If you’re arranging care for yourself, a parent or another family member, you may be wondering how much a live in carer costs. In the UK, our live in care starts at £225 per day, so 7 days of care would cost £1,575. The NHS provides general guidelines, but more complex care needs can increase the cost.

Live in care can be a practical alternative to moving into a care home. A carer lives in the person’s home and helps with daily routines, personal care, meals, companionship and, if needed, support during the night.

Greenwood Homecare offers tailored live in care for people who want to stay independent and comfortable in familiar surroundings. The exact price is confirmed after an assessment of the person’s care needs, lifestyle and home environment.

Quick answer on live in care costs

How much does live in care cost?

Our live in care starts at £225 per day, so it amounts to £1,575 per week. However these figures are guide prices rather than fixed quotations and may change depending on the amount of care needed. 

The cost of a live in carer may include support with:

• Washing, dressing and personal hygiene.
• Getting in and out of bed or moving safely around the home.
• Preparing meals and supporting a healthy diet.
• Medication prompts and routine appointments.
• Shopping, laundry and light household tasks.
• Companionship and emotional support.
• Attending family occasions, hobbies and community activities.
• Overnight support, depending on the agreed care plan.

A professional care assessment is the best way to understand how much support is required and how this will affect the weekly price.

What does live in care involve?

Live in care means that a trained carer stays in the client’s home and provides support throughout the day. While some families seek continuous 24 hour care at home, standard live-in care does not normally mean that a single carer works continuously for 24 hours without rest. The care plan should set out the support hours, rest periods, overnight arrangements and cover when the carer is away.

A live in carer helps someone keep their usual daily routine. This can mean making breakfast, helping with washing and dressing, booking appointments, going outside with the person and making dinner. Greenwood Homecare live in carers also help with housework and can go with clients on outings or visits.

The aim is not to take away a person’s independence. Instead, live in support should help the individual make choices, stay active and continue living in the way they prefer.

What affects the weekly price?

There is no single answer to the question “how much is a live in carer?” because every care arrangement is different.

The person’s care needs

Someone who needs only occasional help with meals, mobility and companionship may have a lower care cost. On the other hand someone who requires frequent personal care such as help with transfers or regular overnight support will pay extra.

During an assessment, the provider may consider:

• How well the person manages daily tasks
• Whether they need help with washing and dressing
• Whether they can walk safely
• Whether they need help getting in and out of bed
• How often do they need support
• Whether they need help with food and medicine
• Whether they need help during the night
• Whether they need company or regular supervision

In England anyone can ask their local council for a free care needs assessment. The assessment considers how well a person manages everyday activities and what care and support may be necessary.

Dementia and memory care

Dementia care often needs extra experience, patience and consistency. A person may need help with talking, personal care, eating, medication, daily routines and staying safe at home.

The price can change depending on how much supervision is needed. For example, someone who only needs the odd reminder will have different needs from someone who may wander off, become upset or not recognise familiar people.

Greenwood Homecare provides dementia and Alzheimer’s care at home so that clients can get support in familiar surroundings.

Complex health conditions

Live in care may cost more when the client has complex or changing needs. Examples can include:

• Parkinson’s disease.
• The effects of a stroke.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Physical disabilities.
• End of life care.
• Catheter or stoma support.
• Significant mobility difficulties.
• Frequent night time assistance.
• Support after an operation or hospital discharge.

The provider is responsible for describing the experience of the carers and if other professionals are needed. The role of a live in carer can be of great value in the day to day management but should not replace that of the district nurse, occupational therapist or other clinical professional.

Overnight care

Some people sleep through most of the night but need occasional assistance. Others may need a carer to wake several times, remain awake for long periods or provide frequent repositioning.

Ask whether the quoted price includes:

• A sleeping night arrangement.
• A waking night arrangement.
• A separate night carer.
• Occasional assistance when needed.
• Additional payment for frequent night support.

If someone needs regular waking care, the weekly cost may increase because the arrangement involves more intensive support.

Location and availability

The location of the client’s home can affect availability and planning. Travel requirements, rural locations and the availability of carers with specific experience may all influence the quote.

Greenwood Homecare supports clients in and around its service areas, including Peterborough, Grantham and Cambridge. Families living in rural areas can contact the provider to discuss whether suitable care can be arranged.

What should a live in care quote include?

When comparing providers, look beyond the advertised weekly price. Two companies may quote different amounts because they include different services.

Ask whether the price covers:

• Initial care assessment and care planning.
• Matching the client with a suitable carer.
• Recruitment and background checks.
• Ongoing supervision and care reviews.
• Replacement cover during sickness or holidays.
• Support with personal care and household routines.
• Communication with family members.
• Help when the client’s needs change.
• Carer travel and other agreed expenses.
• Arrangements for food, accommodation and rest breaks.

