Costs
What live in care costs
Live in care with Clinique Alpa starts from £1,650 a week for one person, subject to assessment. The final fee depends on the level of support needed, and we confirm it in writing before care begins.
- Doctor led live in care
- Initial assessment carried out by a doctor
- CQC registered for personal care
- Family run, with our own private GP clinic in Palmers Green
What affects the weekly fee
Live in care is charged as a weekly fee. The starting figure covers a person whose needs sit at the more straightforward end of personal care. The fee rises with:
- The level of hands on support needed through the day
- Complexity of needs, such as advanced dementia, Parkinson's or care after a stroke
- Whether nights are disturbed and waking night cover or a second carer is needed
- Whether care is for one person or a couple
- Specialist experience the carer needs to have
- How quickly care has to start
What is included
The carer's time in the home, personal care, meal preparation, household help, the written care plan, reviews, and management and supervision of the package, including cover for the carer's breaks and leave. The household provides the carer's meals and a bedroom. Waking night cover, a second carer and the carer's travel at the start of a placement are charged separately if they apply, and your written quote will set out exactly what is in and what is not. There are no hidden charges.
The doctor led assessment
Care begins with an assessment at home carried out by a doctor. We will explain how the assessment is arranged, and any charge for it, when you first speak to us, so that there are no surprises.
Live in care compared with a care home
A residential care home charges for a room, shared staff, meals and communal living. Live in care charges for one person supporting you in your own house. For one person with significant needs, the two are often in a similar range. For a couple who would otherwise pay two care home fees, live in care is usually the less expensive option and the one that keeps them together.
A care home is sometimes the better choice, particularly where nursing is needed around the clock or the home itself cannot be made safe. We will tell you if we think so.
How families pay for live in care
Families fund their care privately. We do not hold local authority or NHS contracts, so we cannot invoice a council or an integrated care board on your behalf.
Attendance Allowance is a tax free benefit for people of State Pension age who need help or supervision. For 2026 to 2027 the lower rate is £76.70 a week and the higher rate is £114.60 a week, as published by GOV.UK. It is not means tested. It will not cover a live in fee, but it is often part of how a family pays.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care funded by the NHS for people whose main need is a health need. Eligibility is decided by the NHS, not by us. If it is awarded, it can fund care at home. If it is not, that is not a judgement on whether the person needs help.
Local authority funding may be available after a needs and financial assessment. Councils usually arrange care through providers they hold contracts with. Because we work privately, a family using council money would need to check whether a direct payment can be used with us.
Questions families ask about live in care
How much does live in care cost with Clinique Alpa?
From £1,650 a week for one person, subject to assessment. Couples, disturbed nights and complex needs cost more. We give you a written quote after the doctor led assessment and confirm the fee before care starts.
Is live in care cheaper than a care home?
Sometimes, especially for couples. For one person with high needs it is often comparable. Compare a real quote with a real home's fees rather than two headline figures.
Are there any extra charges?
Only where the assessment shows they are needed, such as waking night cover or a second carer, and always agreed in writing before care starts. Your quote lists everything.
How is live in care paid for?
Families fund their care privately. Some use Attendance Allowance, savings or the sale or rental of property; some are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare. We can explain those routes, and our costs page sets out what affects the weekly fee.
Talk to Clinique Alpa
Speak to a manager about live in care
Call 020 8882 8088 or 07777 594448. You will speak to a manager, not a call centre. We will talk through the situation, tell you whether live in care is likely to be right, and explain what an assessment involves.
Live in care from Clinique Alpa is provided by Alpa Care Ltd, registered with the Care Quality Commission for personal care, provider ID 1-9691685023.