How much does live-in care cost in 2025? (UK guide)

• Live-in care in 2025 costs around £1,200-£1,500 per week, rising to £1,800 for complex needs
• Funding support may be available through local authority contributions, NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), or benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.
• Live-in care remains a cost-effective, personal alternative to residential or nursing homes, particularly for couples or those who value one-to-one continuity and staying at home.
• Hometouch provides DBS-checked carers, nurse-led support, and personalised matching for compassionate, professional care at home

In 2025, the average weekly cost of full-time live-in care in the UK ranges from £1,200 to £1,500. The exact figure depends on your loved one’s needs, the carer’s experience, and where you live. 

For more complex care, such as advanced dementia or post-surgical recovery, prices may rise to £1,600-£1,800 per week. In rare cases where two carers are required or clinical supervision is needed, the cost can exceed £2,000 per week.

Despite recent increases due to inflation, energy costs, and staffing pressures, live-in care remains competitive compared with residential or nursing homes, particularly for couples.

These figures are based on averages published by major UK care providers and sector reports in 2024–2025. Costs can vary regionally, with higher rates in London and the South East.

“While the investment in live-in care represents a significant financial commitment, the real value lies in how it transforms family life” – Dimple Chandarana, Head of Clinical Governance at Hometouch

Several factors affect what you’ll pay for live-in care in 2025. Understanding these can help you plan effectively and make informed choices.

Care needs and complexity

If your loved one only needs companionship or light domestic help, costs are lower. Complex conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or stroke recovery require trained carers and may increase weekly rates.

Location

Regional variations matter. Costs in London and the South East are typically higher than in Northern England, Wales, or Scotland due to local living expenses.

Carer experience and qualifications

Carers with advanced training or nursing backgrounds may charge more, but their expertise often makes a meaningful difference in complex situations.

Hours and coverage

Most live-in carers work six days a week with rest breaks. If continuous 24-hour coverage by two carers is required, weekly costs can exceed £2,000.

Additional expenses

Food, travel, or holiday cover may add £50–£100 per week.

Families often ask whether live-in care is more affordable than a care home. For individuals, and especially couples, live-in care can provide better value and a higher quality of life.

Source: Which 2025 Care Guide

Beyond cost, live-in care allows your loved one to stay close to family, community, and daily routines. For those living with dementia, remaining in familiar surroundings can reduce confusion and anxiety.

Funding care can feel complicated, but financial support is available depending on your loved one’s situation.

Local authority funding

If savings (excluding the main home) fall below £23,250 in England, families may qualify for council support following a care and financial assessment. Some choose direct payments, allowing them to arrange care independently through trusted providers, such as Hometouch. Others choose for an organisation or for the council to arrange this. 

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

When care needs are primarily medical, NHS Continuing Healthcare can fully fund care in any setting, including at home. Most people start with an initial assessment carried out by a healthcare professional. This helps determine whether you’re eligible for a full care assessment and what kind of support might be right for you.

Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance

Older adults who need help with daily tasks may qualify for Attendance Allowance. This helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition that means you need someone to look after you. Carers who provide regular support may also be eligible for Carer’s Allowance

Self-funding options

Families often use pensions, savings, or property income. In some cases, equity release helps access funds while remaining in the home. Speaking with an independent financial adviser will ensure your plan is sustainable long-term.

Funding care can feel complicated, but financial support is available depending on your loved one’s situation.

Local authority funding

If savings (excluding the main home) fall below £23,250 in England, families may qualify for council support following a care and financial assessment. Some choose direct payments, allowing them to arrange care independently through trusted providers, such as Hometouch. Others choose for an organisation or for the council to arrange this. 

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

When care needs are primarily medical, NHS Continuing Healthcare can fully fund care in any setting, including at home. Most people start with an initial assessment carried out by a healthcare professional. This helps determine whether you’re eligible for a full care assessment and what kind of support might be right for you.

Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance

Older adults who need help with daily tasks may qualify for Attendance Allowance. This helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition that means you need someone to look after you. Carers who provide regular support may also be eligible for Carer’s Allowance

Self-funding options

Families often use pensions, savings, or property income. In some cases, equity release helps access funds while remaining in the home. Speaking with an independent financial adviser will ensure your plan is sustainable long-term.

Some care situations require specific expertise, but the price difference is often smaller than families expect.

Dementia care

Live-in dementia care typically costs between £1,400 and £1,700 per week. Carers trained in dementia support understand how to manage memory loss, confusion, and emotional changes with patience and reassurance – helping your loved one feel safe in familiar surroundings.

Post-surgical recovery

Short-term live-in care following a hospital stay usually costs £1,100 to £1,400 per week. Carers can assist with rehabilitation, medication, and mobility, helping your loved one regain confidence and independence at home.

Palliative and end-of-life care

For people reaching the final stages of illness, palliative live-in care focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being. This type of specialist support generally costs £1,600 to £1,800 per week, particularly when nurse input or clinical oversight is needed.

Couples’ care

Live-in care for couples offers meaningful savings compared to two separate care home placements. Costs typically range from £1,600 to £1,900 per week, as one carer supports both partners – allowing them to stay together in the comfort of their own home.

Some families start with hourly or overnight care before moving to full live-in support.

 In 2025, hourly home care will cost around £25–£35 per hour, depending on location (HTR Care). Once care needs reach six or more hours per day, live-in care often becomes the more cost-effective option.

Overnight care costs about £250 per night for a waking carer, or £200 for a sleeping night. You can learn more in our overnight carer cost guide

Hometouch provides personalised, professional care that helps families keep their loved ones safe, independent, and supported at home – where life feels most comfortable.

• Every Hometouch carer is DBS-checked, reference-verified, and trained in live-in and dementia care
• Our nurse-led clinical team offers guidance and oversight for families managing more complex health needs
• We take time to match each family with a compatible carer who understands your loved one’s personality, preferences, and care requirements

Choosing Hometouch means combining professional care standards with empathy, consistency, and genuine understanding.

Whether you’re starting your research or ready to arrange care, Hometouch can help you connect with trusted local carers across the UK. Our Care Advisers can guide you through options, answer questions, and help you find the right support – with no obligation.

Live-in care allows your loved one to stay where they feel most at peace – surrounded by memories, routines, and the people who matter most.