A live-in care package allows someone to remain in their own home with the support of a dedicated carer. For many families, it offers a flexible and reassuring alternative to residential care.
In this guide, we cover live-in care costs, what affects pricing, funding options, and how it compares to other types of care.
Live-in care cost per week in the UK
The cost of live-in care for elderly people in the UK varies depending on individual needs, but there are typical starting points.
As a guide:
Type of Care Cost of live-in care
| Single Person | Starts from £1195 per week |
| Couple | Starts from £1295 per week |
| Respite Care | Starts from £1395 per week |
For couples, live-in care can be particularly cost effective, as both people can receive care while continuing to live together at home.
In many cases, the cost of live-in care is similar to, or lower than, a residential care home when you consider the level of one to one support provided.
What affects the cost of live-in care?
Live-in care is tailored to the individual, so costs will vary depending on several factors.
These include:
- Care complexity: More advanced needs, such as dementia or mobility support, may increase costs
- Nursing or medical needs: Specialist care, including live-in nursing care, requires additional expertise
- Location: Costs can vary depending on where you live in the UK
- Couple care: Supporting two people may involve a higher level of care
- Respite care: Short term care can be priced differently depending on duration
- Specialist conditions: Conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or post-hospital recovery may require tailored support
Specialist live-in care costs
Some types of care require more specialised support, which can affect pricing.
Dementia live-in care costs
Dementia care often requires experienced carers who understand behaviour, routines, and communication challenges.
Costs typically start from standard live-in care rates but may increase depending on the stage of dementia and level of supervision required.
Post-hospital care costs
Care after hospital discharge may involve short term, more intensive support.
This can include help with mobility, medication, and recovery, and may be priced slightly higher due to increased care needs.
Palliative care costs
End of life care focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support.
This type of care may involve additional clinical input and coordination, depending on the individual’s needs.
Cost of live-in nursing care
Live-in nursing care is required for more complex medical needs.
This may include:
- Ongoing clinical care
- Medication management
- Support with complex conditions
Because of the specialist skills required, nursing care is usually at a higher cost than standard live-in care.
Live-in care vs care homes vs hourly care
When comparing care options, it is important to look at both cost and value.
Live-in care
- One to one personalised support
- Remain at home in familiar surroundings
- Flexible care that adapts over time
- Often more cost effective for couples
Residential care homes
- Shared environment with less one to one attention
- Fixed routines and less flexibility
- Separate fees for each individual in a couple
- May require leaving home and community
Hourly care (visiting care)
- Suitable for lower levels of support
- Costs can add up if multiple visits are needed daily
- No overnight support unless arranged separately
For people who need regular or round the clock support, live-in care can often provide better value, especially when compared to multiple daily visits or care home fees.
Funding for live-in care
There are several ways to fund live-in care, depending on your circumstances.
Local authority funding
You may be eligible for support from your local council following a care needs and financial assessment.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
For individuals with complex health needs, care may be fully funded by the NHS.
This is not means tested but is based on medical need.
Benefits and allowances
You may be entitled to:
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
These can help contribute towards care costs.
Self-funding
Many families choose to pay privately for care.
This allows greater flexibility and control over how care is arranged and delivered.
Respite care costs
If you need a break from caring, respite care can provide short term support.
Typical costs include:
Duration Respite care total costs
| Under 7 days | from £300 per day |
| 7 days and over | from £200 per day |
| 4 weeks and over | from £1395 per week (1 person) |
This allows your loved one to continue receiving care while you rest and recharge.
Arrange a 24 hour care package in 3 easy steps
Do you want to find out more about 24 hour live-in care costs? If you’re thinking about live-in care at home – we’re happy to talk things through with you. It really is that simple. Rest assured we are a fully managed care agency regulated by the care quality commission so families have complete peace of mind.
1) Call our friendly care team
If you think care in your own home may be the right option for you, call our friendly team today on 0330 0535014. You can also email us to arrange someone to call you back at a time convenient for you.
2) Talk to an expert
A Customer Care Partner will discuss your care requirements and the type of live-in carer you’re looking to employ.
3) Choose the right Carer
We’ll source a selection of live-in carers which we feel most accurately suit your requirements. We will then send you a profile of each carer and you decide who you want to hire.
