How much does Live-in Care Cost?
Whether you're exploring care for yourself or someone close to you, cost is often one of the most important things to consider. Knowing what's included can offer peace of mind and allow you to focus on finding the right care, which is why we're completely upfront about our live-in care costs, so you always know what to expect.
Speak to a care expert
- No setup fees or surprise costs - Your care assessment is free, and any additional costs will be explained before care begins.
- Fully-managed, CQC Outstanding-rated care - Carer matching, ongoing Care Manager oversight and replacement cover are all managed by Unique Senior Care.
We have quite a good life here. Angie looks after me very well - she makes sure I’m all right, and we get on extremely well, on the same wavelength. Everybody knows us when they see us, and everybody says hello.
Rated 9.8/10 on homecare.co.uk
One of the Top 20 Home Care Groups in 2026 - homecare.co.uk
Our Live-in Care costs
Clear, upfront pricing for our fully managed, CQC Outstanding-rated Live-in Care service, with no setup fees and any additional costs explained before care begins.
Care for individuals
Attentive one-to-one support from a fully-trained carer ensures all your needs are met and you can remain safe and comfortable at home.
From £265 /per day
No setup fees
Free assessment
Care for couples
An expert Carer provides personalised, round-the-clock care for both partners, ensuring they can continue to live comfortably together at home.
From £330 /per day
No setup fees
Free assessment
Respite Live-in Care
Short-term care from a fully-trained Carer, giving family carers time to rest or helping someone recover safely at home.
From £300 /per day
Minimum 14 days
Free assessment
Couples Respite Live-in Care
Short-term care from a fully trained Carer, helping both partners remain safely at home while family carers take a break.
From £355 /per day
Minimum 14 days
Free assessment
What is included in the cost of Live-in care?
From expertly trained carers to ongoing Care Manager support, here is what is covered by your Live-in Care fee.
Ongoing Care Manager support
A dedicated Care Manager oversees the care, completes regular reviews, keeps family members updated and arranges suitable cover if a Carer is unavailable.
No lengthy tie-ins
Ongoing Live-in Care has no minimum term. You simply need to give 14 days’ notice if you decide to end the care.
One-to-one care and companionship
A Carer can help with personal care, medication, meals, light housework and getting out and about, while also providing familiar company throughout the day.
A care plan shaped around you
Care is planned around the person’s needs, routines, preferences and how they want to live at home. It can be reviewed and adjusted as their needs change.
Directly Employed and Trained
All our carers are directly employed and trained at Unique Senior Care's in-house academy, to ensure the best standards of care.
Carefully matched carers
Carers are matched around the person’s needs, personality, interests and preferences, helping care feel comfortable and familiar right from the start.
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC
Instant care cost calculator
Our simple home care cost calculator gives you a quick estimate based on your circumstances.
What additional Live-in Care costs should families consider?
Depending on your loved one’s needs and arrangements at home, there may be a few additional costs to consider. For example, regular help during the night may require night-time care, while complex mobility needs, transfers or personal care may mean that two carers are needed to provide support safely:
- Food and household costs - including the carer’s meals and additional heating or electricity
- Travel costs - for example to appointments or activities
- Break cover - if your loved one cannot safely remain alone during the carer’s daily break
- Night-time care - if regular help is needed overnight
- Two-person care - if two carers are needed to provide care safely
Why do Live-in Care prices vary between providers?
Live-in Care prices can vary because not every provider offers the same type of service. A fully-managed provider employs the carers and remains responsible for overseeing the care. An introductory agency usually introduces families to a self-employed carer, leaving the family to manage more of the arrangement themselves, affecting both the price and responsibility for the family.
Fully-managed and regulated care
Regulated and inspected by the CQC
Carers are employed, checked, trained and supervised
The provider manages pay, holiday and employment responsibilities
Care plans are written and regularly reviewed
A Care Manager reviews and oversees care, addressing needs and concerns
Suitable replacement cover is arranged when needed
Introductory care agency
Not regulated or inspected by the CQC
Care is arranged directly with the introduced carer
Pay, working arrangements and time off are agreed directly
The family takes greater responsibility for overseeing the care
The agency cannot supervise or direct the personal care provided
The family may need to request and agree replacement cover
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC
“The two live in carers looking after my mum were amazing!”
Paula W (Daughter of Client)
Is Live-in Care cheaper than a care home?
