December 2023
Live in care is increasingly becoming a viable option for many people and couples needing care. But as with all types of care there is a cost attached.
The financial implications of organising care can understandably be worrying. At UK Care Guide we’re here to help – simplifying the ins and outs of sourcing and paying for live in care.
In this article, we will explain what live in care costs, and how you can pay for it. You’ll learn about the financial benefits of care and some potential drawbacks you should be aware of.
Let’s begin with the cost of live in care.
Home care services provide a dedicated live in caregiver who resides with an individual in their own home to provide round-the-clock support and assistance. This form of care allows individuals to receive the necessary care and support they require while remaining in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
Live in care at home offers a practical alternative to residential care facilities, as it provides full time home health care tailored to the specific needs of the individual. The live-in caregiver is available throughout the day and night, ensuring continuous care, companionship, and assistance with daily tasks such as personal care, medication management, household chores, and more.
This comprehensive level of support enables individuals to maintain their independence, routine, and quality of life while receiving personalized care in their homes.
Generally speaking care is a cheaper alternative than the cost of living in a nursing home. This is because you won’t have additional overheads to pay, such as maintenance, the cost of a room and meals.
However it is understandably expensive – as you will have somebody looking after you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Live in care is a particularly beneficial option for couples who both have care needs. This is because two places in residential care would cost significantly more compared with having a live in carer to support both of you in your own home.
If you currently access care at home several times a day, the step up to live in care may not be too high. But if you only need one or two visits you will see a significant difference in the costs attached.
Live in care costs naturally vary depending on your location, the person or agency you choose and the type of care you require. On average live in care costs between £800 and £1500 per week. This means that the yearly cost can total over £100,000.
Here is a short video that explains a little more about live in care costs.
The remuneration for live-in carers can vary depending on a number of variables, including the area, the carer’s level of training and experience, and the specific duties assigned.
In the UK, live-in caretakers can expect to make an average of between £500 and £800 per week. It’s crucial to remember that these numbers are approximations and may change. The live-in caregiver’s actual remuneration is frequently negotiated with their company or the care organisation they work with.
Speaking with nearby care companies or professional associations is advisable to obtain more precise and recent information about live-in carer compensation in your particular location.
No, live-in carers typically do not pay rent as their accommodation is provided as part of their employment arrangement.
Yes, as the employer of a live-in carer, it is generally expected that you would provide the necessary food and meals for the carer during their stay. This is typically included as part of their compensation package.
Yes, live-in caretakers have the same rights to paid time off as other employees. Depending on the job contract, the care provider, or the person’s needs, different time off policies may apply. Live-in caretakers typically take scheduled breaks or days off to unwind, refuel, and handle personal business. This guarantees the continuity of care while enabling them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In order to prevent carer burnout and to advance general wellbeing, it is crucial for both the carer and the care receiver to receive regular intervals of respite. The live-in carer, the employer, or the care agency should communicate and come to an agreement on the specifics of the time off.
When someone is diagnosed with dementia, worries about cost of dementia care can arise. Finding alternatives to nursing homes for dementia patients can often save money as the cost of live in carer for dementia is sometimes lower.
The cost of live in dementia care can vary depending on several factors. Live-in dementia care costs typically include the expense of round-the-clock care provided by trained caregivers in the comfort of one’s own home. The actual cost of live-in dementia care depends on factors such as the location, the level of care needed, and the specific services required.
In addition to the cost of care itself, there may be an additional cost to adapt a home for dementia to ensure a safe and supportive environment. While the cost of live-in care for dementia patients can be substantial, it is often considered a viable alternative to nursing homes. 24-hour care for dementia patients allows them to receive personalised attention while remaining in familiar surroundings.
It’s advisable to consult with local home care agencies to get more accurate and up-to-date information on live in dementia care costs in your specific area and explore alternatives that provide quality live in care for dementia patients .
As with any care option, it’s important to consider how you’ll pay for the care you need both now and in the long-term. This can be tricky, as it’s not always easy to know how long you’ll need care for, and how things might change over time.
One downside to live-in care is the limited funding options available.
As live-in care is classed as private, there is significantly less financial support available from your local authority. And because you are still living in your property it’s not possible to use the proceeds of a sale or ongoing rental fees to pay for care.
Despite this, there are several ways you can finance live-in care. These include:
Most people use their savings to pay for live in care.
