Is live-in care more cost effective than a care home?
The answer to the question, ‘is live-in care more affordable than a care home?’ will largely depend upon where the care home you are considering is geographically and what level of care support you need.
How much does a care home cost locally?
According to website carehome.co.uk, with nursing home fees included, the average monthly cost of a care home can be up to £4,000. Costs can also vary widely between care homes.
Within a care home, nursing care will be more expensive than residential care. For example, care homes that offer specialist care, such as care for dementia, are likely to charge higher fees.
Who pays for care home costs?
The amount that you will have to pay towards your care, and how much the state might pay, will largely depend upon the value of your savings, investments and property. A means test, carried out by your local council, will establish your situation.
How much can you have in savings before you have to pay for your care?
The savings and assets threshold in England is £23,250. Those with capital below this amount can get financial support from their local authority which will pay some, or all, of the care costs. If your savings or income falls below the threshold, the local authority should begin paying for your care costs.
If you are eligible for funding from the local authority, they will set a personal budget for you. The personal budget includes the total cost of meeting your needs, how much you need to contribute and the outstanding amount the local authority has to pay.
If you are not eligible for any funding from the local authority then you are described as a ‘self-funder’.
What is included in care home fees?
The cost of a care home will depend on the care that you need. If you have particular healthcare needs, such as a need for dementia care, then you will require a higher level of care and support.
Residents live in care homes 24 hours a day with their own bedroom and access to communal spaces. So, on top of care costs, care home fees include accommodation, laundry, meals, heating as well as other utility costs.
Planning for surprise care home fees and costs
It is wise to check what your care home fees cover. Some care homes may make an extra charge for hairdressing, for example. It is wise to be aware of all the costs so that you can plan your budget and decide on your care plan.
Would live-in care be less costly than a care home?
Home Instead, offers live-in care in the Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot and Farnham areas as an alternative to having to move into a care home. Our Care Professionals are experienced in dementia care and all our live-in carers have previous experience of providing live-in care.
Our live-in carers reside with you in your property but you decide how many hours in a 24-hour period you will need their support and assistance. Your carer will take their rest breaks around their working times. This can be very flexible for you. Costs will depend upon your care needs so we would need to consult with you before being able to provide you with details.
Receiving live-in support can often be a very realistic, and affordable, alternative to moving into a care home. The real bonus is that you are able to stay in your own home, surrounded by everything that is familiar to you.