Cost of live-in care

Live-in care for couples usually costs more than care for one person, but it can be considerably more cost-effective than paying for two separate care packages or two residential care home places. Where their needs allow, one live-in carer can support both people in the same home, with a nominal additional fee for the second person under Consultus' current model. The typical weekly cost starts from £1,218.

A 24 hour live in care cost will depend on the level of continuous support required. Standard live-in care normally involves a carer living in the home and sleeping overnight, whereas true 24-hour live-in care may require carers working in rotation so support remains available throughout the night without normal sleep breaks. This can be appropriate for people with high-dependency needs. The typical 24 hour live in care cost with a single carer starts from £1,096.

Dementia care at home can cost more than standard live-in care because the person may need a carer with specialist training and experience. The amount will depend on the stage of dementia, the person's symptoms and the level of supervision and practical support required. As needs can vary considerably, there is no single live-in care cost for every person with dementia. A typical weekly range is between £1,127 to £1,785. Dementia care costs can vary significantly, depending on the individual’s needs, the level of support required and the complexity of their care.

You may be able to receive financial support towards care depending on your needs and circumstances. Potential routes include a local authority care assessment and means-tested support, NHS Continuing Healthcare for eligible people with significant healthcare needs, Attendance Allowance and personal budgets. Eligibility and the amount available vary between individuals, so it is important to obtain advice relevant to your circumstances. A Consultus Care Adviser can also discuss your care requirements and the funding options you may wish to investigate.

The cost of live-in care will depend on the level of unique support needed. Someone needing light help around the house with daily tasks is likely to pay less than someone living with a complex condition, such as dementia. The type of service also plays a role in defining the cost. A fully managed, CQC-regulated service costs more than an introductory arrangement, but includes dedicated Care Consultant oversight, 24/7 emergency support, and all holiday cover. Whether overnight support is needed, and whether care is for one person or a couple, can also affect the overall weekly cost.

Yes. In some circumstances the NHS can fully fund live-in care through a scheme called NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). CHC is available to adults whose care needs arise primarily from a health condition, and if eligible, it covers the full cost of care regardless of your financial situation. Importantly, CHC funding can be used for live-in care at home, not just for residential or nursing home placements, which many families are not aware of. Your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) carries out an assessment to determine eligibility, and our Care Advisors can help guide you through that process.

Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability, and it can contribute toward the cost of live-in care. It is non-means-tested, which means savings and property do not affect eligibility. In 2026, it is payable at £72.65 per week (lower rate) or £108.55 per week (higher rate) depending on the level of need. While it does not cover the full cost of live-in care, it can be claimed alongside other funding such as local authority support. Our Care Advisors can help identify all the financial support you may be entitled to.

Not necessarily. Despite many thinking live-in care is the more expensive option, live-in care and care home costs are often broadly comparable. With Consultus Care, managed live in care starts from £1,603 per week, while UK care home fees typically range from £1,500 to £2,000 per week depending on location and level of care required. For couples, live-in care is often significantly cheaper, as only one weekly fee applies rather than two separate care home placements. Beyond cost, live-in care offers one-to-one support in the comfort and familiarity of your own home, which a care home simply cannot replicate.

The cost of live-in care for someone living with Alzheimer's is based on an individual assessment of their needs, as the level of support required varies greatly depending on the stage of the condition. At Consultus Care, all carers supporting individuals living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia complete specialist training at our Skills for Care accredited Centre of Excellence, and are supported throughout the placement by a dedicated local Care Consultant. Because Alzheimer's is a progressive condition, care plans are reviewed regularly to ensure the support provided continues to meet your loved one's needs as things change. We would encourage you to call our Care Advisors on 01732 496715 for a personalised assessment and cost estimate.

There are a few key areas worth exploring when speaking with any live-in care provider. On regulation and safety, it is worth asking whether the service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), what the most recent inspection found, and whether carers undergo enhanced DBS checks and employment reference checks. On costs, ask exactly what is included in the weekly fee, whether holiday cover and carer travel are included, and whether there are any charges for overnight support or bank holidays. On day-to-day support, it is also worth asking who your named point of contact will be and whether emergency support is available around the clock. At Consultus Care, we pride ourselves on our transparency, and would be happy to answer any of your questions.