How Much Does a 24-Hour Live-In Carer Cost?
Working out the real cost of a 24 hour live in carer in the UK can feel confusing, especially when you are comparing it with hourly home visits or the price of a residential care home. This guide breaks down how fees are structured, what typically affects them, and which extra costs families should plan for.
How Much Does a 24-Hour Live-In Carer Cost?
Planning round the clock care for a relative is as much a financial decision as it is an emotional one. In the UK, live in carers offer an alternative to moving into a residential home, but understanding how pricing works, what is included, and which extras might appear on the invoice is essential for realistic budgeting.
Defining 24 hour live in care vs hourly care
24 hour live in care means a carer moves into the person’s home and provides ongoing support, usually working in shifts or with scheduled breaks. The fee is usually a fixed daily or weekly rate that covers care during both daytime and night time, plus the carer’s accommodation and basic living costs. Hourly home care, by contrast, charges for each visit or block of hours, so the total bill depends on how many visits are made and how long they last.
With hourly care, agencies in the UK commonly set minimum visit lengths, such as 30 or 60 minutes, and charge higher rates for evenings, weekends, or bank holidays. Live in arrangements tend to provide better continuity and more stable routines, which can be particularly important for people living with dementia or complex physical needs.
Average cost benchmarks for 24 hour live in care in 2026 UK rates
Although every care package is individual, it is possible to outline broad benchmarks. Current figures from UK providers suggest that a standard live in care package for one person usually falls somewhere between roughly 900 and 1,400 pounds per week, with higher fees for complex needs or intensive nursing style care. These estimates for 2026 are best seen as projections based on recent UK trends.
Several factors influence where in that range a family might fall. Location matters, as agencies often adjust rates by region. The level of support also plays a major role: routine help with washing, dressing, and medication prompts generally costs less than specialised dementia care, overnight monitoring, or support with hoists and medical equipment. Couples living together can expect higher weekly fees because the carer is supporting two people.
From a monthly perspective, standard live in care for one person might therefore average between about 3,900 and 6,000 pounds per month, while complex packages can exceed this. By comparison, intensive hourly care that attempts to mimic 24 hour cover can quickly surpass live in rates because night time and unsocial hours are usually charged at higher hourly prices.
For real world context, it helps to look at typical published ranges from well known UK providers. These figures are indicative, based on information commonly available from late 2024 and early 2025, and may change.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation (weekly) |
|---|---|---|
| Live in care standard needs | Helping Hands | From around 1,250 pounds |
| Live in care dementia or complex | Elder | Often 1,400–1,800 pounds |
| Live in care introductory platform | Curam | From around 900 pounds plus fees |
| Hourly home care 3 visits per day | Home Instead | Roughly 600–900 pounds |
| Residential care home older adult | Various UK homes | Typically 800–1,200 pounds |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Hidden costs and additional expenses
Headline weekly rates rarely tell the whole story. In most live in arrangements, the family is expected to provide a private bedroom for the carer, plus basic food and household utilities such as heating and electricity. Travel costs to and from the placement may be charged separately, especially if the carer is coming from another part of the UK.
Other possible extras include equipment such as hoists, hospital style beds, pressure relieving mattresses, or specialist mobility aids, which are usually purchased or rented by the family, sometimes with help from local services. There may also be charges for respite cover when the regular live in carer takes holidays, as agencies often bill this at the same or a slightly higher rate than the usual fee. For hourly home care, short notice cancellations, late payment, or care on bank holidays can incur surcharges that significantly increase the monthly total.
Funding options and financial support
Families in the UK rarely pay for 24 hour live in care entirely without some form of assessment or advice. Local authorities can carry out means tested social care assessments, which may contribute towards care at home if the person’s income and assets fall below certain thresholds. However, many homeowners find that they are above these limits and therefore pay privately, sometimes using savings or income from pensions and investments.
There are also non means tested benefits that can help offset the cost, such as Attendance Allowance for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care, or Personal Independence Payment for adults of working age. In some situations, particularly where there are ongoing health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund a care package that includes live in support, although eligibility is tightly defined and subject to periodic review.
Families sometimes consider equity release, downsizing, or renting out the person’s home to help cover long term care costs. Each of these options carries legal and financial implications, so it is sensible to discuss them with an independent financial adviser who specialises in later life planning.
Value analysis live in care vs residential care homes
When comparing 24 hour live in care with residential care homes, the headline weekly cost is only one part of the picture. For an older adult with moderate needs, a residential care home in many parts of the UK might charge between roughly 800 and 1,200 pounds per week, with nursing homes costing more. This can make residential care appear similar in price to live in care at first glance.
However, live in care delivers one to one support in the person’s own environment, rather than shared staff and facilities. This often means more personalised routines, familiar surroundings, and less disruption to relationships with neighbours, friends, and local services. For couples, live in care can sometimes be more cost effective than paying for two separate places in a care home, even if the weekly fee is higher than a single residential placement.
Quality of life considerations are often decisive. Remaining at home may reduce distress for people with dementia, maintain independence, and allow pets, gardens, and community ties to remain part of daily life. Residential homes, on the other hand, offer on site teams, communal activities, and purpose built environments, which some people and families prefer. Evaluating value therefore means weighing financial costs against stability, personal preferences, and the type of support that best fits the individual.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance and treatment.
In summary, the cost of a 24 hour live in carer in the UK depends on care needs, location, and the style of service chosen, but it almost always represents a significant long term commitment. Understanding typical price ranges, likely extras, and potential funding routes allows families to plan with greater confidence while focusing on the person’s wellbeing and independence.
