How Much Does Live-in Care Cost in London? (2026)

When a parent should no longer be alone for long, most families end up comparing two options: a carer who lives in the home, or a move into a care home. The first question is almost always the same: what does live-in care actually cost in London?

This guide gives real numbers, explains what makes the price go up or down, lists the costs families sometimes forget, and compares live-in care with care home fees in London. There is a calculator at the end so you can put in the fees of the homes you are looking at.

The short answer

With Viola, live-in care in London starts from £150 a day. That is:

Period	From
A week	£1,050
A month (on average)	about £4,550
A year	about £54,600

The final daily rate depends on how much support your parent needs, and it is always confirmed before anything is agreed. Prices on the wider market vary a lot, mainly because of the type of agency behind them, which we explain below.

What live-in care includes

A live-in carer lives in your parent’s home, in their own room, and supports them through the day:

getting up, washing, dressing and personal care;
meals, drinks and light housework;
reminders to take medication;
company, walks, outings and appointments;
someone in the house at night if something happens.

A live-in carer usually gives 7 to 8 hours of active support a day, spread around your parent’s routine, and needs at least 2 hours off each day and a good night’s sleep. The main carer typically stays for three to four weeks, then a second carer takes over, so your parent gets to know both.

Carers introduced through Viola support everyday living. They do not provide nursing or medical care, such as injections, wound care or giving medication.

What changes the price

The level of support. Helping someone who is fairly independent costs less than supporting someone who needs help with most personal care, or who is living with more advanced dementia.
Nights. A live-in carer needs to sleep. If your parent needs help several times every night, you may need overnight care as well, or a second carer. Occasional help at night is usually fine.
Couples. One live-in carer can often support a couple. Ask for a quote, as it is usually far less than two care home places.
Short stays. Live-in care is usually arranged for at least a month. Shorter stays, for example after a hospital stay or while a family carer has a break, are considered case by case.

Costs families sometimes forget

The live-in rate covers the carer’s support. A few other things are worth planning for:

A spare bedroom. The carer needs their own room. Without one, live-in care is not possible.
Food. How the carer’s meals work is agreed with the family.
Travel. The carer’s travel to the placement is agreed in advance.
Household bills. Your parent keeps paying their own bills, as now. A care home fee includes these, so take them into account when you compare.

Live-in care vs a care home in London

Care homes charge a weekly fee that includes the room, meals, bills and care. According to carehome.co.uk, the average self-funded fees in London in 2026 are about:

Option	A week	A year
Live-in care through Viola	from £1,050	from about £54,600
Residential care home, London	£1,548	about £80,500
Nursing home, London	£1,759	about £91,500

Fees vary a lot between homes and boroughs, so use the calculator below with the fees of the homes you are actually considering.

Money is only part of the decision. At home, your parent keeps their routine, their neighbours and their own things, and has one person focused on them rather than staff working in shifts. A care home can be the better choice when someone needs nursing care, when there is no spare room, or when your parent would be lonely at home and would enjoy company around them. We go through this honestly in live-in care vs a care home.

What about the family home?

This is one of the biggest differences. When the council works out whether your parent has to pay for care, the value of their own home is not counted for care at home. For a move into a care home, the home is usually counted after the first 12 weeks, unless, for example, a husband, wife or partner still lives there. If your parent wants to keep their home, this matters a great deal. Check the details for your situation on gov.uk or with independent advice.

Why live-in prices vary so much

When you compare quotes, the biggest difference is usually the type of agency, not the carer.

A fully managed live-in care agency employs the carers and manages the care. The price includes the costs of employing staff, so it is usually higher.
An introductory agency like Viola introduces you to a vetted, self-employed carer. You choose the carer and agree the care with them directly, and the agency helps with invoicing, payments, replacements and support. Because the structure is different, the price is usually lower, and carers keep a bigger share of what you pay.

Both can work well. The right one depends on how much your family wants to be involved. We explain the two models side by side in introductory agency vs care agency.

Help with paying

Many families pay for live-in care themselves, at least in part. Some help is worth checking:

Attendance Allowance is paid to people over State Pension age who need help because of a disability or health condition. In 2026/27 it is £76.70 a week (lower rate) or £114.60 a week (higher rate), it is not means-tested, and it can be spent on care.
Council funding. A care needs assessment is free. If your parent’s savings and other capital are under £23,250, the council may contribute.
NHS Continuing Healthcare may fund care in full when needs are mainly health needs.

Our guides to Attendance Allowance and paying for care at home in England go through each option. We are not financial advisers, so please check the details for your parent’s situation.

Frequently asked questions

How much is live-in care per week in London? With Viola, from £1,050 a week (from £150 a day). The final rate depends on the support needed.

Is live-in care cheaper than a care home in London? Often, yes. Live-in care through Viola starts below the average London care home fee of £1,548 a week for residential care. Remember that at home your parent still pays their own bills and food.

Can one live-in carer look after a couple? Often, yes. Ask about this when you get a quote, as it can cost much less than two care home places.

How quickly can live-in care start? Long-term live-in care can usually be arranged within about five days.

Does a live-in carer work through the night? No. A live-in carer sleeps at night and is there if something happens. If your parent needs regular help every night, overnight care can be added.