In shortLive-in care gives one-to-one support in your own home, keeps couples and pets together and avoids a move. A care home gives a staff team on site day and night and a ready-made community, and suits people whose home cannot be adapted or who need several staff at once. Neither is right for everyone. Side by side Live-in careCare home WhereYour own homeA shared home with other residents AttentionOne carer focused on youStaff shared between residents RoutineYours: you choose when to get up, eat and go outBuilt around the home’s timetable, with some choice CouplesStay together at home, often with one carerMay be possible if a shared room is available PetsStay with youSome homes accept pets NightsCarer sleeps at home; regular night help needs extra coverNight staff on site NursingCommunity nurses visitNursing homes have nurses on site Your homeNeeds a spare bedroom for the carerYour home may be sold or rented Cost The NHS website gives a guide of around £800 to £1,600 a week for live-in care. Care home fees vary widely by area and by whether nursing is needed. For a couple, one live-in carer can cost less than two care home places. See what home care costs. Funding differences This is where the two differ most. For care in your own home, the council does not count the value of your home. For a permanent care home place, your home can be counted unless a partner or certain relatives still live there. The council must offer a deferred payment agreement in some cases, so the home does not have to be sold in your lifetime. Read paying for care in England. When live-in care tends to work best The person is settled at home and a move would be distressing, as often with dementia. A couple want to stay together. There is a spare bedroom for the carer. One carer can safely meet the person’s needs, with visits from nurses and therapists. When a care home may be better The person needs two or more staff at once, often, through day and night. The home cannot be made safe or has no room for a carer. The person is lonely and would enjoy the company of others. Complex nursing needs that a nursing home is set up for. If you are not sure, talk to us. We will tell you honestly if we think live-in care is not the right answer. Sources (checked 13 November 2026) NHS: Paying for your own care GOV.UK: Social care charging 2026 to 2027