Is 24 Hour Care At Home Cheaper Than A Care Home?

Understanding the Financial Considerations of Round-the-Clock Care

When a loved one requires constant supervision and support, many families face the difficult decision between arranging 24-hour care at home or moving to a residential care home. While the emotional aspects of this choice are significant, financial considerations often play an important role in determining which option is viable for your family’s circumstances.

Below, we cover the costs associated with both 24-hour home care and residential care homes, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.

The Cost of 24-Hour Care at Home

Live-in Care Costs

Live-in care involves a professional carer living in your loved one’s home, providing support throughout the day and night. The carer typically sleeps during the night but is available for limited support if needed.

Average weekly cost: £900 – £1,400

This usually includes:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
• Medication management
• Meal preparation
• Housekeeping
• Companionship
• Support with mobility

Live-in carers generally work on a rota system, with two or more carers rotating through weeks or fortnights to ensure continuous coverage while allowing for adequate rest periods.

24-Hour Care with Multiple Carers

For those with more complex needs requiring constant attention, including regular night-time support, a team of carers working in shifts might be necessary.

Average weekly cost: £1,700 – £2,500

This arrangement typically involves:

• Two or three carers working 8-12 hour shifts
• Active support throughout the night
• Management of complex care needs
• Typically higher levels of qualified nursing input

Additional Home Care Costs

When comparing costs, it’s important to consider additional expenses that might not be immediately obvious:

• Household bills: Heating, electricity, water, council tax (care homes include these)
• Food and household supplies: Groceries for both the client and carer
• Home adaptations: Potential modifications like stairlifts, bathroom adaptations, or hospital beds
• Emergency cover: Additional costs if a replacement carer is needed at short notice
• Care management fees: Some agencies charge for care coordination and supervision

The Cost of Residential Care Homes

Standard Residential Care

Residential care homes provide accommodation, meals, and personal care support but do not offer nursing care.

Average weekly cost: £800 – £1,200 (varies significantly by region)

This typically includes:

• Accommodation and all utilities
• All meals and snacks
• Personal care assistance
• Laundry services
• Social activities
• 24-hour staffing (though not one-to-one care)

Nursing Home Care

For those requiring medical care from qualified nurses, nursing homes provide enhanced support.

Average weekly cost: £800 – £1,500 (varies significantly by region)

In addition to standard residential care, this includes:

• 24-hour access to qualified nursing staff
• Management of complex medical conditions
• Administration of medications requiring nursing skills
• Specialised equipment for medical needs

Hidden Costs of Care Homes

While care home fees appear comprehensive, there are often additional charges to consider:

• Top-up fees: If your preferred home costs more than local authority funding rates
• Extra services: Hairdressing, chiropody, excursions, or special activities
• Personal items: Clothing, toiletries, newspapers, gifts
• Entertainment: Personal TV subscriptions, books, etc.
• Transport costs: Travel to medical appointments outside the home

For more detailed information about care home costs, read our guide on how much per week do care homes cost.

Financial Support Options

Local Authority Funding

Local authorities may provide financial support for both home care and care home fees, subject to needs and financial assessments.

For home care:

• Income and savings are assessed
• The value of your home is not typically considered while you’re living in it
• Direct payments may be offered to arrange your own care

For care homes:

• Income and savings are assessed
• The value of your home is usually considered (with some exceptions)
• A personal allowance is provided for personal expenses

Understanding the assessment process is crucial – our article on understanding care needs assessments provides helpful guidance.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

For those with primarily health-related care needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund the full cost of care, whether at home or in a care home. Eligibility is based on the nature, complexity, intensity, and unpredictability of care needs.

Attendance Allowance

This non-means-tested benefit is available to those over 65 with care needs, regardless of where they live (though it usually stops after 28 days in a care home if the local authority is contributing to fees).

Comparing Costs: Key Factors

Individual Requirements

The most appropriate and cost-effective option depends heavily on individual circumstances:

Home care may be more economical when:

• The property is already owned outright
• Care needs are moderate but require consistent presence
• A spouse or partner is available to provide some support
• The existing home is already adapted to meet care needs
• Multiple people in the same household require care

Care homes may be more economical when:

• High levels of specialist nursing care are needed
• The property would otherwise need expensive adaptations
• The person lives alone in a property with high running costs
• Night-time needs are frequent and demanding
• The property could be rented out or sold to fund care

For a comprehensive comparison of the two options beyond financial considerations, our care home vs homecare article offers valuable insights.

Regional Variations

Both home care and care home costs vary significantly depending on location:

• London and the South East tend to have the highest costs for both options
• Rural locations may have higher home care costs due to travel time
• Care home fees in urban areas are typically higher than in rural locations

Couples Considerations

For couples, the financial comparison becomes more complex:

• Two people can often be supported at home for similar costs to two separate care home placements
• When one person has higher care needs than their partner, home care allows them to remain together
• If both have high care needs, two care home placements might be more cost-effective than intensive home care for both

The Holistic Perspective

While this article focuses on financial comparisons, the right care decision involves many non-financial factors:

• Familiarity and comfort: Many people show better wellbeing outcomes in familiar surroundings
• Independence and control: Home care generally allows for greater autonomy
• Social interaction: Care homes provide built-in community and planned activities
• Care consistency: Home care can offer more consistent one-to-one support
• Family involvement: The preferred option may depend on family proximity and involvement

If you’re concerned about social isolation, our article on elderly loneliness solutions offers practical advice for supporting wellbeing.

Making the Right Decision

The most appropriate care solution is rarely determined by cost alone. Consider these steps when evaluating your options:

1. Arrange professional care needs assessment: This helps clarify the level of support required
2. Request detailed cost breakdowns: For both home care and potential care homes
3. Check eligibility for financial support: Contact your local authority and explore NHS continuing healthcare
4. Consider future needs: How might care requirements and costs change over time?
5. Seek financial advice: Independent financial advisors specialising in later life can provide valuable guidance
6. Talk to others: Connect with families in similar situations to understand their experiences

If you’re exploring home care options, our guide on how to arrange home care walks you through the process step by step.

There’s no universal answer to whether 24-hour care at home is cheaper than a care home. For some individuals, particularly homeowners with moderate care needs, home care can be more cost-effective while offering the benefit of remaining in familiar surroundings. For others, especially those with complex medical needs requiring specialised equipment and multiple carers, a care home may represent better value.

At Lidder Care, we understand this decision involves careful consideration of both practical and emotional factors. Our team is available to discuss your specific circumstances and help you understand the care options that might best suit your loved one’s needs and preferences.

For personalised advice about care options in Mansfield and the surrounding areas, contact our team on 01623 345 500.