Live-In Care vs Care Home: Which is better for You

Choosing the right long-term care can be emotional and overwhelming. At Silverstem Healthcare, we're here to help you make an informed, compassionate choice — one that truly feels right for you or your loved one.

Live-In Care vs Care Home at a glance

Live-In Care

If you:

  • want to remain at home in familiar surroundings

  • Value one-to-one, personalised support

  • Have complex or changing needs but prefer not to move

  • Feel anxious or isolated in communal settings

  • Need constant companionship or overnight reassurance

  • Wish to stay close to pets, community and loved ones

  • Are couples needing shared care at home

  • Require support with daily tasks, personal care, or safety but want full control over your lifestyle

Care Home

If you need:

  • 24/7 supervision but don’t have suitable home arrangements

  • Prefer or benefit from a structured routine and social environment

  • Have complex care needs that require constant team-based support

  • May feel more comfortable in communal living

  • Are at serious risk of falls or wandering, needing close monitoring

  • Live alone and struggle with isolation or household upkeep

  • Have no immediate family support nearby

  • Need specialist care units (e.g. advanced dementia or nursing care

Which Option suites You?

Live in Care

  • Stay in the comfort of your own home

  • Familiar routines, surroundings, and lifestyle

  • One-to-one, personalised care and attention

  • Strong emotional wellbeing and reduced loneliness

  • Companionship from a consistent, trusted carer

  • Greater independence and control over your day

  • Family can visit freely, with no restrictions

  • Peace of mind for loved ones - 24/7 support

  • Cost-effective care option available for couples

Care Home

  • 24/7 on-site care and supervision

  • Access to trained staff for personal and medical needs

  • Purpose-built, fully equipped facilities

  • Social interaction with other residents

  • Structured daily routines and activities

  • On-site catering with regular meals

  • Safe, secure, and monitored environment

  • Visiting healthcare professionals (e.g. GPs, therapists)

  • Specialist units for dementia, nursing, or palliative care

The cost of live in care

Live-in weekly cost estimates

  • Standard live-in care (single person):
    £800 - £1,600 per week
    Includes companionship, help with daily tasks, personal care

  • Live-in care for couples:
    £1,400 - £1,900 per week
    More economical than two separate care packages as one carer can support both individuals.

  • Specialist live-in care (e.g. dementia, palliative):
    £1,400 - £2,000+ per week
    Higher cost reflects complexity and level of skill required

Additional Costs (May Apply):

  • Carer’s food allowance (typically £35–£50/week)

  • Mileage (e.g. £0.45–£0.50 per mile for outings)

  • Night-time care (if active or waking nights are needed)

  • Bank holiday rates or enhanced hours

  • Equipment if required

Free Assessment Enquiry

Please fill out the form below and a member of our experienced care advisors will contact you to discuss your care needs and cost of care, or any other questions you may have.