If you are contemplating getting a live-in carer for yourself or a family member then you will certainly be wondering about the cost. How expensive is live in care and how does it compare to moving into a residential care home?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to these questions. Costs vary greatly depending on many factors such as the level of care needed. There is also a variation of costs between private carers and care companies. If you are comparing the cost of in-home care and a residential care home then this too can be tricky. You’ll need to consider the benefits of each type of care and what value you place on these benefits.
Factors Affecting the Cost
Level of Care Needed
The cost of live-in care is largely dependent on the level of care required. People with more complex medical conditions or those that require specialist care, such as dementia care, may incur higher costs due to the skills and expertise needed by the carer.
Location
The cost of live-in care may also vary based on the geographical location. Larger cities such as London, where the cost of living is higher, generally have higher rates for live-in carers compared to country areas.
Carers Qualifications and Experience
The experience and qualifications of the live-in carer can also influence the cost of care. Highly skilled carers or those with specialist training or qualifications such as nurse carers may charge higher rates due to their expertise.
Care Companies vs. Independent Carers
Live-in care costs can vary depending on whether you are using a specialist care company such as New Age Care or a private carer (someone who works for themselves). Private carers may offer lower rates but going through a care company provides many benefits that individual carers do not. These include backup caregivers for illness and leave, liability insurance, and regular carer supervision, ensuring industry standards are met.
Additional Services
The cost of Live-in care can vary based on any additional services you may require as part of your care. Some companies may charge extra for assistance, certain household chores or transportation.
Single V Couple
The cost of live-in care will vary depending on whether there are one or two people in the household that need care. It will obviously be more with two, but if you compare it to the costs for two people in a residential care home, it is more likely to be cheaper to stay at home.
Benefits of Live-in Care V Residential Care Homes
Staying in your own home
Live-In care allows a person to stay in their own familiar surroundings with all their treasured possessions, which is especially reassuring for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. There is also no upheaval of selling (which is often needed to fund a care home) and no moving, which can both be upsetting and emotional.
One-on-one care
One of the key benefits of live-in care is that you get a dedicated carer looking after you 24 hours a day. In a residential care home, carers can be looking after 4-6 people, so they can not solely focus on the needs of an individual.
Personalisation
Live-in care allows for an individual to receive personalised, tailored care. Individuals can choose their own routines and are not governed by the set timetable you get in a residential care home. With live-in care you also have greater flexibility to be able to do what you want,
when you want.
Having a consistent caregiver also builds trust and familiarity, which can be especially important for individuals with dementia or other memory impairments.
Independence
Another benefit of live-in care is that it gives individuals a greater sense of independence and control over their own lives. Individuals can continue with their daily activities for as long as possible and make their own choices around such things as the food they eat. It also allows them to stay connected with their local communities.
This can be especially important for individuals who have lived in their homes for many years and may feel a sense of attachment and comfort there. This is not possible in a residential care home.
Peace of Mind
Live-in care provides peace of mind for family who may be worried about the safety and well-being of their loved one. Knowing that someone is there 24 hours a day and can respond to the needs of their family member can be very reassuring. Having dedicated carers also means that family members can be kept up to date regularly with how the care is going. This can be harder in a care home.
Illness
Unfortunately, if you are in a residential care home you are more likely to pick up an illness as you are mixing with others and sharing some of the same space. In your own home this is less likely. Research also shows that you are more prone to infections such as UTI’s and bed sores as you will be less mobile.
Couples
Live-in care allows couples to stay together, which is not often possible if you move into a residential care home. In care homes rooms are often single occupancy and if partners have different needs they may be in different areas of the care home.
Funding for Live-in care
Whether you are looking at live-in care or a residential care home, there will be significant costs involved. The good news is that some people are entitled to financial support for their care.
To find out if you are eligible, check out our page on financial support on the website.