What is the Cost of Live In Care in Kent

I met up with some friends at the weekend and the talk was about a piece in the media, about a man who continually travelled on cruise ships because it was cheaper than being in a care home. Room and board with very good service and basic medical care if he needed it. We decided this would be okay for anyone without any family ties and full mobility and capacity but not sustainable for a number of reasons.

This got me thinking about the cost of staying at home with help rather than going into a care home, so I did a bit of research. 

There are hundreds of care homes in Kent, so I looked just at the Canterbury Area. These are the starting costs, and many things are extra to this cost such as single rooms, incontinence care etc.

These homes all had between twenty and sixty rooms with most on the larger size.  Most seemed to have a greater number of shared rooms. Some had an ensuite, but many had shared bathroom facilities, the likelihood would be that you would share a room and a bathroom.  I don’t know how others feel about this, but I like my own space and am particular about my bathroom!

Staff would be shared with all the residents, and this can be a stretch if people are ill or on leave.  If you needed help to have a bath, you would have to wait for the bathroom to be free and staff to be available.  Staying at home was looking better and better.                

Will the local authority pay my fees while I am selling my former home? If, apart from your property, your other capital is below £23,250, the local authority may help with the costs during the first 12 weeks of permanent care. Beyond that period, any financial help will be charged against the value of your former home and recovered from the eventual sale proceeds. For more information on selling your home to pay for residential care, visit www.kent.gov.uk (search ‘Deferred payments’).

So how much will Live In Care cost me in Kent?

This all depends on your needs, are they low level or more complex, the hours you need staff to actively work. Make sure you have a good conversation with your provider about what you need and want and how much this will cost. They should be clear and transparent about costs. 

Charges start at about £1200 to £1800 per week but varies. Be aware of added extras. Ask what arrangements there are for feeding the staff.  Is this included in the costs or an added extra?              

How does this compare with residential costs?

 It’s on a par with what you would pay for a shared room in a residential home, but you are getting a one-to-one service or one-to-two for a couple with a completely bespoke service. You can stay in your home with all the familiar surroundings and love ones (including pets). You won’t have to share your bathroom with twenty other people and your staff will be consistent and chosen to suit you and your needs and interests.

Primcura Healthcare offer an introductory cost of £975 a week for the first four weeks of service so you can see if this type of care is right for you. Terms and conditions apply.  

For an informal chat about your needs, please call 01227 935700 option 2 or email care@primcurahealthcare.co.uk