When it comes to arranging home care for a loved one, one of the first questions many families ask is: What kind of care do we actually need—and how much will it cost? Choosing between hourly and live-in care often depends on the level of support your loved one needs, your family’s routines, and of course, your budget.
At In-Home Care, we understand this isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a personal one. You want your loved one to feel safe, supported, and comfortable, and you want to feel confident you’ve made the right choice. That’s why we’re here to help you compare the options, so you can make the best decision for your family.
What Is Hourly Care?
Hourly care means a professional carer visits your loved one at scheduled times throughout the day. It’s ideal for people who are mostly independent but need a little extra help—whether that’s getting dressed in the morning, preparing meals, remembering medication, or just enjoying some company.
Hourly care is flexible. You only book the time you need, and as circumstances change, the schedule can be adjusted to suit your loved one’s routine and your family’s availability.
What Does Hourly Care Cost?
Hourly care is billed based on the number of hours of support provided each week. For families who only need help for a couple of hours a day—or just a few times a week—it’s usually a more affordable option than full-time care. You’re only paying for the care that’s actually needed.
What Is Live-In Care?
Live-in care is a more intensive option, where a dedicated carer stays in the home and provides ongoing, round-the-clock support. This is a great choice for someone who needs help throughout the day and possibly at night—whether due to mobility issues, memory problems, or complex health needs.
The carer lives in the home (with breaks and rest periods, of course), offering continuous reassurance and support. Breaks may also be covered as required.
What Does Live-In Care Cost?
Live-in care is a higher-cost service, but it can offer good value for families who need full-time 24/7 support. Rather than coordinating multiple visits each day—and potentially paying for overnight care on top—you have one trusted professional providing consistent, all-day care.
In some cases, live-in care can actually work out more cost-effective than the total expense of frequent hourly visits, especially when care needs are extensive.
Comparing Costs: Hourly vs Live-In Care
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few key points to consider:
Level of care needed
If your loved one is mostly independent and just needs support for a few key tasks, hourly care is often the most affordable and practical option.
How often support is required
Hourly care allows you to pick and choose when help is needed. If care is only needed for short periods, this can be the most budget-friendly solution. But if daily visits start to increase in frequency and length, the overall cost can add up quickly.
Do they need someone there all the time?
If your loved one needs supervision day and night—whether due to medical needs, dementia, or just to feel safe—live-in care may be a better fit. It offers peace of mind and continuous care without the need to manage a patchwork of hourly visits.
So, Which Option Is More Affordable?
If your loved one only needs help with part of the day, hourly care is typically the more affordable choice. It gives families flexibility and control over cost while ensuring their loved one gets the right level of support.
But if care needs are more demanding, live-in care may provide better value—and a more consistent experience for your loved one. It’s a bigger commitment, but it comes with the reassurance that someone is always there when needed.
We’re Here to Help. You Decide
At In-Home Care, we know that care is never just about hours or rates—it’s about people. It’s about what works best for your loved one and your family’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer both hourly and live-in care options, tailored to your unique situation.
We provide support across Waterlooville, Havant & Petersfield, Cheshire & St Helens, Beaconsfield, Basingstoke, Chelmsford & Ipswich, Fareham & Portsmouth, Haslemere, and Chichester.
If you’re not sure which type of care is the right fit, call us for a friendly, no-pressure chat. We’re here to help you explore your options and find the balance that works best for everyone involved.
