What Does Live-In Care Cost in the UK – And What Are My Funding Options?
Choosing live-in care is a significant and often emotional decision for families – and understanding the cost is one of the most important factors in the process. While the price of care varies depending on individual needs, it’s essential to have a clear picture of what to expect and what funding options may be available.
At U&I Care, we aim to be transparent about the financial side of care, ensuring that families can plan confidently and without surprises.
What is the Average Cost of Live-In Care in the UK?
The cost of live-in care typically ranges from £900 to £1,500 per week.
This variation depends on:
- Level of support required (e.g. basic companionship vs complex medical or dementia care)
- Whether one person or a couple is receiving care
- Day-to-day living needs (e.g. mobility support, personal care, medication, meal preparation)
- Any specialist requirements (such as culturally aligned care, dietary preferences or language support)
At U&I Care, our live-in care packages are tailored to your family’s specific needs, and we will always provide a transparent quote before care begins.
Example Weekly Cost Breakdown (for an individual):
| Service Included | Estimated Weekly Cost |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Live-in carer | £850 |
| Personal care and companionship | Included |
| Support with meals, meds & mobility | Included |
| Ongoing supervision & wellbeing | Included |
| Cultural & linguistic matching | Included |
| Total | £850 – £1,500 |
Note: Costs may be higher for specialist conditions or complex needs, and lower for light-touch support.
Is Live-In Care More Cost-Effective than a Care Home?
In many cases, yes – particularly for couples.
- For individuals: live-in care is often comparable to care home fees, especially in private facilities.
- For couples: a single live-in carer can often support both individuals, meaning significantly lower combined costs than two care home placements.
Plus, live-in care allows you to stay in your own home, keep pets, maintain your routines, and receive one-to-one support – a level of continuity and personalisation that care homes simply can’t offer.
What Funding Options Are Available?
There are several routes to help cover the cost of live-in care:
Self-Funding (Private Pay)
This is the most common route for many families, especially where savings, pensions or property equity is available. Paying for your own care (self-funding)
Local Authority Support
Your local council may contribute to care costs if your assets are below a certain threshold (currently £23,250 in England). Capital limits for local authority care funding.
- .You’ll need a care needs assessment and a financial assessment.
- If eligible, the council may offer a Direct Payment, which you can use to fund your chosen care provider, including U&I Care.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If your loved one has significant health needs, they may qualify for full funding via the NHS. NHS Continuing Healthcare.
- An NHS assessment is required.
- This is not means-tested, but approval is strictly based on medical criteria.
Attendance Allowance / Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance: A non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care. Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance: For those who care for someone at least 35 hours a week and meet eligibility. Carer’s Allowance
Equity Release / Downsizing
Some families choose to release funds from a property to cover care costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we have to pay for care up front?
A: U&I Care offers flexible payment plans, and we will always explain any fees clearly before services begin.
Q: Can we switch from hourly care to live-in care if needs increase?
A: Yes, many families transition to live-in care as support needs grow. We’ll help you reassess and adjust.
Q: Is there government support available if we’re not eligible for full funding?
A: Yes. Even if you’re not eligible for full council or NHS support, you may still receive benefits like Attendance Allowance or partial contributions.
Q: Can live-in care be trialled before committing?
A: Absolutely. We offer respite and short-term packages to give families peace of mind before choosing longer-term care.
Let’s Talk About Your Options – What Does Live-In Care Cost in the UK
Every situation is unique, and we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
