Cost of live-in care

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.