How Much Does Live-in Home Care Cost?

Dr Jane Gilbert Dec 19, 2016 4 min

How much does live-in care cost? With hometouch live-in care costs on average between £1250 and £1050 per week, and a short conversation with one of our friendly team will establish your personal needs and your budget.

Hometouch offers affordable live in homecare services for elderly people. We believe older people should receive proper and adequate care during their old age.

How much does live-in care cost?

When someone is struggling to live alone, safely, in their own home, moving into residential care is not the only alternative.

Live-in carers can be an affordable option, but there are lots of things to consider when calculating the costs.

Home is where the heart is, and many people who are elderly or infirm would prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible.

Being close to friends, family and all that is familiar can improve function, well-being, and quality of life. Even so, sometimes it simply isn’t safe for them to manage at home on their own. If this is the case then live-in care could offer the answer, but how much does live-in care cost and what other live-in care considerations are there

Fund care at home with equity release

There are many options to fund care at home, but one that could help is equity release. It provides access to money tied up in the home, in the form of a tax-free lump sum.

Find out more

Calculating costs

There are a number of different things to consider when you’re calculating the overall cost of care.

Live-in care prices can vary enormously depending on where you live, the sort of care your loved one needs and the way in which you employ and source your carer.

It’s important that you don’t just take the hourly or daily rate at face value; think about hidden and forgotten charges when you’re comparing prices. Transport, food, cover for breaks and agency fees can all add up, so it’s a good idea to have all the information to hand so that you can get a true picture of the overall costs involved.

What care is needed?

Live-in caregivers can help provide the support your loved one needs to live safely in their own home. Anything from self-care, using the toilet and feeding, to preventing wandering, agitation and distress.

The rates are usually higher for people with complex needs and demands, reflecting the increased carer training and experience required.

Live-in carers usually charge a daily, rather than an hourly rate. Yet, you can always find affordable live in homecare services with Hometouch. Hometouch carers are typically available between the price of £120 and £150 per day, but prices can be negotiated between you and your carer.

Carer rotations

Your primary live-in carer will typically be with you for 4 to 6 weeks followed by a 1-week break, which will be covered by another care professional.

It’s extremely important to keep your loved one’s primary carer consistent and to choose a care service that prioritises continuity of care.

Food for thought

Your home is your carer’s workplace, and there’s unlikely to be a staff cafeteria close at hand. Your caregiver will usually make your loved one snacks and bites to eat, but having another person in the house sharing your food every day, can add up.

Generally, the carer will pay for their own food, although they’re unlikely to say no if you offer them a cup of tea and a biscuit every now and then!

Time for a break

Caring is a tiring job physically and emotionally. Legally as well as practically, your carer will need breaks to rest and recharge their batteries. These breaks will typically add up to 2 hours spread over the course of the day.

Out and about

Usually, a carer will cover their own travel costs, and depending on where you live, the right carer might need to travel a long way. If you’ve found a live-in carer who is the perfect fit but lives more than 20 miles away, then you might need to help with the cost of transport. Again, this can vary from carer to carer.

If your carer is transporting your loved one to appointments or outings, then the fuel and expenses should be paid by you.

Overnight care

Live-in carers need a private space to sleep and have time to themselves. Caring for someone on a one-to-one basis can be incredibly intense, and no matter how well you get on, they’ll need some quiet time away too.

Each carer should have a minimum of 8 hours of sleep time.

When you’re planning care, it’s vital to be open and honest about your loved one’s needs. This does not mean you cannot find affordable live in homecare. If your loved one has restless nights and the caregiver typically has to wake up two or three times a night to tend to your loved one, then this care should be shared between two people to ensure the carers are sufficiently rested to carry on caring safely.

Finding a live-in carer

Using an agency can make life easier when you’re searching for care. They will check references and qualifications, sort the paperwork and arrange cover for breaks, annual leave and sickness. However, agencies can often prove more expensive due to commission and administration charges and you won’t always get the same carer. So, bear this in mind.

If you are looking for affordable live in homecare, Hometouch is always ready to assist.

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Dr Jane Gilbert

Jane has over 20 years’ experience as a health writer and TV presenter. Jane writes on a wide variety of clinical and care topics – from explaining the latest studies and research to unpacking conditions and discussing treatment options. Jane holds a MBBS degree from Imperial College, London and spent seven years working in the NHS.