How Much Does Live-In Care Cost?
Understanding live-in care costs is essential for planning. This guide covers weekly prices, what's included, how costs compare to care homes, and the funding options available to help pay for care.
Key Takeaways
- Standard live-in care costs from £1,750 to £2,000 per week depending on complexity
- For couples, one carer is often significantly cheaper than two care home placements
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) can fully fund live-in care if your primary need is health-related
- Attendance Allowance provides up to £101.75/week regardless of income or savings
- The weekly cost covers carer salary, training, insurance, management and 24/7 support
Live-In Care Costs at a Glance
| Type of Care | Weekly Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard elderly live-in care | £1,750 – £1,900 |
| Dementia live-in care | £1,800 – £2,000 |
| Complex/neurological care | £1,850 – £2,200 |
| Couples live-in care | £1,850 – £2,100 |
| Respite live-in care | From £1,750 |
| Palliative live-in care | £1,850 – £2,200 |
What's Included in the Cost?
- ✓ Your dedicated carer's salary and accommodation
- ✓ 24-hour care and support, day and night
- ✓ Personal care, meals and medication management
- ✓ Light housekeeping and laundry
- ✓ Companionship and accompanied outings
- ✓ Regular care plan reviews and updates
- ✓ 24/7 on-call management support
- ✓ All carer training, insurance and DBS checks
- ✓ Carer matching and replacement if needed
How Live-In Care Costs Compare to Care Homes
A good residential care home in England averages £1,350 to £1,950 per week. Nursing care homes average £1,300 to £1,800+ per week. Live-in care at £1,750 to £2,000 per week is comparable, but you get one-to-one attention and stay in your own home. For couples, live-in care is often the most affordable option — one carer at £1,850 to £2,100 per week versus two care home placements at £2,000 to £3,600+ combined.
Funding Options for Live-In Care
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If your primary need is health-related, NHS CHC can fully fund your live-in care. Fast Track funding is available for rapidly deteriorating conditions. We help families navigate the assessment process.
Local Authority Funding
Your local council can carry out a needs and financial assessment. If your savings are below the threshold (currently £23,250), they may contribute to your care costs.
Attendance Allowance
If you're over 65 and need help with personal care, you may receive up to £101.75 per week through Attendance Allowance, regardless of income or savings.
Self-Funding (Private Live-In Care)
Many families choose to fund live-in care privately. We offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden charges. Visit our costs and funding page for full details.
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Start Free Care AssessmentCost Questions
How much does live-in care cost per week?
Live-in care costs from £1,750 to £2,000 per week for a single person, depending on care complexity. Specialist dementia or neurological care may be at the higher end.
How much is live-in care per month?
Monthly live-in care costs range from approximately £7,000 to £8,700. This covers 24-hour care including personal care, meals, medication management and companionship.
How much does 24-hour live-in care cost?
24-hour live-in care starts from £1,750 per week. For complex needs requiring overnight waking care or two carers, costs may be higher.
Is live-in care cheaper than a care home?
Live-in care is often comparable to a good care home. For couples, it's usually significantly cheaper — one carer supporting two people versus two separate care home placements.
Can I get NHS funding for live-in care?
If your primary need is health-related, you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), which can fully fund your live-in care. Fast Track funding is available for those with rapidly deteriorating conditions.