Family care cost-sharing calculator
Money is the quickest way for caregiving to turn into conflict. Enter the monthly cost, who is involved, and how you want to share it. The calculator shows what each person pays, including credit for hours of care given in person, so everyone can see the same numbers.
This is a planning tool using only the figures you enter. It does not account for tax, benefits, legal obligations or inheritance rules, which vary by country. For large sums or disagreements, consider advice from a lawyer or financial adviser.
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Everything the family pays per month: carers, day centre, supplies, extra bills, travel.
Family members
| Name | Already paid this month | Actions |
|---|---|---|
Monthly breakdown
Enter the monthly cost to see the breakdown.
How this is calculated
- Equal: cost ÷ number of members. Income: cost × member income ÷ total income. Custom: cost × percentage.
- Care credit = hours of hands-on care × hourly rate, deducted from that member's share and redistributed to the others by the same method.
- 'To pay' = share − care credit − already paid. The 'to pay' amounts add up to the total cost minus what was already paid.
What is a fair way to split a parent's care costs?
There is no single right answer. Equal shares are simple but can be unfair when incomes differ a lot. Income-based shares feel fairer to many families. Crediting hours of hands-on care recognises the sibling who lives nearby and does most of the work. The best split is the one everyone has seen calculated and has agreed to in writing.
Should the parent's own money be included?
Usually the parent's income and savings pay first, and the family covers the shortfall. Enter only the shortfall the family pays as the monthly cost. If one family member manages the parent's money, keep that separate and transparent.
What about the sibling who does all the visits?
Turn on the care credit, enter their hours and a realistic hourly rate. Their share drops accordingly, which puts a fair value on time, not just money.