Families in the UK often choose between live-in care and domiciliary care when a loved one needs support at home.
Both provide professional care without moving into a residential home, but they differ in intensity, cost, and structure.
This guide breaks down what each involves and how to choose the best fit.
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care means a care professional lives in the client’s home full-time.
The carer provides ongoing help with daily activities, companionship, and personal care.
Common Features
- 24-hour presence in the home
- Help with meals, hygiene, medication, and mobility
- Overnight supervision
- Emotional and social support
Live-in care is suitable for those needing continuous attention, such as individuals with dementia, advanced age, or complex medical needs.
What Is Domiciliary Care?
Domiciliary care (also called home visiting care) involves scheduled visits from carers during the day or week.
The carer comes for short periods — often 30 minutes to a few hours — to help with tasks like bathing, dressing, or meal prep.
Common Features
- Visits planned around daily routines
- Paid hourly
- No overnight stay
- Flexible schedule based on need
Full guide: What Is Domiciliary Care and How Does It Work in the UK?
Key Differences Between Live-In and Domiciliary Care
| Category | Live-In Care | Domiciliary Care |
|---|---|---|
| Support Level | 24-hour continuous care | Scheduled visits (30 mins to few hours) |
| Living Arrangement | Carer stays in the home | Carer travels to client |
| Cost | £1,000–£1,500 per week | £20–£30 per hour |
| Best For | Complex needs, dementia, limited mobility | Independent clients needing minimal help |
| Supervision | Overnight support included | No overnight support |
| Consistency | One dedicated carer | Multiple visiting carers possible |
| Privacy | Less privacy | More privacy |
| Flexibility | Long-term commitment | Easier to adjust or cancel |
Advantages of Live-In Care
- Continuity: One main carer builds trust and routine.
- Safety: Continuous presence reduces accident risks.
- Comfort: Client stays in their own home environment.
- Emotional Support: Companionship reduces loneliness.
- Personalised Routine: Care adapts to the individual’s schedule.
Live-in care is often chosen for people with dementia, stroke recovery, or palliative needs.
Advantages of Domiciliary Care
- Lower Cost: Pay only for hours needed.
- Independence: Clients maintain privacy and autonomy.
- Flexibility: Easy to scale up or reduce care hours.
- Family Involvement: Families remain primary caregivers.
Ideal for those needing minimal help with personal or household tasks.
Cost Comparison
Average UK Pricing (2025 estimates)
- Live-In Care: £1,100–£1,600 per week
- Domiciliary Care: £20–£30 per hour
Annual cost comparison:
- 3 daily visits at £25/hour ≈ £27,000–£30,000 per year
- Full-time live-in care ≈ £57,000–£80,000 per year
Use Age UK’s cost guide for regional differences and funding advice.
Families can apply for Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, or NHS Continuing Healthcare to offset expenses.
When to Choose Live-In Care
Select live-in care if your loved one:
- Needs constant supervision
- Has mobility or safety risks
- Feels anxious when alone
- Lives far from family support
- Needs overnight care
Live-in care offers peace of mind through continuous presence and quick response to emergencies.
When to Choose Domiciliary Care
Choose domiciliary care if your loved one:
- Manages most daily tasks independently
- Needs short-term recovery support
- Wants privacy and flexible visits
- Has limited budget for care
It suits clients transitioning from hospital discharge or recovering from minor illness.
How to Decide
Ask these questions:
- How much daily support is required?
- Is overnight supervision necessary?
- What is the total monthly budget for care?
- Does the home have space for a live-in carer?
- How much independence does your loved one want to maintain?
Use this decision tool from Which? Elderly Care Guide to compare agencies and costs.
Arranging Care
- Contact your local authority for a care assessment.
- Review CQC ratings before choosing an agency.
- Ask agencies about continuity, training, and emergency backup.
- Visit Homecare.co.uk to find regulated local providers.