Health and Wellbeing

The true cost of elderly care in the UK

Amy Smith

19th June, 2024

Caring for an ageing parent often doesn’t start with a plan.

It starts with a small worry - a fall, a missed appointment, a late-night phone call that feels a little different to the last one.

We speak to families every day who are doing their best to hold everything together. Based on what our customers tell us and recent data, this article looks at the true cost of elderly care in the UK - and why so many families are feeling stretched.

Key takeaways:

Elderly care costs are rising - and families are carrying more of the burden
Caring at home brings hidden costs for the parents of elderly loved ones, like medical equipment, transport and reduced working hours
Practical support can ease stress. The right home adaptations, mobility support, and guidance can make everyday life safer and more manageable

An ageing population - and a quiet shift in responsibility

The UK’s population is ageing rapidly. Around 12.7 million people are aged 65 or over, and this figure is expected to rise sharply over the coming decades. By 2072, more than a quarter of the population will be over 65.

Chart showing the age distribution of the UK population

Source:ONS via House of Commons Library Select an Image

At the same time, care provision hasn’t kept pace with demand. Care homes are under pressure. Professional carers are leaving the sector. Families are increasingly stepping in to fill the gaps.

Research consistently shows that older people overwhelmingly want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Familiar surroundings, independence and being near loved ones are the key reasons.

As a result, in-home care costs for elderly people are becoming a central concern for families across the UK.

Why more families are paying for elderly care themselves

Although local authorities do fund some care, eligibility is strict. Many families all too quickly learn that their parent does not qualify for public support or only qualifies for limited help.

This has led to a steady rise in self-funded care, with families covering the costs directly. Whether it’s paying for regular carers, adapting a home or reducing working hours to provide care themselves, the financial responsibility increasingly sits with adult children.

Paying for elderly care is rarely budgeted for in advance. It arrives gradually, then all at once.

The real cost of care at home

For many families, caring for loved ones at home feels like the best - and sometimes only - option. But senior care costs at home can be higher than expected.

Live-in and home care costs

Depending on needs and location, live-in care (where a dedicated carer moves into the home to provide support) for elderly people in the UK can range from £23,000 to over £60,000 per year.

Hourly home care (a carer visits your home for a minimum of one hour on a daily or weekly basis) typically costs between £15 and £30 per hour. It quickly adds up.

Local authorities currently pay an average of £22 per hour for home care when it is statutory duty to support vulnerable people to live independently, while private clients often pay more.

Even part-time support can become a big ongoing expense, especially when care needs increase over time.

The hidden costs families don’t always see coming

Beyond formal care, there are countless additional expenses that quietly accumulate:

Medical equipment and supplies

Wheelchairs, walking aids, hospital beds and other equipment can cost £500–£2,000 per year, even when some items are provided through the NHS.

Transport and hospital visits

Regular hospital appointments often mean fuel, taxis or parking fees. Hospital parking alone typically costs £1–£4 per hour, which amounts during long or frequent visits

Lost income

Perhaps the most overlooked cost is lost earnings. Many adult children reduce their hours or leave work entirely to care for a parent. This can mean £5,000–£15,000 a year in lost income, alongside reduced pension contributions.

Unpaid carers: the backbone of elderly care

Across England, unpaid carers now provide more support than ever. Around 1.4 million people provide 50 hours or more of care each week, often while managing jobs and families of their own.

Many carers are themselves older - over 2 million carers are aged 65+ - caring while coping with their own health challenges.

Despite the scale of this contribution, financial support remains limited.

Carer’s Allowance: support that falls short

Carer’s Allowance currently stands at £83.30 per week, for those providing at least 35 hours of care. Even with recent increases to the earnings threshold, the allowance equates to just a few pounds an hour - far below the National Living Wage.

For families already paying elderly care costs, this support rarely offsets the true financial impact of caregiving.

Why this feels so overwhelming - and why you’re not failing

If you’re reading this and feeling the weight of it all, you’re not alone.

Many adult children tell us they feel:

Guilty for not doing ‘enough’
Anxious about money
Exhausted from juggling competing responsibilities
Unsure where to turn for practical help

The system is complex, under strain, and often confusing. Feeling overwhelmed isn’t a personal failure - it’s a reflection of how much families are being asked to carry.

Home adaptations: one-off costs that make a difference

Staying at home often requires changes to senior citizens’ homes, to make their everyday life safer and more manageable. Think of adjustable beds, recliner chairs and other mobility furniture that can lower for them to get into, and rise when they want to get up.

These purchases can dramatically improve independence and reduce fall risk. Having the right equipment can make a meaningful difference.

A steadier way forward

We understand that elderly care isn’t just about numbers. It’s about families trying to do the right thing, often under immense pressure.

Whether you’re navigating live-in care costs or simply trying to help your loved one remain in their home for as long as possible, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Contact us to explore options for custom-designed adjustable beds, rise and recline chairs or bath lifts. We install in your home or your relative’s home - wherever the at-home support is needed.

FAQS - Elderly Care Costs at home

How much can you have saved before you have to pay for care at home?

In England, if the person receiving care has more than £23,250 in savings or assets, they will usually be expected to pay for their own care at home. If savings fall between £14,250 and £23,250, you may receive some support, but you’ll still be asked to contribute. Savings below £14,250 are generally disregarded.

How much does 24 hour care cost in your own home?

The cost of 24-hour or live-in care at home typically ranges from £23,000 to over £60,000 per year, depending on care needs, location and whether specialist support is required. While this can be comparable to care home fees, many families prefer it because it allows loved ones to remain at home.

How do I apply for care home funding?

You start by requesting a care needs assessment from your local council. This is followed by a financial assessment to determine whether the person qualifies for funding. Even if funding isn’t available, the council must still provide advice and information about care options.

What qualifies you for CHC funding?

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding is available if a person has complex, intense or unpredictable health needs that are primarily health-related rather than social care needs. Eligibility is based on need - not age, diagnosis or savings - and can cover care at home or in a care home.

How hard is it to get CHC funding?

Many families find CHC funding challenging to secure. The assessment process is detailed, and not everyone who applies is deemed eligible. It often requires persistence, clear evidence of health needs and sometimes appeals. Support and advocacy can make the process less overwhelming.