You can also sell valuables to add to your fund – such as cars and antiques. This is easy and simple as you pay directly for the care and preserve the value of your property as an inheritance for your loved ones. The only potential downside is that you’re dealing with a finite sum of money.
This means that, eventually, your funds will run out. This isn’t a problem if you know that you only require live in care for a short period of time and can budget to cover this.
But if you’re hoping a for an indefinite long-term solution, it’s important to consider the possibility that you will run out of money to pay for your care. In this instance, you’d have to move out of your home and into a local authority approved care home.
You can read more about using your savings to pay for care here.
Some people choose to fund live in care through equity release.
This works well for those who don’t have sufficient savings or cash assets to cover the full cost of care. Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to release a small or a larger amount.
There are different types of equity release available (namely, Lifetime Mortgages and Home Reversion plans), so it’s important to explore each option carefully. Remember that choosing equity release reduces the amount of inheritance you can leave and means you won’t be able to pass on your property to relatives.
The local authorities may or may not cover the cost of live in care for elderly people, depending on a number of variables and personal circumstances.
Government funding for care homes may be available in some cases, but the specific eligibility criteria and funding options vary across different regions. To establish if a person qualifies for financial support, local authorities typically evaluate their care requirements and financial position.
It’s crucial to contact the local government or seek professional guidance to learn about the local laws and ordinances that apply to live-in care financing from the government. They can help you navigate the process of obtaining financial support for live-in care services and offer advice on the available funding sources.
To find the best home care services, start by researching reputable home care agencies or live-in care agencies. Seek recommendations and review their credentials and caregiver qualifications. Evaluate the services they offer, such as personalized care plans and comprehensive support.
Reading client reviews will provide valuable insights. Through thorough research and comparisons, you can find the best home care agency or live in care agency that meets your loved one’s needs.
Call now on 0333 567 1606 for a quote or to discuss your care requirements.
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As with any care option, it’s important to consider how you’ll pay for the care you need both now and in the long-term. This can be tricky, as it’s not always easy to know how long you’ll need care for, and how things might change over time.
One downside to live-in care is the limited funding options available.
As live-in care is classed as private, there is significantly less financial support available from your local authority. And because you are still living in your property it’s not possible to use the proceeds of a sale or ongoing rental fees to pay for care.
Despite this, there are several ways you can finance live-in care. These include:
Most people use their savings to pay for live in care.
You can also sell valuables to add to your fund – such as cars and antiques. This is easy and simple as you pay directly for the care and preserve the value of your property as an inheritance for your loved ones. The only potential downside is that you’re dealing with a finite sum of money.
This means that, eventually, your funds will run out. This isn’t a problem if you know that you only require live in care for a short period of time and can budget to cover this.
But if you’re hoping a for an indefinite long-term solution, it’s important to consider the possibility that you will run out of money to pay for your care. In this instance, you’d have to move out of your home and into a local authority approved care home.
You can read more about using your savings to pay for care here.
Some people choose to fund live in care through equity release.
This works well for those who don’t have sufficient savings or cash assets to cover the full cost of care. Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to release a small or a larger amount.
There are different types of equity release available (namely, Lifetime Mortgages and Home Reversion plans), so it’s important to explore each option carefully. Remember that choosing equity release reduces the amount of inheritance you can leave and means you won’t be able to pass on your property to relatives.
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Rob writes and edits the content produced by the rest of the team. He has a degree in History from Leeds University and has producing, reviewing and editing the site since 2016
The cost of live-in care in the United Kingdom varies according to the required level of care and the location. The average weekly cost of live-in care ranges between £800 and £1200. It is essential to note, however, that costs can vary depending on the care recipient’s needs and the qualifications and experience of the carer.
In the United Kingdom, receiving financial assistance to pay for live-in care is possible. The government offers a variety of financial assistance programmes, such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment. Additionally, if you require financial assistance for live-in care, you can contact your local authority or council to determine if you qualify for financial aid.
Some providers of live-in care may charge additional fees on top of their base rates. These fees may include one-time costs for assessments and service setup fees. It is essential to clarify any additional fees with your live-in care provider so you can budget accordingly.
In the United Kingdom, it is possible to negotiate the cost of live-in care. Numerous live-in care providers offer various pricing options, and it is essential to discuss these options with your provider. In addition, you can discuss your budget with your provider and collaborate to find a solution that meets both your needs and your budget.
Finding Live in Care for a loved one can be a time consuming and expensive process. Have a free consultation with a specialist now or book an appointment for a callback
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