When a loved one needs extra support, live-in care can be a reassuring alternative to a care home. A professional, qualified carer moves in to provide one-to-one help – from friendly companionship and daily routines to more specialised care – so your relative can stay comfortably in their own home. With costs ranging from £1,200 to over £2,000 per week depending upon the individual needs and arrangements, live-in care may be more affordable than many expect and can compare favourably with residential care costs.
Most importantly, it offers peace of mind: knowing your loved one is safe, cared for, and surrounded by the familiar things they love.
In this guide, we’ll explain how live-in care works in terms of the costs, and what to consider when choosing the best option for your family.
Why choose live-in care?
Live-in care can offer huge benefits for older loved ones. It’s worth considering not just for the support it provides, but for how it compares financially to other care options. Benefits include:
- Remaining independent at home
The biggest advantage is that your parent can stay in the home they know and love. It’s not just about comfort; it can also save money by avoiding the high fees of residential care. - Companionship
After the loss of a spouse or partner, a live-in carer can provide friendship and emotional support, as well as help with daily tasks – often at a cost lower than alternative care arrangements. - Personalised care
Live-in carers can provide 24-hour support tailored to your parent’s needs, from post-stroke recovery to dementia or specialised medical care. While the cost rises with the complexity of care, it is often still more affordable than moving into a care home.
How much does live-in care cost?
Live-in care costs vary depending on location, level of support, qualifications of the carer, and any additional services. But in many cases, it can be more cost-effective than residential care, while giving your loved one the comfort of home.
Depending on your circumstances, your local council may contribute to the cost of homecare or you may have to pay for it yourself.
If your needs assessment recommends homecare, you may get help with the cost from the council.
What you’ll contribute depends on your income and savings. The council will work this out in a care needs assessment.
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Types of live-in care
Companion care
For someone needing mainly companionship and light help with daily tasks, costs typically range from £900-£1,600 per week. For a couple, this could be £1,100-£1,400 per week.
Specialist care
For more complex medical or personal care needs, costs start around £1,400 per week.
24-hour care
For full-time, round-the-clock support – such as dementia care – weekly costs can range from £1,600–£2,000. For a couple, where one person requires minimal support, this may rise by £250–£300 per week.
Additional costs
Extra services like driving, housekeeping, or home adaptations (perhaps a stairlift or wet room) may add to the total. Knowing what’s included in the package before signing a contract is essential.
Hiring a live-in carer
Step 1: Assess your parent’s needs
The first step to hiring a live-in carer is to make a list of the requirements to determine the level of assistance that your parents or relatives may need. This should include:
- Personal care – washing and dressing for example
- Daily routines
- Meal preparation and shopping
- Hobbies and activities
- Medication and condition-related needs, including mobility requirements such as lifting or wheelchair needs.
You should also include requirements regarding the live-in carer:
- A man or a woman
- Languages spoken, and any other cultural or religious aspects
- The ability to drive
Care companies will carry out their own assessment of the needs, but it’s a very useful way to decide if live-in care is the right choice, and what kind of carer you need.
Step 2: Choose how to hire
- Direct employment – hiring a carer yourself can be cheaper, but you take on responsibilities like payroll, holiday cover, and sickness. You’ll need to factor in both time and potential extra costs for continuity of care.
- Introductory agencies – pay a recruitment fee (typically around 12.5% of the weekly cost) to access vetted, self-employed carers. This reduces your administrative burden but may increase weekly costs slightly.
- Fully managed providers – providers take on all responsibility for recruitment, payroll, holiday, and sickness cover. This is usually the most expensive option, starting from around £1,250 per week, but it offers the greatest peace of mind and reliability.
Practical considerations for live-in care
Live-in carers need their own room, ideally with access to a bathroom, and basic amenities like WiFi. You’ll also want to discuss daily routines, meals, and shared responsibilities in advance to ensure harmony in the household.
Managing changes in care needs
If your parent’s health declines and more care is required, agencies and providers can adjust arrangements. Direct employment gives you flexibility but also extra responsibility for sourcing additional carers.
Is live-in care right for my parent?
Deciding on live-in care is a big decision. Having a stranger move in to a much-loved family home is not everyone’s first choice. The prospect of someone taking over and taking control of a life someone has happily organised and managed for decades is not very appealing either. The implicit admission that your mum or dad can no longer cope at home takes some getting used to, for all parties.
But live-in carers provide companionship, support and care and are there to help maintain and even enhance quality of life.
It tends to be more cost effective than moving into a care home, and will enable peace of mind for everyone.
FAQs on live-in care costs
How much does live-in care cost for a couple?
The weekly cost for live-in care for a couple typically ranges from £1,350 to £2,000, depending on the level of care required. For couples with minimal care needs, costs may start around £1,350 per week. However, for couples needing intensive medical support, costs can rise to £2,000 per week.
How much is specialist live-in care for someone living with dementia?
Specialist live-in care for individuals with dementia generally ranges from £1,400 to £2,000 per week. This variation depends on the severity of the condition and the specific care requirements.
Is live-in care as expensive as moving into a care home?
Live-in care can be more cost-effective than moving into a care home. Care home fees vary by location and facility, but they often range from £1,200 to £1,800 per week, with some high-end facilities charging even more. Additionally, live-in care allows individuals to remain in the comfort of their own home, which can be a significant emotional and psychological benefit.
What is managed live-in care?
Managed live-in care involves entering into a contract with a care company that recruits, trains, and employs the live-in carers. The company is responsible for employment, payment, holiday, and sick cover. This option provides comprehensive support but may come at a higher cost.
What is introductory live-in care?
Introductory live-in care is where you employ the carers directly, often through an introductory agency. The carers are typically self-employed, so you are responsible for pay, National Insurance contributions, and other employment-related obligations. This option may be more cost-effective but requires more administrative involvement.
What is the difference between care agencies and care providers?
Care agencies primarily act as intermediaries, connecting self-employed carers with clients. You pay a recruitment fee to the agency, and the carer is employed directly by you. Care providers, on the other hand, recruit and employ carers themselves to deliver a live-in care package as agreed with you. This means the provider handles employment-related responsibilities.
Does a live-in carer need their own bedroom, bathroom, and living area?
Yes, a live-in carer is entitled to their own private bedroom. While not mandatory, providing a private bathroom and living area is considered best practice to ensure the carer's comfort and privacy. Access to shared kitchen and living areas is standard.
Will the NHS pay for live-in care?
The NHS may fund live-in care through NHS Continuing Healthcare if an individual is assessed as having a "primary health need". Eligibility is based on the severity and complexity of health needs, rather than specific diagnoses. If eligible, the NHS covers the full cost of care.
Visit our live-in care hub for more information about all of the topics covered here.
