Live-in Homecare Costs

Live in Care Costs

Understanding homecare costs is vital in seeking the best care solutions. At LiveInCare.ie, we are dedicated to fostering robust connections between caregivers and care seekers, always prioritising the highest quality of care. Recognising that unique care needs call for diverse solutions, we continually adapt to offer an array of service models and pricing options.

In fact, the cost of homecare services varies depending on the employment model of the carer. For instance, self-employed caregivers might be more affordable and offer greater flexibility with their working hours, as their operations aren’t governed by labor codex regulations. On the other hand, when dealing with employed caregivers, employers must adhere to the labor codex stipulations, which dictate working hours, rest periods, minimum wage, and more. This compliance to regulations often reflects in the pricing of the services.

We are going to explain each care model’s cost, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as provide price comparisons at the end of this article.

1. Classic Model:

Our Classic Model continues to be an accessible option where care recipients can engage directly with private individuals and local care agencies. Prices are negotiable and depend on the individual or agency providing the service.

• Starting Price: Prices in this model could possibly start as low as 350 Euros per week.
• Advantages: This model offers great flexibility and the potential for customized care arrangements.
• Please Note: Self-employed caregivers offer flexibility, as they can negotiate their terms of service, potentially providing cost benefits and adjustable hours. However, keep in mind that they may end their services earlier than anticipated, leading to the need for new negotiations and possible service interruptions. Additionally, some self-employed caregivers may propose considerably higher rates.

2. Agency Placement Model:

In the Agency Placement model, we introduce care seekers to caregivers employed by our foreign partner agencies, primarily from Poland.

Starting Price: The cost of services under the Agency Placement model starts from €550 per week.

Advantages: This model significantly reduces the likelihood of service interruptions, as caregivers are employees of our partner agency. Therefore, in the instance of staff changes, care continuity is well-maintained as the care agency strategically plans for such changes in advance. This essentially frees the care recipient from the burden of worrying about sudden gaps in service or having to engage in new negotiations, a common occurrence when using the Classic Model. Furthermore, a dedicated Care Coordinator from LiveInCare.ie is available to address any concerns and facilitate seamless communication between the care recipient and the caregiver’s employer.

Please Note: While this model assures consistent care, the costs may be higher due to the comprehensive nature of the services and the involved administrative and operational expenses of the agency.

3. Direct Employer Contact Model:

The Direct Employer Contact model enables care seekers to communicate directly with care companies from Eastern Europe.

Starting Price: The pricing under this model can sometimes start as low as €390 per week, making it a potentially cost-effective choice.

Advantages: This model can be a cost-efficient solution, as care companies can offer their services at a lower price due to the absence of a mediator.

Please Note: While this model may offer lower costs, it requires care recipients to directly negotiate and communicate with foreign care companies, which may present language or cultural barriers.

Additional Care Costs

In addition to the cost of care service you have to provide free accommodation and free food. This won’t add more than €50-70 per week. You must also pay the travel expenses to your work location, but we have set rules for a maximum of €100 per direction (applicable only for Agency Placement & Direct Employer models). Many of our carers come from eastern European member states, but there are cheap flights available. Sometimes Ryan air flights to Dublin would cost no more than €20-30 and the transfer from Dublin airport to your work location would be a few more euros, so you may not even need to pay the full €100. Each carer is required to present the receipts of his her travels and the client has to pay according to them, but no more than €100.

Using LiveInCare.ie Platform

To access and utilise these diverse choices, care service searchers must hold a paid membership with us. Membership costs can be as low as 11 Euros per month, depending on the term length. This minimal investment opens up a world of flexible and affordable care options to best suit individual needs.

Tax Relief on Care Costs

In many countries, including Ireland, tax relief can be claimed on certain care costs. This can be an essential way to offset some of the costs associated with home care services.

If the care recipient, or the person on whose behalf the costs are paid, is totally incapacitated due to physical or mental health, the costs of employing a carer may be eligible for tax relief in Ireland. The relief applies at the highest rate of Income Tax that you pay, which is currently up to 40%.

As the process to claim tax relief may vary, it’s important to consult with a tax advisor or visit the website of Revenue, the Irish Tax and Customs office, to find detailed information tailored to your specific situation. Please remember that tax laws can change, and the value of relief will depend on individual circumstances.

In general, to claim the tax relief, the following steps are usually required:

1. Keep records of all expenses related to care costs, such as receipts or invoices.

2. Complete a tax return form for the relevant year (this can be done online through Revenue’s myAccount service).

3. Under the ‘Health Expenses’ section of the form, include the amount spent on care costs.

Remember, it’s essential to receive professional advice before making any decision related to tax relief.

Example Care Costs and Carer’s working time

You pay €450 per week.

There is a VAT exemption for aged care services

The carer works 5 days a week 7 hour a day (35 hours per week in total). Any additional hour is €12 an hour

(This care cost example is about carers under the “Agency placed” and “Direct Employers” options however self-employed carers may have other limits/requirements about working time, rest periods )

Care Cost Comparison