How Much Does a Live-In Carer Cost? A 2025 Guide for Families in South Lanarkshire
Have you ever wondered whether live-in care is affordable for your family? For many across South Lanarkshire, the decision to arrange full-time support for a loved one is not just about care needs — it is also about understanding what those costs will mean for the household budget.
Live-in care offers an alternative to moving into a residential home, allowing older adults to remain in the comfort of their own space, surrounded by familiar routines, pets, and treasured possessions. This blog takes a detailed look at live-in care costs in 2025, what is included in the fees, how it compares to care homes, and what support might be available to help you manage the expense.
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care means a professional carer moves into the home of the person needing support and provides one-to-one assistance with daily life. This can include:
- Help with washing, dressing, and personal care
- Support with mobility and getting around the home
- Medication reminders and administration
- Cooking nutritious meals and light housework
- Companionship, conversation, and reassurance
- Assistance with outings, hobbies, or appointments
There are two common arrangements:
- Live-in with sleep time and breaks – The carer remains in the home 24 hours a day, but has an agreed overnight rest period and short breaks during the day.
- Live-in with active night support – For people who need regular help through the night, a separate waking night service can be arranged to provide continuous assistance.
This level of care is particularly valuable for those living with dementia, complex conditions, or who feel safer knowing someone is nearby at all times.
The Average Cost of a Live-In Carer in 2025
In South Lanarkshire and across the UK, families can expect to pay between £1,250 and £1,500 per week for a live-in carer, depending on the care provider, the carer’s experience, and the complexity of the support required.
For those who need care on an hourly basis rather than live-in, costs generally fall between £20 and £30 per hour. This is often suitable for individuals who need short daily visits but do not require round-the-clock help.
Here is a useful breakdown of typical 2025 weekly costs:
- Standard live-in care (one person): £900 – £1,600
- Couples’ live-in care: £1,100 – £1,595
- Specialist or complex care: £1,600 – £2,000
While these figures may feel high at first glance, they are comparable to care home fees. Many families are surprised to find that for couples needing care, live-in arrangements can be more cost-effective than two separate care home places.
What’s Included in the Cost
Live-in care fees are designed to cover a broad range of services that support both physical and emotional wellbeing. Typically, you can expect the weekly fee to include:
- A dedicated carer living in the home
- Personal care assistance
- Help with medications
- Meal preparation and light household tasks
- Laundry and tidying
- Overnight presence for peace of mind
- Companionship and conversation
- Regular updates to family members
Managed care agencies often include additional clinical oversight from nurse-led teams, while introductory agencies focus on connecting families with self-employed carers and supporting with scheduling and back-up care if needed.
Live-In Care vs. Residential Care
When comparing costs, live-in care is often similar to — and sometimes cheaper than — residential care, particularly for couples.
- Residential care home: ~£1,300 per week per person
- Nursing home: £1,500+ per week per person
- Live-in care for a couple: Often less than paying for two separate care home rooms
The biggest difference is that live-in care provides undivided attention from a carer dedicated to one household, rather than shared staffing. This can mean more personalised support, continuity of care, and reassurance that your loved one’s needs are always prioritised.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Several key factors influence how much your family will pay:
- Level of care required: More complex needs such as advanced dementia or palliative care generally mean higher fees.
- Location: Prices can vary by region, with higher rates typically in London and the South East.
- Carer experience: More experienced carers may charge a higher weekly rate.
- Provider type: Managed agencies tend to cost more than introductory agencies because they handle payroll, training, insurance, and emergency cover.
- Additional services: Waking night care, pet care, or extra household tasks may come with an added cost.
Funding Options and Financial Support
For many families, paying for care privately is only part of the picture. There are several funding options that may help with costs:
- Local Authority Support – If savings and assets are below £23,250, you may qualify for partial or full funding after a means and needs assessment.
- Attendance Allowance – Up to £108.55 per week for those over State Pension age who need regular help.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) – Full funding for those assessed as having a primary health need.
- Equity Release – Some families use property wealth to fund care, though professional financial advice is recommended before taking this route.
A reputable provider like Home Instead South Lanarkshire can guide you through the assessment process and help you find out what funding you may be entitled to.
The Value Beyond Cost
While cost is often the first consideration, families frequently choose live-in care for the comfort, reassurance, and quality of life it provides. Staying at home can help reduce confusion for those living with dementia, preserve independence, and allow pets and personal routines to stay in place.
Families often share how relieved they feel once care is in place — knowing their loved one is supported, safe, and able to live in familiar surroundings. Carers can also encourage social interaction, accompany clients to community activities, and help them stay engaged with friends and neighbours.
Choosing the Right Provider
When selecting a live-in care service, it is important to ask questions such as:
- What is included in the weekly fee?
- How are carer breaks and holidays arranged?
- Are there extra charges for weekends or bank holidays?
- How does the provider handle emergencies or carer absence?
- What is the process for keeping the family updated?
Home Instead South Lanarkshire offers a personalised approach. After an initial conversation, a care manager will visit your home to assess needs and create a tailored care plan. The team carefully matches clients with carers based on skills and personality to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
Live-in care is more than a service — it is a way to preserve independence and dignity while providing reassurance for families. Understanding the weekly costs, what’s included, and what funding support is available can help you make a confident, informed decision.
If you are thinking about live-in care for yourself or a loved one, Home Instead South Lanarkshire can provide clear advice, transparent pricing, and a compassionate service designed around your family’s needs.
Learn more at homeinstead.co.uk/south-lanarkshire.
Areas We Serve
Lanark, Carluke, Biggar & the surrounding areas
G75 0, G75 9, ML10 6, ML11 0, ML11 7, ML11 8, ML11 9, ML12 6, ML3 0, ML3 6, ML3 7, ML3 8, ML3 9, ML8 4, ML8 5, ML9 1, ML9 2, ML9 3
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