April 2024

Is Live-In Care Cheaper Than Nursing Home In April 2024

Moving into a care facility is one viable option if we need help with everyday tasks as we age. Elderly persons often continue living in their own homes or with family members.

For older people who need 24-hour care but want to remain still in their comfortable environment, live-in care is a possible choice.

The pros and cons of the move live in carers move-in live in carer move-in carers’ vs residential self-employed carers’ homes or professional carers’ homes, or self-funding or-employed carers alone is live-in care cheaper than a nursing home in the UK will be discussed in this article.

You can listen to an audio recording of this page below.

Live-in Care: An Overview

In live-in care, the person receiving care resides with a professional carer in their residence or may live in that same family home if they remain living with their or other family members.

The caretaker offers personal care, assistance with everyday tasks, and any other specialised care that may be needed.

Because the total cost of care varies on the number of hours and degree of assistance needed, live-in care may be a more reasonable choice for many than nursing facility care.

A person-centred approach is also used in live-in care, allowing the carer to provide tailored assistance to the patient’s particular requirements and personal preferences.

This more specialist care might include giving emotional support, administering medication, giving medicine, respite care and assisting with everyday tasks.

Nursing Home Care: An Overview

Living in a nursing home entails sharing quarters daily living with other residents, licenced practical nurses and other carers giving care and assistance around the clock.

Nursing homes are intended for people who need ongoing, constant care and help, and the degree of care given might change based on the individual’s particular requirements.

The cost per week of nursing home care may be high since it is often a predetermined price per week or month per week and may not account for the individual’s unique care needs or requirements.

Cost of Live-in Care versus Nursing Home Care

Our analysis shows that live-in care may be more economical than nursing facility care.

Although the price and costs of live-in care vary depending on the assistance and support needed, it is often less expensive than nursing facility care costs. Nursing home care costs an average of £35,000 annually, compared to £30,000 for live-in care costs.

Because the individual receiving live-in-home care may choose the number of hours and amount of assistance needed, live-in care is also more adaptable than nursing facility care.

Accordingly, the price of live-in or live-in care is lower than in nursing homes, where care may change based on the individual’s requirements and preferences.

Financial Support for Live-in Care and Nursing Home Care

Both nursing home care and live-in care are financially supported. Those who cannot pay for their care may be eligible for financial assistance from local authorities via means testing of their assets.

The person whose value of your home’s residence and value of your home’s worth may be considered in these calculations, and they can be asked to pay the total cost and value of your home in their care.

Local governments can provide financial assistance for equipment or housing improvements if the individual pays for their care.

Local authorities must conduct a full local authority and private residential care home or family care home, and need assessment to ascertain the precise requirements and main benefits of the local authority and private residential care home or family home or homes for the person receiving care in the family care home or local authority and the degree of financial assistance available from the local authority.

Cost of Care Needs Assessment

A care needs assessment is crucial, whether you’re thinking about live-in care or nursing home care to identify your unique requirements and the degree of care required.

You will better understand care costs, financial aid choices, and available care and support alternatives due to this examination.

For people needing ongoing care and assistance, live-in care may be a more affordable alternative than nursing facility care. However, the care price might change according to preferences, geography, and the needed quality of care.

Understanding the financial assistance available for both live-in and nursing facility pay for your care is crucial, as is having a care needs evaluation done.

The choice between live-in care and nursing facility care should ultimately be made based on your personal care preferences, specific requirements, and appropriate care and support.

Understanding Live-in Care Services

Because it enables older individuals to get the care they need while staying in their own homes or family residences, live-in care is a well-liked and affordable alternative to nursing facility care.

They may keep their freedom and live life in familiar surroundings and comfortable settings, which might be necessary support for their mental health.

Personal care, assistance with daily living, and any other specialised care that may be necessary are delivered by a live-in caretaker registered nurse who resides with the person receiving care.

As a result, the carer may provide person-centred care adapted to the patient’s particular requirements and personal care preferences. Additionally, they may provide 24-hour care, which benefits folks who need ongoing, constant care and assistance.

Benefits of Live-in Care

One of its key advantages is that live-in care may be more affordable than nursing home care. Depending on the assistance needed, live-in care might be more expensive, but it is often less costly than nursing facility care.

This is so that individuals only pay for the most care services they need as they may decide on the number of hours and kind of assistance required.

