We know that the cost of care can be confusing, and it is important to understand exactly what you are paying for. Live-in care with Patricia White’s typically costs from £1,200 a week. The final cost will depend on the level of support required, the fee agreed with your chosen self-employed carer and any additional expenses that apply.
Patricia White’s is an introductory care agency. We introduce you to carefully vetted, self-employed carers; once you have chosen a carer, you agree the arrangement with them directly and manage the day-to-day care yourself.
How much does live-in care cost?
The cost of live-in care varies because every arrangement is tailored to the individual. At Patricia White’s, clients pay the self-employed carer directly for their services. A separate agency fee is paid to Patricia White’s for arranging suitable introductions and providing ongoing matching support.
At Patricia White’s, live-in care typically starts from £1,200 a week.
If you are still weighing up the practical as well as financial side of care at home, our guide to the benefits of live-in care explains how it can support familiar routines, independence and one-to-one support at home.
What is included in the cost of live-in care?
All the details are agreed in advance so you know exactly where you are before you commit to anything.
| Cost | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Lifetime registration fee | A one-off fee once you register with us, covering the initial consultation and set-up requirements. |
| Carer fee | Patricia White’s carers are self-employed and invoice you directly for their services, normally at the end of the week. |
| Agency fee | Paid to Patricia White’s for arranging suitable introductions and providing ongoing matching support. |
| Travel allowance | Agreed before the assignment. The live-in carer can charge for travel on arrival and departure, within the current agreed travel terms. |
| Bank holidays | Different rates may apply to both the carer and Patricia White’s on bank holidays. |
| Additional costs | A waking fee may apply if occasional extra help is needed overnight. Clients would also typically cover the carer’s food and additional household utilities. |
If regular support is needed through the night, it is worth discussing whether a separate overnight care arrangement would be more suitable. A live-in carer is not expected to remain awake and working continuously for 24 hours.
What can affect the cost of live-in care?
The final cost depends on the individual arrangement rather than a standard package. Factors can include the level and type of support needed, the carer’s agreed fee, travel to and from the assignment, bank holidays, additional waking support at night and whether care is being arranged for one person or a couple.
A live-in carer may be able to support two people living in the same home, but this depends on each person’s needs and whether one carer can reasonably provide the agreed support. We therefore quote for the actual arrangement rather than applying a standard couple rate.
How does the cost of live-in care compare with a care home?
There is no simple answer to whether live-in care is cheaper than a care home. The right comparison depends on the person’s needs, the type and location of the care home and what is included in each price.
For context, Which? reported that in early 2026 the average weekly fee paid by self-funders was around £1,300 for residential care and £1,512 for nursing care, based on Lottie data. Fees varied considerably by region and care requirements, and data for Northern Ireland were not available.
These figures are not directly like-for-like. Care-home fees include accommodation and shared facilities, while someone receiving live-in care remains responsible for the usual costs of running their own home. The decision may also involve other considerations, such as staying with a partner or pet, keeping familiar routines and remaining part of a local community.
Can I get help with the cost of live-in care?
Some people fund care privately, while others may be entitled to financial support. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and, in some cases, where you live.
Your local authority may contribute towards care after assessing your care needs and finances. The process, financial thresholds and support available differ across the UK, so it is important to check the rules that apply where you live.
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help or supervision because of a disability or health condition. GOV.UK lists 2026/27 rates of £76.70 or £114.60 a week, depending on the level of help required.
In England, some adults with long-term complex health needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS. It can be provided in a person’s own home, and eligibility is based on an assessment of their health needs rather than a particular diagnosis.
Some people use savings, income or property wealth to fund care. Equity release is one possible option for homeowners, but it is a significant financial commitment and is not suitable for everyone. MoneyHelper recommends taking independent financial advice before committing to an equity-release scheme.
For more detail, read our guide to funding live-in care.
Understanding what you are paying for
When comparing quotations, look beyond the headline weekly figure. Check whether the price includes the carer fee, agency charges, registration, travel, food, bank holidays and any additional night-time support.
It is also worth understanding how the care service itself is arranged. Patricia White’s introduces and vets self-employed carers, while the client or their representative manages the ongoing day-to-day arrangement directly with their chosen carer.
If you would prefer a provider to manage the arrangement on an ongoing basis, our guide to Introductory vs Fully Managed Care explains the difference. Fully managed care is available separately through our sister company, Trinity Homecare.
What our clients say
“Patricia White’s provided two amazing carers, who worked on a rota caring for Dad.” – Jane
Every care arrangement is different, but feedback such as this reflects why the relationship between client and carer matters. We take time to understand the individual’s needs, routines, personality and preferences when considering suitable introductions.
Talk to our dedicated team of experts today
The standards set by Patricia White 35 years ago still remain today. Call our experienced team today on 01293 224712 to discuss your home care needs and receive a free no obligation quotation.
Or feel free to send us a message using our online enquiry form and a member of our expert care team will get back to you as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, but not in every situation. Live-in care and residential care are structured differently, so it is important to compare the complete costs of each alongside the person’s needs, preferences and home circumstances.
It can. One live-in carer may sometimes support two people living in the same home, but the cost will depend on each person’s needs and the level of support required. We provide a personalised quotation for the arrangement.
The £1,200 figure is a starting price. Depending on the arrangement, registration, travel, food and household costs, bank-holiday rates or additional overnight support may apply. We explain the relevant charges before care begins.
A quotation depends on understanding the person’s needs and the practical details of the arrangement. Once these have been discussed, our team can explain the likely costs and any additional charges that may apply.
Care needs can change over time. If additional support, different carer experience or more help during the night becomes necessary, we can discuss the options with you and explain any change in cost before a new arrangement is agreed.
