Deciding between live-in care and a care home can feel like a big decision, particularly when you’re arranging care for someone you love.
Both options can provide personal care, companionship and support with everyday life. The main difference is where that care takes place and how it’s organised. With live-in care, a professional carer lives in your loved one’s home, while residential care means moving into a care setting.
This guide looks at the practical differences between live-in care and care homes, including the level of support, daily routines, costs and what each option could mean for your loved one’s independence.
What is a care home?
A care home provides accommodation, personal care and support in a residential setting. Depending on the type of care home and the individual’s needs, this can include help with washing, dressing, medication, meals and everyday activities.
There are two main types of care home:
Residential care homes
Residential care is generally designed for people who need help with everyday tasks and personal care but don’t require ongoing nursing care.
Support can include:
- Personal care
- Washing and dressing
- Toileting
- Medication support
- Meals and drinks
- Activities and social opportunities
Nursing homes
Nursing homes provide personal care alongside support from registered nurses. They may be suitable for people with more complex or ongoing healthcare needs.
The right type of care home will depend on the level of support and healthcare someone needs.
What is live-in care?
Live-in care allows someone to remain in their own home while receiving personalised support from a professional live-in carer.
A live-in carer can help with personal care, mobility, medication, meals, household tasks, appointments, companionship and social activities. Support is built around the individual’s needs, routines and preferences.
Live-in care can also be adapted as needs change, with additional visiting care, overnight support or other arrangements available where required.
For more information, read our guide to live-in care.
Live-in care vs care home: what’s the difference?
The right option depends on the person’s needs, preferences and circumstances.
Here’s how the two compare:
| Live-in Care | Care Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you live | You remain in your own home | You move into a residential care setting |
| Care | One-to-one support from a live-in carer | Care provided by a team supporting multiple residents |
| Daily routine | Built around your existing routine and preferences | Follows the routines and arrangements of the care home |
| Privacy | You have your own home and personal space | You have your own room within a shared setting |
| Family and friends | You can continue seeing people in your own home and community | Visits take place around the care home’s arrangements |
| Pets | Pets can usually remain at home | Keeping a pet may depend on the care home’s policy |
| Couples | One care arrangement can sometimes support both people | Couples may need separate rooms or different care arrangements |
| Complex care | Can be tailored around complex or changing needs | Nursing homes may be appropriate where ongoing nursing care is required |
| Independence | Support is provided around the individual’s existing life | Daily life takes place within the care home’s environment |
| Home responsibilities | You remain responsible for the home and household costs | Accommodation and household costs are generally included in the care fees |
Neither option is right for everyone. The important thing is to understand what level of care is needed and which environment will work best for the person receiving it.
When might live-in care be the better option?
Live-in care may be worth considering if your loved one:
- Wants to remain in their own home
- Feels more comfortable with familiar surroundings and routines
- Needs regular support throughout the day
- Needs help with personal care, mobility or medication
- Is living with dementia or another long-term condition
- Has returned home from hospital and needs additional support
- Has a partner who also needs care
- Wants to remain close to friends, family, pets or their local community
- Needs more support than visiting care can provide
- Would benefit from one-to-one companionship and support
It can also be an option when a family member has been providing a lot of care and needs additional support or respite.
A care assessment can help establish whether live-in care is suitable and what level of support would be needed.
When might a care home be the better option?
A care home may be more appropriate when someone wants or needs to live in a setting where accommodation, care and daily support are provided together.
A nursing home may be particularly relevant where someone needs ongoing nursing support alongside their personal care.
A person’s preferences are important, but so are their care needs, the type of support available and the practicalities of each option. It’s worth discussing these factors with your loved one and getting professional advice before making a decision.
How much does live-in care cost compared with a care home?
Cost is an important part of comparing care options, but there isn’t one standard price for either live-in care or residential care. Fees vary according to the level of support required, location and the type of care provided.
At Trinity Homecare, live-in care starts from £1,600 per week for people with lower support needs. The final cost depends on the individual’s care requirements and the level of support needed.
For comparison, published care fee data can provide a useful indication of average costs, although individual care homes and live-in care providers will vary.
It’s also important to consider what is included in the quoted price. With live-in care, your existing home and household costs remain your responsibility, while care home fees generally cover accommodation and household costs as part of the overall fee.
Funding may also be available depending on your circumstances. This can include local authority support, NHS funding and other benefits or entitlements.
For more information, read our guide to financing and funding care or our guide to the cost of live-in care.
Real experiences of live-in care
For some people, the biggest benefit of live-in care is being able to continue living in the home they know and love.
Liz chose live-in care because she wanted to remain independent and stay in familiar surroundings. With a Trinity carer living with her, she receives practical and emotional support while continuing to live life on her own terms.
“I’m very independent and I didn’t want to go into a home. I wanted to stay where everything is familiar.”
How does Trinity Homecare support you?
If live-in care is something you’re considering, Trinity starts with a care needs assessment to understand what support is required and what matters to the person receiving care.
Our CareMatch Programme considers experience and skills alongside personality, interests, lifestyle and preferences, helping us find a carer who is suited to the individual’s needs and home life.
Once care begins, our dedicated care management team remains involved. Trinity Connect also gives families real updates, helping you stay informed about the care being provided.
Our live-in care service is rated Outstanding overall by the Care Quality Commission. Find out more about our CQC rating.
Frequently asked questions
Is live-in care better than a care home?
There isn’t one option that’s right for everyone. Live-in care can suit someone who wants to remain at home and receive one-to-one support, while a care home may be more appropriate for someone who prefers a residential setting or needs a type of support that’s better provided there.
Is live-in care cheaper than a care home?
Costs vary considerably between providers and according to the level of care required. Trinity’s live-in care starts from £1,600 per week for lower support needs. It’s important to compare what is included in each care fee as well as the headline price.
Can couples receive live-in care together?
Yes. Live-in care can sometimes support two people in the same home, although the care arrangements and cost will depend on each person’s individual needs.
Can someone with dementia have live-in care?
Yes. Live-in care can support people living with dementia, including help with routines, personal care, medication, meals, companionship and everyday activities. Trinity also provides specialist dementia care.
Can live-in care be arranged after a hospital stay?
Yes. Live-in care can be considered when someone is returning home after hospital and needs additional support. Trinity can assess their needs and discuss what care could be put in place.
Talk to Trinity Homecare about your options
If you’re comparing live-in care and a care home, Trinity’s care team can talk through your situation, answer your questions and help you understand what support could work at home.
We can arrange a free, no-obligation care assessment so you can explore your options before making a decision.
Call Trinity Homecare on 0207 183 4884 or get in touch with our care team.
