How much is 24 hour live-in care UK?

24-hour live-in care costs in the UK vary by care level, location and provider. Here's an overview of typical pricing.

An older person talking through care options with a care manager

How much is 24 hour live-in care UK?

The cost of 24-hour live-in care in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the level of care required, the location, and whether you hire through an agency or directly. Here is an overview of the typical costs:

Factors Affecting the Cost

  • 1. Location: Care costs can be higher in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK due to the higher cost of living.
  • Care costs can be higher in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK due to the higher cost of living.
  • 2. Level of Care Required: Basic care for companionship and assistance with daily activities will generally cost less than specialized care for conditions like dementia or complex medical needs.
  • Basic care for companionship and assistance with daily activities will generally cost less than specialized care for conditions like dementia or complex medical needs.
  • 3. Caregiver's Experience and Qualifications: More experienced or specialized caregivers may command higher rates.
  • More experienced or specialized caregivers may command higher rates.
  • 4. Agency vs. Direct Hire: Hiring through an agency typically includes additional fees for administrative services, background checks, training, and support.
  • Hiring through an agency typically includes additional fees for administrative services, background checks, training, and support.

Typical Costs

  • Basic Live-In Care: Cost Range: £800 - £1,200 per week Services Included: Assistance with daily activities, personal care, meal preparation, companionship, light housekeeping.
  • Cost Range: £800 - £1,200 per week
  • Services Included: Assistance with daily activities, personal care, meal preparation, companionship, light housekeeping.
  • Specialized Care (e.g., Dementia, Palliative Care): Cost Range: £1,200 - £1,800 per week Services Included: Higher level of care including management of specific health conditions, more intensive support, and possibly specialized medical care.
  • Cost Range: £1,200 - £1,800 per week
  • Services Included: Higher level of care including management of specific health conditions, more intensive support, and possibly specialized medical care.
  • Complex Medical Needs: Cost Range: £1,500 - £2,500+ per week Services Included: Specialized nursing care, management of complex health conditions, and possibly 24-hour supervision by multiple caregivers.
  • Cost Range: £1,500 - £2,500+ per week
  • Services Included: Specialized nursing care, management of complex health conditions, and possibly 24-hour supervision by multiple caregivers.

Additional Costs

  • 1. Room and Board: The cost of providing meals and accommodation for the caregiver is typically included in the overall cost or considered separately if hiring directly.
  • The cost of providing meals and accommodation for the caregiver is typically included in the overall cost or considered separately if hiring directly.
  • 2. Employment Costs (Direct Hire): If hiring directly, consider additional costs such as payroll taxes, insurance, and benefits.
  • If hiring directly, consider additional costs such as payroll taxes, insurance, and benefits.
  • 3. Agency Fees: Agencies charge fees for their services, which can vary widely. These fees cover recruitment, training, and ongoing support for caregivers.
  • Agencies charge fees for their services, which can vary widely. These fees cover recruitment, training, and ongoing support for caregivers.

Example Cost Breakdown (per week)

  • Basic Care (Agency): Cost: £900 - £1,200 Services: General daily living assistance, companionship.
  • Cost: £900 - £1,200
  • Services: General daily living assistance, companionship.
  • Specialized Care (Agency): Cost: £1,200 - £1,800 Services: Dementia care, palliative care, intensive support.
  • Cost: £1,200 - £1,800
  • Services: Dementia care, palliative care, intensive support.
  • 3. Agency Fees: Cost: £1,500 - £2,500+ Services: Specialized medical care, nursing services.
  • Cost: £1,500 - £2,500+
  • Services: Specialized medical care, nursing services.

Financial Support

  • 1. Government Funding: NHS Continuing Healthcare: For individuals with significant ongoing health needs, this can cover some or all of the cost of care. Local Authority Funding: Means-tested support may be available through your local council.
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare: For individuals with significant ongoing health needs, this can cover some or all of the cost of care.
  • Local Authority Funding: Means-tested support may be available through your local council.
  • 2. Benefits: Attendance Allowance: A tax-free benefit for those over 65 who need help with personal care. Carer's Allowance: For individuals who spend a substantial amount of time caring for someone.
  • Attendance Allowance: A tax-free benefit for those over 65 who need help with personal care.
  • Carer's Allowance: For individuals who spend a substantial amount of time caring for someone.
  • 3. Insurance: Long-term care insurance policies can sometimes cover the cost of live-in care.
  • Long-term care insurance policies can sometimes cover the cost of live-in care.

Conclusion

The cost of 24-hour live-in care in the UK can range from £800 to over £2,500 per week, depending on the level of care required and other factors. It is essential to assess the specific needs of your family member, research local rates, and explore financial support options to determine the most suitable and affordable care arrangement.

Free callback

Prefer we call you?

Leave your number and a care manager will call you back — usually within an hour, and always free.

  • No obligation. A conversation, not a sales call — and never a call centre.
  • A real care manager. Someone who arranges care every day, who can answer properly.
  • Just two details. Your name and number — we don’t need an email address.

Or call us now on 0800 368 8558 Lines open 8am–10pm, seven days a week

Best time to call

We’ll only use your number to call you about care. See our privacy policy.

Next steps

Ready to talk it through?

Read what families say about us →

Free, no-obligation call back

Find the right carer for your family

Answer 5 quick questions and one of our care managers will call you back to talk through the options and give you a clear weekly price.

  • Hand-matched, DBS-checked carers
  • Transparent weekly pricing, no hidden fees
  • Care can often start within 24–48 hours

Prefer to talk now? 0800 368 8558 Lines open 8am–10pm, seven days a week

Who is the care for?

This helps us understand your situation.

What type of care are you looking for?

If you're not sure, choose the last option — we'll talk it through.

When do you need care to start?

An honest answer helps — there is no wrong one.

How will the care be paid for?

Most people don't know yet — we can check what you're entitled to.

Where shall we call you?

We’ll ring you back — no cost, no obligation.

We'll only use your details to contact you about your care enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Free, no-obligation call back

Find the right carer

Enhanced DBS-checked carers
Fully referenced & vetted
Award-winning care team
Transparent weekly pricing

Care cost calculator

About your loved one

We'll only use your details to contact you about your care enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Step 1 of 4