If you’re starting to look into care for a parent, cost is usually the first question — and often the hardest to get a straight answer to. Prices vary a lot depending on where you live, the level of support needed, and who you go through. This guide breaks down what live-in care actually costs in the UK today, what drives the price up or down, and how it compares to the alternative most families consider: a care home.
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care means a carer moves into your loved one’s home and provides support around the clock, rather than visiting for scheduled appointments throughout the day. It’s usually the right choice for someone who needs regular help, reassurance, or supervision at unpredictable times — not just at set points in the day — but who still wants to remain in their own home rather than move into residential care.
Average Cost of Live-In Care in the UK
As a general guide, live-in care in the UK typically starts from around £1,450 to £1,600 per week, though this varies by region and provider. At Aquarius, live-in care starts from £1,595 per week in London and Brent, and from £1,450 per week across our Berkshire coverage area, including Reading. Rates in and around Wembley sit at the London end of that range, reflecting the higher cost of employing carers in the capital.
These figures are starting prices — your exact cost depends on the complexity of care needed, whether specialist skills like dementia or mobility support are required, and how quickly care needs to start. The only way to get an accurate number for your situation is a free home visit, which is exactly why we don’t publish a single flat rate and call it a day.
What Affects the Price?
- Complexity of care — straightforward companionship and light support costs less than specialist dementia or complex health needs.
- Location — carer wages (and therefore care costs) are generally higher in and around London than in surrounding counties.
- Who employs the carer — agencies that use subcontracted or self-employed carers can sometimes undercut on price, but you lose consistency and oversight in the process.
- Two-carer care — if your loved one needs support that requires two people (for example, with mobility), costs increase accordingly.
Live-In Care vs Care Home Costs
Care home fees in the UK typically range from around £900 to £1,500+ per week for residential care, rising further for nursing or specialist dementia care. On a like-for-like basis, live-in care is often comparable in cost — sometimes less, sometimes more — but the real difference isn’t just the number on the invoice. Live-in care means one dedicated carer, in a familiar home, with no need to adjust to a new environment, new routines, or shared communal living. For many families, that’s worth more than any cost comparison alone can capture.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Some care providers add on call-out fees, minimum-visit charges, or last-minute cancellation penalties that aren’t obvious until the first invoice arrives. At Aquarius, there are no hidden fees or call-out charges — the price we confirm after your home visit is the price you pay.
Ways to Manage the Cost Without Compromising Quality
If live-in care feels like a stretch financially, it’s worth discussing openly with a provider rather than assuming it’s out of reach. Some options worth exploring include starting with substantial daily visiting care rather than full live-in support if needs allow, sharing costs between family members where appropriate, or checking whether your loved one qualifies for local authority contribution or NHS continuing healthcare funding, particularly if care needs relate to an ongoing health condition. A good provider should be willing to talk through these options honestly, rather than simply quoting the most expensive package available.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The only reliable way to know what care will cost for your specific situation is a face-to-face conversation and a home visit, which is why we offer this completely free, with no obligation to proceed. We’ll talk through your loved one’s needs, answer every question honestly, and give you a clear price before you decide anything.
If you’d like to talk through live-in care costs for your own family, get in touch with our team — we’re happy to help, whether or not you go ahead.