There are many different types of live-in care services out there, from basic support to help you remain independent, to specialist care for people with physical or learning difficulties, dementia, or and other care needs.
Types of Live-in Care Agencies
The first thing to make sure about is whether an agency is registered with the CQC (the Government regulator) or merely an “Introductory” agency (basically a temp agency) that is not regulated. There are basic regulatory aspects that introductory agencies don’t have to comply with such as:
- Regular inspections by the CQC, with reports published online
- Liability Insurance covering all aspects of the care
- Up to date training, or any training for carers
It is also important to note that when a carer is “introduced” to a client that they are now their employer and so liable for all the requirements that go with it, including paying them directly.
At VersaCare, we offer fully CQC-registered live-in care for not just elderly or disabled people but also specialist care such as palliative and end-of-life care, as well as respite care for carers and family who need a break. As a private company whose management staff all have care needs backgrounds, we aim to keep the cost of these services as affordable as possible and help our clients secure financial support and benefits from their local authority and the NHS.
The following shows a breakdown of the cost of live-in care and the factors that may change the price. As you will see, live-in care is often far more cost-effective than a residential care home, or indeed shift workers, with the added benefit of staying in your own home.
Factors Influencing Live-in Care Costs
With most agencies the cost of live-in care can vary depending on different factors such as location, time frame, specific care needs and the expertise of the carer. Indeed, specialised care for those with dementia or learning disabilities requires experienced carers with knowledge of these conditions, which may come at a higher cost.
However, at VersaCare our starting price for live-in care is fully inclusive of all basic care needs, including a no obligation assessment, and applies to most agreements. If any additional costs are incurred due to the complexity of the care needs, we will be completely transparent, and even help to outline and acquire the additional help.
Needs Assessment
To determine the right type of care required for the person receiving live-in care, a care needs assessment is required. These are carried out by the live-in care provider and will help them match a suitable carer. The outcome of the assessment will influence the cost of care. A needs assessment will review things such as personal care needs, medical requirements, ongoing health concerns, mobility support and mental wellbeing.
Some providers will charge differently depending on the client’s care needs, with those who require more support facing higher costs.
At VersaCare we typically carry out our needs assessments within 48 hours after you contact us. Our care needs assessment will review everything that is traditionally included, however, we also place a strong emphasis on getting to know the client’s personality. This is so we can match carers who not only have the skills and training to support their wellbeing but also become a good companion through shared interests and hobbies.
Type of Care Required
Different types of care have different cost implications due to the level of training and expertise of the carer required to properly support clients with more significant care needs. Live-in care for those who just need extra support around the home, such as with cooking, cleaning, bathing, mobility assistance and general health monitoring, will normally be covered by the lower rate. Where specialist care such as stoma or catheter, or severe dementia or mental health issues, is required, and which may require less break time for the carer, then we may apply a small premium to be paid to the carer. People with complex health needs requiring 24/7 medical attention or waking nights will need additional assistance that we can help to obtain.
As a privately owned company, our low starting rate of £945 is applicable to over 90% of our clients, and we always strive to guarantee that rate for at least a year, unless hugely impacting changes to our costs are imposed upon us such as increased regulation, new taxes and threshold changes to National Insurance.
We will always provide a full explanatory letter before applying any rate changes and give at least 30 days’ notice, and our rates will always be among the lowest anywhere if price comparisons are made.
Cost Comparison: Live in Care vs. Other Care Options
For those that need additional care, there are many avenues you can go down, from short daily visits from carers to traditional care or retirement homes. The costs of these options can vary greatly depending on where you live, your care needs and the provider you choose.
Care Home vs. Live-in Care
Before even comparing costs, an important factor is that with care in your own home any assessment for funding doesn’t include the value of the property in which you live, whereas once you move into a Residential or Nursing facility the house can be sold or a charge taken against it to pay or the care, meaning that funding does not begin for many more years, as opposed to remaining at home. Even if a client or family are assessed as only needing 4 calls per day, for instance, it will still be far more cost-effective to request a direct payment (which you are legally entitled to) and top-up to the live-in rate. Even if equity release or a lifetime mortgage is chosen (traditionally they allow that you can stay in your house even after the money runs out), or loan is taken it will still preserve the value of the property for many more years.
Once it has been decided to move into a residential facility and the value of the property or other funds run out, then the council will decide where you may be placed, and in all likelihood it will be of a much lower standard as they do not pay nearly as much as private rates. This is a reason that many Social Services assessments tend to make it sound as though the only options are a few calls per day or a Care Home, not mentioning the Direct payment option. Check out our live in care funding page for more information.
Our live-in care starts at £945 per week, with small adjustments to the price made for especially high-needs situations. The average cost of a care home is £1400 per week, but prices vary across regions and the type of care required, meaning it can be significantly more. For specialist dementia care homes, the average weekly fee is £1650 per week.
The price of live-in care is particularly cost-effective for couples needing care as one carer can support them both while they stay in their own home, and at a rate far less than the cost of 2 full packages. A residential care home fee for two would be significantly higher and if one partner requires specialist care, it may not be possible to be in the same residential care home.
Moreover, those with specialised care needs can greatly benefit from the 1:1 carer-to-client model of live-in care as they receive personal, around-the-clock care for their condition, making live-in care more cost-effective and providing better outcomes.
Engaging a Care Advisor
Engaging a care advisor like those at VersaCare can help you navigate the most cost-effective care package. They can help you explore all your available funding options and benefit applications to help towards the cost of care.
An advisor can also customise your care package to control costs by only covering your specific needs. Planning ahead means all options can be looked at such as downsizing, home reversion, sharing care as a couple or having more family support.
Financial Support and Funding Options
There are many options available to help fund live-in care. Depending on your financial situation, there is support from local authorities in the form of direct payments to pay for your care in part or full. Applying for different benefits such as Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance can contribute to your funds for care costs. Downsizing your home or using equity release schemes can boost your personal income to pay for care.
If you’d like to find out more about how you can fund care, visit our live-in care funding page.
Weighing Up The Options
Choosing live-in care is a cost-effective alternative to residential care homes, allowing individuals to receive personalised support while remaining in their own home. At VersaCare, we strive to make high-quality care accessible and affordable, offering tailored solutions that match individual needs and financial circumstances. By planning ahead and optimising care packages, families can secure the right level of support without unnecessary costs. Contact us today to explore how live-in care can work for you.