When it comes to providing care for a loved one who is ageing or living with a medical condition, the choices can be overwhelming. From care homes to assisted living facilities, there are various options available, each with its own set of considerations and costs. However, one alternative that’s gaining popularity for its personalised and comprehensive approach is live-in care.
At Ivy Palmer Home Care, we understand the importance of making an informed decision about your loved one’s care.
We believe that knowledge is the key to choosing the right path, which is why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the cost of live-in care.
Whether you’re exploring live-in care services for yourself or a family member, we’ll provide you with the insights you need to make the best choice for your unique situation.
Why Choose Ivy Palmer Home Care?
An award-winning live-in care agency, Ivy Palmer Home Care stands out as a trusted provider in the field. With our commitment to delivering exceptional care, we offer a range of advantages that set us apart:
Award-Winning Service: We take pride in being recognised as a top-tier live-in care agency. Our dedication to excellence has earned us accolades and recognition within the industry.
24/7 Professional Care: Our team of professionally trained carers is available around the clock, ensuring that your loved one receives the care they need at any hour.
Comprehensive Care: At Ivy Palmer Home Care, we cater to adults with a wide range of conditions. Whether your loved one requires support due to ageing, dementia, or other health challenges, our carers are equipped to provide the care they deserve.
National Coverage: We have a presence in every town and village across the UK, making our services accessible to families nationwide.
Personalised Matching: We understand that every individual has unique needs and preferences. That’s why we take the time to match each client with a carer who complements their personality and possesses the qualifications necessary to meet their specific requirements.
As you continue reading, you’ll gain further insights into live-in carers, their roles, and how they can make a positive impact on your loved one’s life.
What Does a Live-In Carer Do?
Live-in carers play a pivotal role in the lives of individuals who require assistance and support with daily activities. Their presence in your home brings not only professional care but also companionship and peace of mind. Here’s a closer look at the various responsibilities a live-in carer can undertake:
Personal Care
One of the primary duties of a live-in carer is assisting with daily personal care routines. This includes helping the client with tasks such as bathing, grooming, and dressing. Ensuring that these routines are followed helps maintain the client’s sense of dignity and well-being.
In addition to the physical aspects of personal care, live-in carers also support clients in maintaining good hygiene practices. This includes oral care, skin care, and any other hygiene-related activities necessary for their overall health.
Medication Management
For individuals with medical conditions, managing medications is often a crucial aspect of their daily routine. Live-in carers are trained to administer medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals. They also keep a meticulous record of medication schedules, ensuring that doses are taken at the right times and in the correct amounts.
Moreover, live-in carers play a vigilant role in monitoring and reporting any changes in the client’s health or reactions to medications. This proactive approach helps healthcare providers make necessary adjustments to the client’s treatment plan, ensuring their well-being.
Meal Preparation
Nutrition is a cornerstone of good health, and live-in carers take this aspect seriously. They plan and prepare nutritious meals based on the client’s dietary requirements and preferences. This not only ensures that the client receives balanced and wholesome nutrition but also caters to their tastes and dietary restrictions.
Furthermore, live-in carers are responsible for ensuring that the client stays well-nourished and hydrated. This includes monitoring their fluid intake and making adjustments as needed to promote optimal health.
Mobility Assistance
Maintaining mobility is vital for an individual’s independence and overall well-being. Live-in carers provide invaluable assistance in this regard. They may help clients move around the house safely, offering support as needed to prevent falls or accidents.
In some cases, mobility assistance extends beyond the home, with live-in carers accompanying clients on outings or appointments. They may also implement exercises or activities recommended by healthcare professionals to maintain or improve mobility, tailored to the client’s specific needs.
Emotional and Social Support
Beyond the physical aspects of care, live-in carers offer companionship and engage in activities that promote mental well-being. Loneliness and isolation can have detrimental effects on an individual’s mental health, so the presence of a caring companion can make a significant difference.
Live-in carers provide emotional support by actively listening to the client’s concerns or feelings, fostering a positive and trusting relationship. This emotional connection can greatly enhance the client’s overall quality of life and sense of contentment.
