One of the main considerations when it comes to arranging long-term care is the cost. In fact, it’s an issue that can cause anxiety among lots of care recipients and their families. Issues of concern include whether the care recipient will be forced to sell their home to fund the cost of residential care. In this article, we look at the issue in more detail and explain how 24 hour live in care cost can be considerably lower than residential care, while offering a range of other advantages.

Covering the costs of residential care

Many people are under the assumption that the local council is responsible for funding the costs of residential care. While a council will provide funding for eligible care recipients, the first point to make is that the system (in England, anyway) is complicated. For example, before a council will fund the costs of residential care, a needs assessment will be carried out.

This includes a financial means test that will determine whether, firstly, you are able to fund your own care. If you are eligible for support, the test will also determine the level of the council’s contribution. While the rules could change in the future, currently, if your capital and income combined is above £23,250, you will most likely have to pay your own fees. When it comes to your home, the market value of the property may be included in this figure, minus any mortgage or loan.

What is 24-hour live-in care?

Due to the nature and complexity of funding residential care, increasing numbers of people are looking for viable alternatives. One of the main options is in-home care. This is a flexible, bespoke arrangement under which a care provider moves into your home to offer round-the-clock support. When it comes to the cost, 24-hour live-in care can work out to be far more reasonable than residential care. This is especially true when the care recipients are a couple who want to stay living together.

What are the other advantages of in-home care?

Of course, the main advantage of this arrangement is that you get to stay in your own home. As we get older, it can be increasingly important to be in familiar surroundings, especially when it comes to living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A further advantage is that with in-home care, you enjoy one-to-one support from your care provider.

You get to take part in the leisure activities that you enjoy and can easily maintain social relationships as you have someone to take you to meet up with friends and family. A live-in carer becomes part of the family, so, along with practical support, you can also reap the benefits of having their emotional support and companionship.

The need for long-term care and support is a reality for many people, but it should not be something that leads to financial worry or the emotional upheaval of leaving your home. In-home care from Guardian Carers can offer a solution that is both practical and cost-effective.