.
4. Training and support
   
   • Reputable providers invest in staff training. They don’t just sign up carers; they help them develop professional skills and keep them updated on best practices for personal care.
5. Communication
   
   • A good care provider should keep you in the loop. Look for providers who offer regular check-ins and respond promptly if you have concerns or questions.
6. Reviews and testimonials
   
   • Personal recommendations can be invaluable. Look at feedback from people who’ve used the service, or ask around in your community.

Comparing live-in care to care homes: Which is more cost-effective?

Care homes can be a good option for some, but they often require a move away from home and into a shared environment. Depending on the type of care home and whether nursing is required, you could pay anywhere from £1,600 to £2,000 per week—or more.

• Property value exclusion:
  
  • When you move into a care home, local authorities will often factor the value of your house into funding eligibility. If you’re receiving live-in care instead, your home is typically not included in that assessment because you’re still living there.
• One-to-one attention:
  
  • Care homes provide on-site staff, but thier staff are spread across multiple people. With live-in care, the support is tailored to you personally, often resulting in more consistent companionship and assistance.
• Familiar environment:
  
  • Staying at home avoids the emotional disruption of moving into a new space. Many people also keep their usual routines, remain close to friends, and enjoy a sense of independence.
• Couples benefit:
  
  • Couples frequently find live-in care cheaper than moving both partners to a care home, where you’d likely pay for two separate spaces.

How do you pay for live-in care?

Funding live-in care often involves a mix of personal contributions and, in some cases, government or NHS support. The rules can be confusing, so it’s worth looking into your local authority’s guidelines and scheduling a financial assessment.

• Self-funding
  
  • If you or your loved one has assets above a certain threshold (usually £23,250 in England), the council may ask you to pay for care in full.
• Local council funding
  
  • If your savings and assets are below this threshold, you might be eligible for partial or full funding. You can request a financial assessment to confirm if the council will help.
• Direct payments
  
  • Instead of having the council organise everything, you can receive direct payments and use that money to organise your care services. This allows you more freedom to pick and choose the type of support and the provider you prefer.
• NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
  
  • If your loved one has significant health needs, the NHS Continuing Healthcare might fund or contribute towards live-in care. The assessment for this support can be complex, so it’s important to consult a GP for advice if you think your loved one qualifies.
• Combination of funding
  
  • In many cases, families use a blend of local council funding, personal funds, and Attendance Allowance to cover costs. Doing some homework on benefit entitlements can make a big difference.

How to arrange live-in care?

Organising live-in care might sound daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, most regulated agencies follow a fairly straightforward process:

1. Contact a care agency
   
   • Reach out to your chosen provider by phone, email, or an online form. They’ll ask about your loved one’s needs—personal care, meal prep, medication reminders, and more.
2. Free Assessment
   
   • Many agencies offer a no-obligation home visit. At Tiggo Care, our care manager comes to your loved one’s home, evaluates needs, and discusses preferences. This helps shape a personalised support plan.
3. Agree on a care package
   
   • Once you’re happy with the proposed support, you confirm the agreement. You’ll get details on costs, payment schedules, and what happens when the carer needs a break.
4. Meet your carer
   
   • The agency introduces you to the person who will stay in the home. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, share routines, and get comfortable with the arrangement.

Conclusion 

Live-in care is often more cost-effective than you might think. It allows your loved one to remain in a familiar environment, stay close to the people and places they love, and continue with their usual routines. Costs vary depending on personal needs and preferences, but there are plenty of funding options to explore, from local authority support to certain NHS schemes.

If you’re considering live-in care, Tiggo Care’s live-in care services can give your loved one the day-to-day support they need to maximise comfort and independence. We tailor our approach to ensure each person receives the right kind of help, whether it’s personal care, support with medication routines as advised by a GP, domestic tasks, etc. Contact us today so we can arrange a personalised care plan that truly reflects your loved one’s lifestyle and budget and pair you with a carer who is a great match.