Household Management
In addition to personal care, live-in carers take on responsibilities related to household management. This includes performing light housekeeping duties such as cleaning, laundry, and organising living spaces. By maintaining a tidy and safe environment, live-in carers ensure that the client’s home is a comfortable and hazard-free space.
This dedication to ensuring a high standard of living sets live-in care apart as a comprehensive and holistic approach to caring for individuals in need. As we delve further into the benefits of live-in care, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how this form of care can positively impact your loved one’s life.
The Benefits of Live-In Care
A live-in carer plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals who require assistance with daily activities, have medical conditions, or simply seek companionship. Their presence contributes to independence and overall well-being in several ways:
- Personalised Care: The specific responsibilities of a live-in carer may vary depending on the client’s needs and health conditions. This level of personalisation ensures that the care provided is tailored to the individual, addressing their unique requirements.
- Companionship: Beyond their caregiving duties, live-in carers offer companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Engaging in activities and conversations can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
- Support for Family Members: Live-in carers also provide support to family members and friends (unpaid carers) who are involved in the care of their loved ones. They can offer respite care, giving unpaid carers much-needed time for self-care and attending to other responsibilities.
As you explore the world of live-in care further, you’ll discover how it compares to other care options and how it can be a cost-effective and tailored solution for your loved one’s needs.
Is Live-In Care Cheaper than a Care Home?
When it comes to making important decisions about the care of a loved one, one of the most common concerns is the cost. Care homes have long been a traditional choice, but live-in care is emerging as a viable alternative. To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare the costs associated with both options.
Care homes typically charge a base fee for accommodation and care. However, it’s essential to know that additional costs can quickly accumulate. These may include charges for social activities, meals, laundry services, and other amenities. While care homes offer a communal living environment, the care provided is often generalised, catering to a group of residents rather than tailored to individual needs.
Live-in care, on the other hand, provides a more transparent pricing structure. While variations in live-in care costs depend on the level of care required, you can expect a clear breakdown of expenses. Live-in care offers one-on-one personalised care, ensuring that the support provided is tailored to the individual’s unique needs.
This personalised approach can be particularly beneficial for those with specific medical conditions or individuals who prefer the comfort of their own homes.
Ultimately, comparing live-in care to a nursing home or care home will involve a cost, but as we explore further, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to calculate the cost of live-in care and the factors that influence it.
Calculating the Cost of Live-In Care
The cost of live-in care is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on various factors, including the needs of the individual receiving care and the specific type of care required.
At Ivy Palmer Home Care, we are committed to ensuring that live-in care remains accessible and affordable. Our prices are continuously monitored to ensure they remain competitive with other care services.
To figure out how much does live-in care costs for someone, we have a short example summary below, but please remember this is only a sample of what is available.
Live-In Care for a Single Person
For individuals who require round-the-clock care, live-in care offers a comprehensive solution. Let’s take a closer look at the pricing structure for live-in care for a single person:
A 24-hour package, available seven days a week, for a single individual starts at just £1295 per week. This 24-hour live-in care cost is an attractive choice for those who are elderly.
For individuals with dementia, our specialised dementia live-in care provides continuity and consistency in care routines, reducing confusion and enhancing their quality of life.
Those affected by Alzheimer’s can benefit from our dedicated Alzheimer’s live-in care, which offers personalised support catering to their changing needs, promoting a familiar and comfortable environment.
Our professional carers trained in Down’s Syndrome live-in care provide tailored assistance, fostering independence and ensuring individuals can lead fulfilling lives.
Individuals recovering from a brain injury find comprehensive support through our brain injury live-in care, including assistance with mobility and symptom management to enhance their well-being.
For stroke survivors, our stroke live-in care plays a pivotal role in recovery by assisting with mobility, rehabilitation exercises, and ongoing health monitoring, contributing to a smoother recovery journey.
All of our pricing ensures that high-quality care remains within reach for those who need it most.
