The short answer
- One carer can support a couple when they can safely meet both people’s needs.
- If you both need care, live-in care starts from £1,445 a week; two nursing home places cost £3,500 to £3,900.
- If only one person needs care and the other needs help with meals and housekeeping, it starts from £1,260 a week.
- You stay together at home, in your own bedroom.
Can one carer look after a couple?
Yes, if one carer can safely support you both. A live-in carer can help with getting up, washing and dressing, meals, medication reminders, housework and getting out and about. We’ll talk through both sets of needs before introducing anyone.
What can one carer manage, and what can’t they?
- One carer may not be enough if either person needs hoisting or two people to support them at once.
- Live-in carers do not provide nursing or clinical care; this comes from the GP and district nurses.
- If needs move beyond what one carer can safely do, we’ll talk honestly about other options.
How much does live-in care cost for a couple?
If you both need the same level of care, the weekly price starts from £1,445. If only one person needs care and the other needs help with meals and housekeeping, it starts from £1,260. That is your carers’ pay and our service in one weekly payment. You provide the carers’ bedroom and food or a food allowance. The weekly price can be higher for more complex needs, and we confirm your price in writing before you go ahead.
How does that compare with a care home?
| County | Two nursing home places | Live-in care for a couple, both needing care |
|---|---|---|
| West Sussex | £3,500 a week | from £1,445 a week |
| East Sussex | £3,900 a week | from £1,445 a week |
| Surrey | £3,900 a week | from £1,445 a week |
| Kent | £3,600 a week | from £1,445 a week |
| Berkshire | £3,800 a week | from £1,445 a week |
| Hampshire | £3,700 a week | from £1,445 a week |
Care home fees include food, heating and bills. With live-in care you keep paying household bills and provide the carers’ food. Compare costs for your situation.
Why staying together matters?
Not every care home can offer couples a room together, and some couples may be placed in separate rooms or homes if their needs differ. At home, you keep your own bedroom, routine, garden and neighbours, and each other’s company.
What happens to the house?
When care is provided at home, the council does not count the value of your home when working out what you pay. In a care home it usually does after the first 12 weeks, unless a partner or a relative aged 60 or over still lives there. Read our guide to whether you may need to sell the house.
What about the carers’ breaks?
Your carers need daily breaks and time off. We introduce two regular carers who share the role over time, both chosen by you. Plan who will be with you during a carer’s daily break.
What if one of you is already the main carer?
Live-in care can take some of the weight off a partner who has been caring for many years. It can make it easier to go out on your own again, knowing your partner is supported at home.
This guide is general information. Care needs and agency arrangements vary, so ask questions about the specific support you need and check current costs directly.
Sources: Care Quality Commission guidance on introductory agencies; Homestay Carers costs and funding.