You should also ask about any costs that are charged separately. These may include specialist equipment, additional carers, waking nights, transport, emergency cover or short term replacement care.

The Care Quality Commission advises people to check whether a home care agency is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. You can use the CQC’s care service search to check a provider’s registration and inspection information.

Is live in care cheaper than a care home?

The answer depends on the person’s needs, location and the cost of suitable residential care in the area. A live in care package may appear more expensive than some care home fees but it provides one to one support in the client’s own home.

Families should compare more than the weekly figure. Consider:

• Whether the person can remain in their own home.
• The importance of familiar surroundings.
• The level of privacy and independence.
• Whether a couple can remain together.
• The availability of one to one companionship.
• Whether the person has pets, hobbies or close neighbours.
• The cost of changing or adapting the home.
• Whether family members would otherwise need to provide unpaid care.

For some couples, live in care can be particularly suitable because both people remain in the same home. However, each person’s needs must be assessed and the care plan should confirm whether one carer can safely support both individuals.

Can the council help pay for live in care?

Some people receive help from their local authority, while others pay privately. The process normally begins with a care needs assessment, followed by a financial assessment if the person is found to have eligible care needs.

A financial assessment looks at relevant income, savings, investments and other financial circumstances. It helps the council decide how much the person may need to contribute towards their care. The general capital thresholds in England are often stated as £23,250 for the upper threshold and £14,250 for the lower threshold, although rules and charging arrangements can change.

Do not assume that owning a home automatically means that a person must sell it. The treatment of property can depend on circumstances, including whether a partner or certain qualifying relatives continue to live there. Greenwood Homecare also discusses alternatives in its guide on paying for care without automatically selling your home.

It is sensible to obtain current advice from the relevant local authority or a regulated later life adviser before making financial decisions.

Is NHS Continuing Healthcare available?

NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund the full cost of an eligible person’s care, including care delivered in their own home. Eligibility is based on assessed health needs rather than simply age or diagnosis.

A person may be considered for NHS Continuing Healthcare if they have significant healthcare needs that require ongoing management. The assessment considers factors such as:

• The type and complexity of needs.
• How intense the care requirements are.
• How unpredictable the condition may be.
• The level of professional support required.

Having dementia, a stroke or another serious condition does not automatically mean that someone qualifies. The NHS must assess the person’s individual needs.

Alternatives to full time live in care

Live in care is not the only option. Depending on the situation, a person may benefit from:

• Visiting home care for set times each day.
• Overnight care.
• Companionship care.
• Reablement after illness or hospital discharge.
• Respite care for an unpaid family carer.
• Specialist dementia care.
• Personal care at home.

Greenwood Homecare provides respite care for situations where a family carer needs a break. Respite support can be arranged for a day, a weekend or longer, depending on availability and individual needs.

For people recovering after illness or a hospital stay, reablement care may help them rebuild confidence and manage daily activities more independently.

How to get an accurate quote

To receive a realistic estimate, prepare information about the client’s daily routine and support needs. Include details about mobility, medication, personal care, sleep patterns, health conditions, communication and the home layout.

A provider may also ask:

• How many times the person needs help each day.
• Whether they need assistance at night.
• Whether they can use the stairs safely.
• Whether they need a hoist or other equipment.
• Whether they have dietary requirements.
• Whether they become confused or anxious.
• Whether they need support outside the home.
• Whether a family carer needs regular respite.

Avoid choosing a provider based only on the lowest price. The right arrangement should be safe, reliable, transparent and matched to the person’s wishes.

FAQs

How much does a live in carer cost per week?

Our live in care starts at £225 per day, so the weekly cost is £1,575. The final price depends on care intensity, location, overnight support and specialist requirements.

Does live in care include food and accommodation?

The quote should explain what is expected regarding the carer’s bedroom, meals, household costs and travel. Ask the provider to confirm these arrangements in writing before care begins.

Does a live in carer provide 24 hour care?

A live in carer remains available in the home but they need regular breaks and rest. If the client needs continuous waking support at night, extra care arrangements may be necessary.

Can live in care support someone with dementia?

Yes. A suitable carer may help with routines, personal care, meals, companionship, safety and communication. The care plan should reflect the person’s stage of dementia and changing needs.

Can I get help with the cost of live in care?

You may qualify for local authority support after a care needs and financial assessment. NHS Continuing Healthcare may also be available for people who meet the relevant health needs criteria.

Arrange a live in care assessment

Understanding the cost of live in care is an important first step but the quality and suitability of support matter just as much as the weekly fee. A personalised assessment can show what help is required which care options may be appropriate and whether live in care is suitable for the home environment.

To discuss your requirements, visit our live in care cost guide or contact the Greenwood Homecare team for an individual conversation about care at home.