The NHS's guide to paying for your own care puts live-in care at roughly £800 to £1,600 a week, depending on how much care is needed. Providers publish their own ranges: £1,200 to £1,500 a week according to the care provider Elder, and £900 to £1,800 a week according to Helping Hands. Costs are usually lower in northern England than in London and the South East. At Jewel Home Support, the cost is worked out and quoted at your free assessment.
This post is part of our series on care costs. For shorter visits, see how much does home care cost per hour.
What live-in care is
A dedicated carer lives in your home and supports you day and night. That means help with personal care and morning routines, meals, light housework, companionship and reassurance. It suits people who need continuous support but want to stay in the home they know, and it is a real alternative to moving into a care home.
How it works day to day
We start with a free assessment at home, then match a carer to you based on personality, interests and care needs. Live-in carers have set breaks, and cover is arranged for those times. Your care plan is reviewed as your needs change.
What changes the cost
Elder lists four main things that move the price:
- ✓How complex the care is, for example dementia or palliative care needing specially trained carers
- ✓Where you live, with lower costs in the north of England, Wales and Scotland
- ✓The type of provider, with fully managed care costing more than an introductory agency
- ✓The day-to-day support you need, such as overnight help or housekeeping
Live-in care or a care home?
Many families weigh the two. There is no single right answer, and it depends on the person, their needs and where they feel at home. Our page on home care versus a care home sets out the differences.
How to find out what you would pay
The most reliable answer is a free assessment. Someone from our office visits you at home, talks through what support is needed, and puts together a care plan. The cost is quoted from that plan, and there is no obligation.
You can also ask your council for a care needs assessment. In Bolton that is Bolton Council. In Chorley, adult social care is run by Lancashire County Council. Our page on paying for care explains the options, and you can read more about our live-in care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does live-in care cost per week in the UK?
The NHS gives roughly £800 to £1,600 a week. Providers publish ranges such as £1,200 to £1,500 (Elder) and £900 to £1,800 (Helping Hands). Your cost depends on the care needed.
Does Jewel Home Support publish live-in care prices?
No. The cost depends on the support you need, so it is quoted at your free assessment.
Does a live-in carer get breaks?
Yes. Live-in carers have set breaks, and cover is arranged for those times.
Is live-in care an alternative to a care home?
Yes. It suits people who need continuous support but want to stay in their own home, with a consistent one-to-one carer.
