Jun 212 min read

The Hidden Costs of Residential Care vs. Live-In Care: Which is Cheaper?

As a care manager, I've often been asked, "Which is cheaper, residential care or live-in care?" Many families face this dilemma when deciding the best way to support their loved ones. Understanding the true cost implications of each option is crucial. Today, I aim to shed light on the hidden costs associated with residential care homes and how live-in care, particularly from ENA Care Group, can offer not only financial savings but also superior, personalised care.

Understanding the Costs

When evaluating care options, the headline costs are often just the beginning. Here’s a comparative look at the costs associated with both residential care homes and live-in care.

Cost Component	Residential Care Homes	Live-In Care (ENA Care Group)
Average Weekly Fee	£1410	£1350
Accommodation	Included in weekly fee but often shared rooms	Included in weekly fee; private room in your own home
Meals	Included	Included
Personal Care	Included	Included
Activities	Often incurs additional costs	Customised activities included
Transportation	Additional costs for outings and appointments	Included (local)
Individualised Care	Limited due to staff-to-resident ratio	Highly personalised, 1:1 care
Medical Appointments	Additional costs for transport and support	Included
Pet Care	Not provided	Can be included
Hidden Costs	Higher risk of hospitalisation due to infections, falls, etc.	Reduced risk due to personalised, continuous care

Hidden Costs of Residential Care Homes

Infection Control: In a communal living environment, the risk of infections such as flu and Norovirus is significantly higher. This can lead to additional healthcare costs and even the risk of hospitalisation.
Falls and Accidents: With higher resident-to-staff ratios, the supervision level is lower, increasing the likelihood of falls and accidents, which can result in costly medical bills.
Transportation: Residential care homes often charge extra for transportation to medical appointments or social outings, adding to the overall cost.
Limited Personalisation: The care in residential homes is less personalised due to the number of residents, which can impact the quality of life and necessitate additional support services.

Advantages of Live-In Care with ENA Care Group

Personalised One-to-One Care: Live-in care provides a dedicated caregiver who focuses solely on your loved one’s needs, ensuring a higher quality of care and attention.
Comfort of Home: Staying in a familiar environment can significantly improve mental and emotional well-being. Your loved one can maintain their routine, stay close to family, and enjoy the comfort of their home.
Cost-Effective: Although the weekly fees may appear similar, live-in care eliminates many hidden costs associated with residential homes. Transportation, personalised activities, and continuous supervision are all included.
Lower Risk of Hospitalisation: Continuous, personalised care reduces the risk of infections, falls, and other health issues that commonly arise in communal settings.
Flexibility and Customisation: Live-in care offers a flexible schedule tailored to your loved one’s preferences and needs, including companionship, assistance with daily activities, and even pet care.