For one person, Live-in Care costs are comparable to a quality care home. For a couple, though, Live-in Care can be more cost-effective because one carer can generally support both people, while care home fees are usually charged per person.
Live-in Care costs
Care provided - One-to-one care at home, overseen by a Care Manager
Living costs - Household bills, rent or mortgage and groceries remain separate
Care for couples: One carer may be able to support both people
What affects the cost - Night care or two-person care may cost more
Care home costs
Care provided - A team provides care across several residents
Living costs - Accommodation, meals and household bills are usually included
Care for couples - Each person will have a separate fee for their care
What affects the cost - Location, care needs and type of home
Why choose Unique Senior Care?
Fully-managed Care
Unlike an introductory agency, we employ, train and support every carer. A dedicated Care Manager oversees the care and remains involved throughout.
Dementia care expertise
If you’re living with dementia, you have carers with specialist training who understand how to make each day safer, calmer and more comfortable.
Award-winning training
Your carers are trained to the highest standards. Our training won the Princess Royal Training Award in 2025, recognising the quality of our carer training and the care it supports.
Top-rated by families
You’re in safe hands with us. Families have rated us a Top 20 Homecare Provider on Homecare.co.uk every year for the last 6 years.
Regular face-to-face visits
From your first meeting onwards, you have regular face-to-face visits. We check in, listen and make sure your care plan always fits your needs.
Care that’s personal to you
We get to know your routines, preferences and personality - then match you with your ideal carer, so you can build a relationship that feels natural from the start.
Can you get help with Live-in Care costs?
Finding out what help may be available can feel complicated. If you are arranging care for someone close to you, the main places to start are:
Your local council - Anyone can ask for a free care needs assessment. If your loved one has eligible care needs, the council will look at their finances to decide whether it can contribute. The value of their home is not included when care is provided at home.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) - If your loved one has complex, ongoing health needs, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. This can be provided at home and eligibility is based on their assessed needs, not their diagnosis or financial circumstances.
Attendance Allowance or PIP - If your loved one is over State Pension age, they may qualify for Attendance Allowance. Someone below State Pension age may be able to claim PIP. Both can help with the additional costs of a health condition or disability.
Personalised care in just 2 days
Simple steps to get the right care in place quickly
1. You’ve found the right care
You’re on the right path to personalised live in care.
You're here
2. Free assessment
Call or enquire online. After a phone chat we'll arrange an online video assessment and, if you go ahead, we’ll arrange a free home visit within days.
3. Crafting your care plan
We’ll create a care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs and lifestyle.
4. Matching your Caregiver
We’ll carefully match your loved one with a Caregiver based on their care needs, personality and interests.
5. Care in place
Care usually starts within days. Your Care Manager will attend on day one and check in again on day seven.
Download your guide to live-in care
Live-in care guide
All you need to know about live-in care
A 38-page resource covering how it works, costs, and funding. Perfect for those who want a detailed understanding before making a decision.
Live-in care brochure
A simple overview of live-in care
A short, easy-to-read guide covering the key benefits and how it works. Ideal for those looking for a quick introduction.
Frequently asked questions about Live-in Care costs
Speak to our live in care experts
Meet Stacey, your friendly expert care advisor
Navigating Live in care can feel overwhelming, and we understand how personal this decision is. We're here to guide you every step of the way—offering advice, reassurance, and ensuring your loved one receives the highest quality care.
- Quick 30-minute call: We'll discuss your situation and provide expert advice on care options.
- Book a free assessment: If you're ready, we can arrange a no-obligation assessment to match your needs.
- Fast, flexible care setup: We can start care within days if necessary, ensuring your loved one receives prompt, personalised support.
Inspected and rated
Outstanding by the CQC
Ask a question
Stacey or one of our team of friendly and experienced care advisors, will be in touch as soon as possible by phone or email to discuss your live in care needs.
Speak to a care expert: 01865 507002
Areas we cover:
Page written by:
With over 30 years of experience in the care industry, providing outstanding care has always been Helena’s core mission.
Helena has been a dedicated member of Unique Senior Care for 10 years, starting as Care Manager and advancing to Head of Extra Care and now serving as Director of Operations.
She holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England), as well as a Diploma in Welfare Services. Helena has completed various leadership and management courses, enhancing her expertise in the care industry.
Helena has authored published articles, including one for Skills for Care on managing change through the COVID pandemic. She has a steadfast commitment to advocating for and supporting those in need, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.