Live-In Care for Couples
Caring for two individuals often comes with unique challenges, but at Ivy Palmer Home Care, we aim to make it as affordable and convenient as possible. Our pricing for live-in care for couples is designed to provide comprehensive care without breaking the bank:
Couples can benefit from live-in care starting at just £1495 per week. Unlike many care homes that tend to charge the full amount for both individuals, we believe in affordability and fairness. Therefore, we only charge a slightly higher rate for the second individual, making the cost of live-in care for elderly couples who wish to remain together in the comfort of their own home, more affordable to consider.
Respite Care
Respite care is a crucial service that plays a significant role in offering much-needed time away for family members and friends who take on the responsibility of unpaid care.
At Ivy Palmer Home Care, we understand the importance of taking breaks to rest, recharge, and attend to personal and work commitments. Our respite care services are designed to meet your needs:
- £300 per day for under 7 days.
- £200 per day for 7 days and over.
- £1071 per week for over 4 weeks.
With respite care, you can trust that your loved one is in capable hands while you take the time you need for self-care and other responsibilities.
Once you’ve scoped out the costs, it can sometimes come as a surprise but there are many ways to fund live-in care.
How to Fund Live-In Care
Funding live-in care is a critical aspect of planning for your loved one’s well-being. Various financial options are available, and here are some avenues to explore:
Direct Payment from Local Authority Funding
In the UK, local authorities may provide financial support for live-in care if individuals meet specific eligibility criteria. The local authority will conduct assessments to determine the level of support required based on the individual’s needs and financial situation.
Equity Releases
Some individuals choose to release equity from their homes to fund live-in care. This method involves borrowing against the value of the home and can provide either a lump sum or regular income to cover care costs.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
In certain cases, individuals with complex medical needs may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, a fully funded package of care provided by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK which can help with live-in care after a hospital charge. This support is for individuals whose primary need is a health need, not just social or personal care needs.
Benefits and Allowances
Depending on their circumstances, individuals may be eligible for benefits and allowances to help cover care costs. Examples include Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment.
Charities
Some charitable organisations and voluntary groups offer financial assistance or support services for individuals in need of care. Eligibility criteria may vary, so it’s essential to explore options that may be available to your loved one.
Financial Planning for Live-In Care
Planning for live-in care involves considering various financial resources:
- Long-term Care Insurance: Individuals with long-term care insurance policies can utilise them to cover live-in care costs. Review the terms and conditions of the policy to understand coverage.
- Pension Income: Many individuals use their pension income to fund live-in care. State and private pension plans can contribute to covering care expenses.
- Personal Savings: Personal savings, including savings accounts, investments, or other financial assets, can be used to fund live-in care. Discuss your options with a financial advisor to make the most of your resources.
Planning for financial aspects is a crucial step in ensuring that your loved one receives the care they need while managing your budget effectively.
Does NHS Continuing Healthcare Fund Live-In Care?
If your loved one is eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, the funding can encompass various care settings, including live-in care. This means that if a live-in carer is deemed necessary to meet the individual’s health needs, for someone with dementia, for example, the NHS may fully fund any such live-in dementia care costs.
It’s a valuable option for those with complex medical conditions, offering peace of mind and financial support for their care.
Eligibility to be Funded by the NHS for Live-In Care
The assessment process for NHS Continuing Healthcare is rigorous and doesn’t depend on a specific medical condition but rather on the overall health and care needs of the individual. If you’re considering live-in care and believe your loved one may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, we recommend contacting your local NHS authority or clinical commissioning group (CCG) to initiate the assessment process. They can provide guidance on eligibility criteria and the steps involved.
Choosing the right care option for your loved one is a significant decision, and understanding the costs and funding possibilities is a crucial part of that process.
At Ivy Palmer Home Care, we are committed to providing compassionate and professional live-in care services that prioritise the well-being and quality of life of your family members.
We offer transparent pricing, flexibility in care plans, and a team of dedicated carers ready to meet the unique needs of your loved one. Whether you’re considering live-in care for a single person, a couple, or exploring respite care options, we are here to support you every step of the way.
To arrange live-in care with Ivy Palmer Home Care, you can follow our simple three-step process outlined on our website.
We understand the importance of making informed choices, and we are here to provide the guidance and care your family deserves. Your loved one’s comfort, security, and happiness are our top priorities, and we look forward to assisting you in your care journey.