Additionally, live-in care enables the person receiving care to continue living either in their own home or their family’s home, with support, which may be crucial for their life and mental health.

They may continue to live independently and in their own home in friendly and familiar surroundings again, making them feel safer and more at ease with daily life.

Understanding Nursing Care Services

Nursing home care resides in a residential home or a care facility with other residents and is intended for those needing ongoing support and maintenance.

The amount of care offered might vary based on the individual’s requirements, as registered nurses and care personnel give care and assistance around the clock.

The cost of care is often a set sum each week or a few hours each month and may not account for the individual’s particular care requirements, so nursing care may be expensive.

On the other hand, nursing homes may provide specialised care and assistance that may not be possible with live-in care.

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Read some recent 5 star client testimonials, on Trustpilot, about Elder’s fantastic care support

With our mum being discharged from hospital and needing someone to be with her 24 hours a day, Elder provided excellent support to ensure she could return to her own home. From the initial contact who helped us choose a suitable carer, through the carer themselves who provided excellent support, professionalism and experience to our liaison contact we could not fault Elder. Elder’s service is first class and very relevant for the times we live in. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing 24 hour care and support.

Elder gave us lots of information regarding setting up Live In Care, spent time explaining the various contracts applicable to our families care. Really liked the video information guides the carer’s themselves gave helping us to choose a carer with the best needs for our parents. The care package was put in place very quickly, which was needed to replace daily 4 hours of care that was not enough due to deteriorating health conditions. We chose Maryanne who has a great deal of experience. She is very professional, caring, kind. She is now settling in with our parents and setting a great routine.

I spoke to Matt who was so caring, understanding and helpful about what we needed in a carer. His empathy was excellent and nothing was too much trouble. He didn’t rush me into any decision but made it clear they could help immediately. I was so reassured by him. The carer we had was excellent. He was obliging, professional and it was reassuring to have him in the house and helping when we needed him.

From my very first conversation with Elder I felt I was listened to and advised by people who cared. Every single member of the team gave me time and really understood the complexities of my need for my Mother. I cannot speak highly enough of this organisation

All the carers have been professional and very good. We have gained a lot of helpful advice along the way, which up to now has been sadly lacking from our local medical centre. Unfortunately we seem to have had to have more carers than originally planned, one due to ill health, another due to Covid on her weeks off and another through the illness of their young child. Elder has stepped up to the mark on each occasion and found replacements immediately.

We have been very impressed with Elder. They have been really good at finding carers. Alll the carers have been very very good, kind, organised and helpful. The liaison with Elder has been excellent right from our initial contact. Our family liaison person – Josie – is so prompt to reply and picks up and deals with any issues quickly, nicely and efficiently. We would recommend Elder highly.

Tasks your Elder live in carer can help you with

Help with houshold tasks such as vacuuming and laundry

Preparing daily meals to your taste and dietary requirements

Help with washing, toileting, and prompting medication

Daily companionship, and help getting out and about to see friends

Call now on 0333 567 1606 for a quote or to discuss your care requirements.

Book a call back using the calendar below for your chosen time.

Specialist Care and Support

Both live-in support and nursing facility care provide specialised assistance, support and care.

Individualised care oriented on the needs and preferences of the individual is possible with live-in, often professional or specialist carers.

This indicates that the specialist carer can provide emotional support, assistance with everyday tasks, and medicine administration.

The Role of a Live-in Carer

A live-in carer is a specialist who offers their clients round-the-clock care and assistance. In addition to helping with domestic chores like cooking and cleaning, they may provide personal care such as aid with bathing, dressing, and using the restroom.

If necessary, a live-in caretaker may also provide nursing care in a residential care home or at home. The caregiver’s responsibility is to provide client-specific, person-centred care.

They collaborate closely with other family members, medical specialists, and local authorities to guarantee their client gets the best care possible.

"Moving into a care facility is one viable option if we need help with everyday tasks as we age."

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Costs Involved in Live-in Care

The price of live-in care varies based on some variables, including the desired degree of private care, the location of private care, and the caregiver’s level of expertise. But generally speaking, live-in care may be less expensive than a nursing facility.

Costs associated with live-in care often include the caregiver’s salary and any house or home modifications or equipment that may be required.

It should be noted that some individuals can qualify for financial assistance from their local authorities to offset the expense of live-in care.

