When it comes to choosing the right care for our loved ones, understanding the options and costs involved is crucial.
Live in care is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, offering a personalized and flexible alternative to residential care homes.
But how much does live in care actually cost and what factors influence this cost? Does it work out better value than a residential care or nursing home?
What is Live-in Care?
Live in care involves a carer living in the home of the person requiring support, providing a bespoke service tailored to their needs.
This can range from companionship and help around the house to more complex care needs, including dementia care, disability support and end-of-life care.
A live in carer provides high quality, compassionate and friendly care, with the backing of a personalised care plan regularly reviewed by the care agency to ensure you receive the best possible support.
As with any service tailored to what you need, a live in care cost can and will vary depending on various factors.
Factors Influencing Live In Care Costs
The cost of live in care in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors, from the local authority area to what level of care is required and whether you choose to use a live in care agency or hire someone privately.
Level of Care Required
The more complex the care needs, the higher the cost.
General companionship support and help with everyday tasks
Specialist care for conditions such as dementia or for complex medical needs can be more expensive.
Location
Care cost can vary by region, with care typically costing more in London and the South East due to higher living costs.
Agency vs. Private Care
Using an agency can be more expensive but offers additional support and vetting of carers.
After tax, care plan management and managing substitute carers to cover holiday or illness, live-in care through an agency starts from as little as £1,200 a week - the same or less than many care homes.
Hiring a live in carer privately yourself can reduce costs but comes with additional responsibilities, such as managing payroll and taxes.
Live-in Care Company
Different companies offer various packages and pricing structures, impacting the overall cost.
As with anything in life, finding the cheapest live in care service doesn't necessarily mean the best quality or the best value for money.
Your Own Financial Circumstances
Your local council may carry out a care needs assessment and if it is determined you do need it, a means test will be carried out to see if you qualify for support towards the costs.
Many people self-fund live in carers and a qualified financial advisor can assist with explaining schemes available to cover the care cost.
Average Costs of Live-in Care
As of early 2024, the average cost of live-in care in the UK ranges from £1,200 to £1,800 per week.
This wide range reflects the factors mentioned above, particularly the level of care required and the service provider chosen.
To put this in perspective, the cost of a residential care home can be as much as £1,200 per week, but this can increase further for specialist nursing or medical care or specialist dementia care homes.
Is paying for live in care services worth the additional cost?
For those who need the flexibility of a 24 hour care provider that works around their own needs and wants, we would say yes, it is worth the higher costs if they are affordable for you.
Support can also be available towards covering the cost of live in carers, whether through elgibility for local authority or NHS support or through other means of private funding that a financial advisor can assist with.
These include self funding options such as lifetime mortgages or a equity release scheme, both of which are against the value of your home and are paid back later once the property is sold.
Breakdown of Costs
Basic Companion and Personal Care: Starting from around £170 per day, this covers basic assistance with daily activities, companionship, personal care and household tasks.
Complex Care Needs: For individuals requiring more intensive support, costs can be up to £257 per day. This includes specialist care for conditions such as dementia, Parkinson's, or mobility issues or complex medical care.
Is Live-in Care More Cost-Effective?
While the initial glance at costs may suggest that live-in care can be higher than that for residential care homes, it's essential to consider the value and benefits it offers.
Live-in care provides one-to-one support in the comfort of the person's home, maintaining independence and continuity of lifestyle.
Additionally, it eliminates the need for moving to a care home, which can be emotionally taxing and takes you away from your own home, family members, your community, neighbours and familiar surroundings.
Care costs of all kinds vary and live in care costs, with healthcare professionals such as nurses working alongside healthcare assistants that live at your house alongside you, 24 hours a day.
For example, live in dementia care costs are likely to be higher than general elderly live in care needs.
Other benefits include a reduced fall risk, better healthcare outcomes in general and a level of independence and being able to continue living the life you always have for much longer.
Funding and Financial Support
For those worried about the financial implications, it's worth exploring the funding support options available.
Your local council may offer financial assistance to those eligible following a care needs assessment.
Additionally, some may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare or a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help cover costs, which is eligibility assessed.
Some use an equity release scheme on their home to fund live in care costs, while others look at lifetime mortgages to help cover the care costs to stay in their own home.
Is A Live In Carer Cost Value For Money?
Live-in care offers a personalized and flexible approach to support, allowing individuals to stay in their own homes while receiving the care they need.
While the cost of live-in care can vary, it's important to weigh these costs against the benefits of personalized care, comfort, and independence.
Research has shown that family members supported by live in care services find better healthcare outcomes overall, keeping them in their own home for longer.
As with any significant decision, thorough research and consideration of your loved one's specific needs and circumstances are essential to find the best care solution.
Remember, these figures are subject to change and it's always a good idea to get quotes from multiple providers to find the most suitable and cost-effective option for your situation.
KP Live In Services operates nationwide across the UK, with a wide network of skilled and compassionate live in carers.
If you wanted to find out more about how we can support you and the cost of live in care, please get in touch on 0330 995 0037 or email us here.
