The Financial Cost of Live-in Care in 2025
Our team understands that arranging live-in care is a considerable financial commitment, and therefore transparency is key. We want you to feel fully informed about the costs associated with our service, which is why we’ve written this initial, easy-to-understand live-in care cost breakdown to answer your questions and provide clarity.
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What is the cost of Live-in Care?
Live-in care is typically quoted on a daily or weekly rate. Comparable in cost to many residential care homes, live-in care is a truly valid option and boast strong advantages.
While some residential homes may offer a cheaper weekly rate, the level of personalised, flexible, one-to-one care provided by a Live-in Carer is unparalleled.
The true value lies in the peace of mind it brings—knowing a much-loved parent, child, relative, or friend is safe, comfortable, and cared for in their own home is simply priceless.
Full-time Live-in care costs approximately £1,200 - £1,500 per week through Access Care.
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Everyone is entitled to a FREE, no-obligation live-in care quotation.
Precise quotations are drafted following a conversation where we can chat through your needs and preferences and develop the very best service for your unique circumstances.
Most of your cost goes to your chosen Carer—and this is exactly how it should be. Carers deserve to be well paid for the wonderful job they do. A Live-in Carer typically provides an average of 10 hours of one-to-one care within a 24-hour period, as and when required throughout the day and night.
Live-in Care Cost Example
Each family’s needs are unique, so we provide truly personalised quotations following a good old-fashioned conversation with you. To help with planning though, here is a general guide:
An inclusive cost of:
£1,200 to £1,500 per week (approx. £63,000 - £78,000 per year).
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This cost is made up of three parts:
1. Registration Fee (One-off payment)
2. Agency Fee (Ongoing)
3. Your Carer’s Pay (Ongoing)
1. Registration Fee
To begin the process, we charge a one-time, non-refundable Registration Fee of £150 + VAT.
This covers your initial consultation, set-up, and activates our expert team who leap into action and begin working on your behalf, searching for carers that match your criteria.
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2. Agency Fee
This fee covers our professional support and the continuing introductions of your carers. It's subject to VAT and billed every four weeks, based on the number of days that a carer has been with you in that period.
Here’s a snapshot of what our Agency Fee covers:
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Your dedicated Customer Service Representative
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Ongoing support and check-ins
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Matching you with the right carer
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Arranging carer changeovers and logistics
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Our emergency on call service if needed
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Stringent Recruitment and vetting of high-calibre carers
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Keeping carers supported via their own liaison 'buddy'We do not charge our carers for finding them work—our customers pay us to recruit and present qualified carers for selection.​
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We have two Live-in Care Agency Fee Rates
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Short-Term Care: For bookings of 28 days or less
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Long-Term Care: For care arranged for more than 28 days
Permanent Engagement Option
If you wish to privately continue with a Carer we've introduced, we offer a Permanent Engagement Fee. This option allows you to independently communicate with your carer after an initial service period, while keeping the door open for support if you need a new Carer or respite cover. In this regard we are acting as a recruitment company.
This option is popular with people who believe they will need care for a number of years and have found their perfect Carer – which of course, is what we aim to do for you.
3. Paying Your Carer
Carers are self-employed and set their own daily rates, which we agree with you before introduction.
Typical Live-in carer guide daily rate: £130 - £160 per day
Carers are paid directly by you, our customers, usually on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, in arrears.
Key things to know:
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Carers charge half-day rates on their arrival and departure days
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Bank Holidays: may be charged at a premium (time-and-a-half or double)
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Changeover Days: We bill our full agency fee for the day
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Night-Time Support: Light assistance 2-3x/night is included. If regular night care is needed, we recommend adjusting the care package.
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Travel: Our carers are responsible for their travel to and from your home. Some of our customers do contribute to help them cover these costs.
The Cost of Live-in Care for Couples
Live-in care is completely possible for couples – and is often the most cost-effective way for them to remain together and in the comfort of their own home.
You benefit from:
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One carer supporting two people
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Shared living and care costs
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Preserved companionship
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Carers will charge a higher daily rate for couples, depending on the level of care required and the individual needs of both. However, our agency fee remains the same. We’ll work with you to ensure that we develop a service that a carer can deliver meeting both needs, and yet while remaining excellent value for money.
Talk to Us
The friendly team at Access Care is here to help you explore your options with clarity and care. For over 30 years, we have been experts in arranging live-in care and helping families navigate homecare, especially the cost of live-in care.
Click here to request your FREE Care Quotation
Or call our Care Consultants on 0330 401 0023 for a chat about your care needs.