How Much Does Live-in Care Cost?

Live-in care in the UK typically costs between £1,200 and £2,200+ per week depending on the level of care required, overnight support, medical complexity and location.

Most families pay:

• £1,200 – £1,600 per week for standard live-in care

• £1,800 – £2,200+ per week for complex or specialist care

• More where two carers or waking night support are needed

For couples, live-in care can sometimes be more cost-effective than moving both people into residential care separately.

At Ocean Healthcare, our live-in care packages start from £1,800 per week.

Quick live-in care cost breakdown:

Several factors influence the cost of live-in care in the UK. The overall cost depends on the level of care and support required, as every care package is tailored to the individual.

Level of care required

People who need help with:

• mobility

• medication

• dementia support

• complex clinical support

• mental health support

• palliative or end-of-life care

typically require higher levels of support.

Overnight care requirements

Costs are usually higher when:

• waking night support is required

• frequent overnight assistance is needed

• or two carers are necessary

Location in the UK

Care costs can vary depending on where you live in the UK. Care costs are often higher in:

• London

• the South East

• Areas with higher staffing demand

Specialist support

Specialist live-in care for:

• dementia

• Parkinson’s

• stroke recovery

• hospital discharge support

• specialist feeding support

• Tracheostomy & airway management

• neurological conditions

• complex physical disabilities

• or palliative care

As this usually requires additional training, experience and Nurse oversight.

Because everyone’s needs are different, the best way to understand potential costs is through a personalised care assessment and conversation.

In many cases, live-in care can be comparable to residential care costs - particularly for couples.

Families are often surprised to learn that the costs can be very similar once all care home fees are considered.

Typical weekly care costs in the UK

When live-in care may cost less

Live-in care may be more affordable when:

• a couple can share one carer - avoiding separate residential placements

For couples, live-in care can sometimes provide better value than paying for two separate residential care placements.

But beyond the financial comparison, many families also value the emotional benefits of remaining at home.

Being surrounded by familiar routines, neighbours, pets, memories, and personal belongings can have a significant impact on wellbeing and quality of life.

Possibly - and many families are unaware that financial support may be available.

Depending on your circumstances, funding may be available through:

• your local authority

• NHS Continuing Healthcare funding

• personal health budgets

• other healthcare funding pathways

Eligibility depends on both financial circumstances and care needs.

Funding assessments can sometimes feel overwhelming or difficult to navigate, especially during stressful periods for families. That’s why we believe guidance should be clear, compassionate and straightforward.

If you are unsure what support may be available, we are happy to help talk you through the options. You may also find the below link helpful.

Help at home from a paid carer - Social care and support guide - NHS

Live-in care services may include:

• personal care

• medication support

• meal preparation

• companionship

• mobility assistance

• housekeeping

• overnight support

• and help attending appointments

Services vary depending on:

• care provider

• care package

• and level of support required