Live-in Care vs Nursing Home

A Live-in care home might be more affordable than a nursing care home regarding care costs.

Nursing facilities use certified and registered nurses to offer round-the-clock care. Nursing facilities are often more costly than private, live-in and care homes.

When picking between live-in care and a nursing home, there are other aspects to consider besides the total cost of care alone.

For instance, live-in care enables individuals to continue living in their homes, which may be crucial for their mental health.

Additionally, live-in carers’ work offers client-centred care tailored to their specific requirements. Conversely, nursing homes may need help providing the same degree as a live-in carer.

Cost Considerations and Financial Support

Depending on the degree of care needed, live-in care might be more expensive, but it is often less expensive than nursing homes.

Financial means tests and asset calculations may assist people and their families in paying for care.

Local authority governments may also provide financial assistance for individuals who qualify, and Age UK offers guidance and details of local authorities on grants and benefits.

Care Home Costs and Fees

The total cost of a care home varies according to the quality of care needed and may vary depending more detail may vary depending on the facility’s location.

The annual total and cost of care, even for a few hours of care alone, may be significant, and it’s vital to consider the other expenses like utility bills, which the fees may cover.

Some care home facilities may impose additional fees for your care home, speciality, care home, respite care, and other services.

Comprehending the total cost of care home fees administering medication, and facility costs and ensuring you have the financial means to pay for your care home costs and treatment over the long haul is crucial.

Viable Option for Elderly People

Elderly persons who want to stay in their homes might choose live-in care, which can provide the same care and assistance as a nursing facility.

It’s an affordable option that provides person-centred care in comfortable settings with the assistance of a trained live-in caretaker.

Financial means tests and assistance programmes are available to help pay for care, and the total cost of live-in care may be less expensive than that of a care facility.

Have A Free Consultation With A Live In Care Specialist

You can contact a Live in Care specialist from ‘Elder’ in one of 3 ways:

Option 1 – Call directly on – 0333 567 1606
Option 2 – Book an appointment directly in the calendar below, and one of the Elder team will call you back at your chosen time
Option 3 – Complete the quick and easy contact form. Just press ‘get started’ to leave your details

Option 1 – Call Elder Directly

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Call us on : 0333 567 1606

Option 2 – Book an appointment, in the calendar below, for a callback when it’s convenient

Option 3 – Leave your contact details and Elder will get in touch with you

Please note that Elder.org undertake all calls. By leaving your details you consent, where necessary, to us passing your details to them.

Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive care in my own home?

Yes, live-in care services make getting care in your home feasible. This sort of care entails a skilled and seasoned carer living with you in your home and offering 24-hour care and assistance. Self-employed live-in caretakers provide a less expensive option to residential care facilities. You may stay in the comfortable setting of your own home and keep your freedom by receiving person-centred care tailored to your needs and preferences. Depending on the degree of care required, live-in care costs may vary, although they are often less expensive than care facilities or private care.

Will I get financial support from the local authority for my care?

The outcome of a financial means test will determine whether you are eligible for financial assistance from the local authority to pay for your care needs alone. The means test determines how much you may pay for your care and towards your care expenses based on your income, savings, and assets, including the value of your house. You can be qualified for financial assistance from the local authorities if your income and savings fall below a specific limit. However, if you own your property outright, its worth could be included when figuring out how much you should pay towards your care expenses. To fully comprehend the financial ramifications of getting care, it is crucial to obtain expert counsel.

What is the difference between live-in carers and care homes?

Live-in carers provide 24-hour care and assistance in the convenience of your home, enabling you to stay there and keep your freedom. On the other hand, care homes are residential establishments where you live with other residents and get care from licenced nurses and trained carers. Carers work in care homes; these homes may be able to provide persons with complex needs with specialised care and assistance, but they may be costly and may provide a different degree of individualised care than live-in caretakers. Carers who work in care homes may range in price based on the area, the required degree of care, and the residence itself.

Can I modify my home to suit my care needs more?

It is feasible to alter your house so that it is more suited to your care requirements. Widening entrances, adding a stairlift, or building railings or ramps are a few examples of home alterations. After making these improvements, you may find moving about your house and doing everyday duties simpler. Depending on your unique situation, the local government or other groups can provide financial help for specific house improvements. It is crucial to obtain expert guidance to determine what adjustments and home modifications are required and what funding is available to help you pay for them.