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Live-In Care Cost & Funding | Fees & Funding Guide | Safehands
Clearer information before you decide
Live-In Care Cost & Funding
Live-in care fees depend on the support required. We assess needs first, explain what is included and provide a personalised quotation — without relying on outdated headline prices.
- Individual quote based on assessed care needs
- Guidance on funding routes that may apply
- Support comparing live-in care with other options
Live-in care fees
How much does it cost to hire a live-in carer?
There is no single weekly fee that accurately reflects every care package. The cost depends on the person’s needs, level of support, whether specialist skills are required, the care arrangement and other practical factors identified during assessment.
After assessment, we provide a clear quotation and explain what is included before care starts.
Why we do not publish one “starting from” price
Old fixed prices can become misleading and may not reflect the support a person actually needs. A personalised quote is clearer and reduces the risk of comparing care packages that are not equivalent.
Respite and ongoing care
Costs of respite care and longer-term packages
Respite care
Short-term care costs depend on the dates, length of placement and level of support. Ask us for a quote for your specific period.
Ongoing live-in care
Longer-term packages are priced around the assessed needs and reviewed if the level of support changes.
Care for couples
For couples, costs depend on the needs of both people and the care arrangement. A joint assessment helps determine whether one live-in carer can safely meet both sets of needs.
Live-in care packages that are built around need
Our packages are designed around the person rather than a generic list of services. That can include personal care, meals, medication support, mobility, household tasks, companionship and other agreed support within our scope.
Live-in care vs residential care
| Live-in care | Residential care |
|---|---|
| One-to-one support in the person’s own home. | Care and accommodation in a shared setting. |
| The person keeps their home, routines and household costs. | Accommodation, meals and care are usually bundled into fees. |
| Particularly worth comparing for couples who want to remain together at home. | Couples may be charged for two places depending on the home and room arrangement. |
Funding for live-in care
What financial support might be available?
Funding depends on where you live, your needs and your financial circumstances. Rules also differ between England and Scotland, so the most reliable route is an up-to-date assessment from the relevant NHS body or local authority.
NHS Continuing Healthcare — England
Adults with a primary health need may qualify for a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS. Eligibility is assessed through the NHS process by the relevant Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Local authority social care
Your council can assess care needs and may carry out a financial assessment to decide whether it will contribute towards eligible social care costs.
Scotland
Scottish social care and funding arrangements differ from England. Contact your local council for an assessment and current information about support available in your area.
Personal health budgets and direct payments
Some people who qualify for NHS or local authority support may have options that give them more control over how an agreed budget is used. The exact route, eligibility and rules depend on the funding body and care plan.
NHS-funded nursing care
NHS-funded nursing care is a separate NHS contribution for eligible people receiving nursing care in a nursing home. It is not the same as funding live-in social care at home, so ask the NHS or local authority which route applies to your circumstances.
Get a clear quote
How to understand your own care cost
Discuss your needs
Tell us about the support currently required and any expected changes.
Complete an assessment
We review the care tasks, risks, routines and practical requirements.
Receive your quotation
We explain the proposed package, what is included and the cost before you decide.
Common questions
Live-In Care Cost and Funding FAQs
How much does live-in care cost per week?
The weekly cost depends on the person’s assessed needs, daily routines, specialist support, care for a couple and the practical details of the placement. Safehands provides a personalised, no-obligation quotation after assessment.
What is included in a live-in care quote?
Your quotation explains the agreed care package and support included. This may cover personal care, medication support, meals, mobility, companionship and household tasks, depending on the assessment.
Can the NHS pay for live-in care?
In England, NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund care at home when an adult’s assessed needs meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility is based on the nature, complexity, intensity and unpredictability of needs, not a particular diagnosis.
Can the local council help with care costs?
Your local authority can complete a care needs assessment and, where appropriate, a financial assessment. It may contribute towards eligible care costs depending on your needs and financial circumstances.
Can Attendance Allowance help pay for care at home?
People over State Pension age who need help or supervision because of a disability or health condition may qualify. In Scotland, the equivalent benefit is Pension Age Disability Payment. Eligibility rules apply.
Is live-in care cost-effective for couples?
It can be worth comparing because one carefully assessed arrangement may support both people while they remain together at home. The final cost depends on both people’s needs and whether one carer can safely provide the agreed support.
Important: Funding and benefit rules can change. Always confirm eligibility with the NHS, your local council or the relevant benefits authority.
Talk to a Live-In Care Advisor Today
Get free, no-obligation advice about live-in care costs and funding and the next steps for arranging support.
Safehands Live In Care — regulated care services in England and Scotland.