As family or a friend’s health deteriorates, there are many factors to consider when choosing which type of care is required to support a happy and healthy life. Individuals who are young but undergoing surgery, look to find support if they are unable to partake in normal day-to-day duties, whilst older family members may require more extensive specialist care. Each case is different and those differences will affect the cost of carer services available. Whatever the case might be, there are multiple routes one can consider.
The three most common types of care are live in caregivers, part time caregivers and more traditional residential care. But what are the pros and cons of these various options and what is the difference in cost of carer services? Our handy guide gives a clear and concise picture of what to expect (based on London, UK British rates).
| Live In Care Giver | Part Time Care Giver | Residential Care Home | |
| Hours Worked Per Week | 40-60 hours (for more hours you would need to consider hiring two people) | Up to 35 hours | 24 hours/7 days a week |
| Cost of Carer Services per Week | £350-£1000 | £525 – £1050 | £500-£950 |
| Cost of Carer Services per Hour | £8.75-£16.66 | £15-30 per hour | £2.90-£5.65 |
| Additional Costs | Accommodation, bills, food (optional), car (optional) | None | Varies depending on residential packages offered |
| Advantages | 1. On site, around the clock care – ready to help and deal with emergencies or schedule changes
2. One-to-one care and attention with flexible hours and schedule 3. More hours and better value for money. As you are hiring someone full time, and offering accommodation, the hourly rate reduces considerably
|
1. No requirement to provide accommodation or have anyone living in the home – giving more privacy and separation for the individual/family
2. One-to-one care, but with set hours. There may be possibility for some flexibility but will be limited 3. More suited to families needing less support and care for the individual or family, or looking to hire a more expensive (higher qualified) caregiver, but not full-time |
1. Much lower hourly costs.
2. 24-hour care and medical attention from multiple caregivers 3. Community style care homes, aimed at bringing people together, both for social and medical support for the residents |
| Disadvantages | 1. You will require to have space in the property or in a nearby building to provide accommodation.
2. There are additional costs associated with another person using the electricity/water/food within the house. 3. Some families might not feel comfortable with a caregiver living with them in the house. |
1. As not on site, emergencies will be harder to deal with.
2. As not on site, traffic delays and road conditions could cause delays for arrival. 3. Typically, you will pay a higher hourly rate as the part-time caregiver has to factor in travel costs. 4. The caregiver may have other employment commitments, making them less flexible for your specific needs. |
1. Very unlikely to get one-to-one care and attention.
2. Can be very disruptive and traumatic when asking the individual to relocate from their own home. 3. Not possible to clearly manage or understand the level of care being provided. Sadly there are many stories of neglect and abuse in the care system. 4.Cost per year is still very high in the UK. You will pay between £29K – £40K per year depending on the level of care and attention required. |
Regardless of the type of caregiver you or your family are looking for, if we can help with private live in carers or part time carers, we’d love to hear from you. Why not drop us a line and one of our consultants will be back in touch to discuss the options and cost of carer services.