How Much Does Home Care Cost Per Hour in the UK?

Home care services are becoming an increasingly popular option for individuals who require assistance with daily tasks but prefer to remain in their own homes.

Whether for elderly care, disability support, or post-hospital recovery, understanding home care costs is essential for families planning for long-term care.

The cost of home care in the UK can vary based on several factors, including the type of care required, the provider, and the location.

In this article, we will explore how much home care costs per hour in the UK, the factors that influence these costs, and the funding options available.

What Are Home Care Services in the UK?

Home care services, also known as domiciliary care, provide professional assistance to individuals in their own homes. These services help people who need support with daily activities due to ageing, disabilities, illnesses, or recovery from surgery.

Types of Home Care Services

There are various types of home care services available in the UK, depending on the individual’s needs:

• Personal Care: Assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Companionship Care: Providing emotional support, social interaction, and assistance with activities like shopping and outings.
• Household Support: Help with chores such as cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation.
• Medication Assistance: Ensuring timely medication reminders and administering prescribed treatments.
• Respite Care: Temporary care for individuals, allowing primary caregivers to take a break.
• Live-in Care: A full-time carer stays in the home to provide round-the-clock assistance.
• Specialist Care: Services tailored for individuals with conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or mobility impairments.

Who Needs Home Care Services?

Home care services cater to:

• Elderly individuals who need help with daily living but wish to remain at home.
• People with disabilities requiring support with mobility and personal care.
• Individuals recovering from surgery, accidents, or long-term illnesses.
• Those living with chronic conditions who require ongoing medical assistance.

Home care provides a personalised alternative to residential care homes, allowing people to maintain their independence while receiving the support they need.

How Much Does Home Care Cost Per Hour in the UK?

The cost of home care in the UK varies based on multiple factors, including location, type of care, and the provider.

Average Cost of Home Care Per Hour in the UK

On average, private home care costs between £15 and £30 per hour. However, these prices can vary depending on the type of care and the provider’s experience.

Region	Average Hourly Cost
London	£20 – £30
South East	£18 – £25
Midlands	£16 – £22
North England	£15 – £20
Scotland	£15 – £25
Wales	£15 – £22

Factors Affecting Home Care Costs

Several factors influence the hourly rate of home care in the UK:

• Type of Care Required: Basic personal care is more affordable, whereas specialist medical care (e.g., dementia or palliative care) costs more.
• Location: Care costs are generally higher in cities, especially in London and the South East, compared to rural areas.
• Time of Care: Evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday care rates are usually higher.
• Carer’s Experience and Qualifications: More experienced carers or those with specialist training charge higher rates.
• Independent Carers vs Agencies: Hiring an independent carer directly may be cheaper than using an agency, but agencies provide background-checked, trained carers with built-in support.

Additional Costs to Consider

Besides the hourly rate, some home care services may include extra charges for:

• Transportation for carers to travel to and from the home.
• Additional services such as night care or emergency call-outs.
• Specialist equipment or home modifications (e.g., stairlifts, hoists).

Understanding these costs helps families make informed decisions when planning long-term home care.

What Is the Difference Between Private and Local Authority Home Care Costs?

Home care in the UK can either be privately funded or subsidised by local authorities, depending on the individual’s financial situation.

Private Home Care Costs

• Privately funded home care means individuals or families pay for care services out of their own pocket.
• This option offers more flexibility in choosing providers and tailoring services.

Pros:

• Greater choice of carers and agencies.
• Customised care plans.
• No restrictions based on financial assessments.

Cons:

• Can be expensive, especially for long-term care.
• Not everyone can afford high-quality private care.

Local Authority-Funded Home Care

Some individuals may be eligible for council-funded home care, which is determined by a financial assessment (means test) conducted by the local authority.

• If the individual’s income and savings are below £23,250, they may qualify for full or partial funding.
• If their assets exceed this threshold, they will typically need to pay for care themselves.

How Local Authority Funding Works?

• Needs Assessment: The local council evaluates the individual’s care needs.
• Financial Assessment: The council checks savings, income, and property value to determine eligibility for funding.

Funding Decision:

• If eligible, the council may cover part or all of the costs.
• If not eligible, individuals must pay privately but can still receive advice on affordable care options.

Comparison: Private vs Local Authority Home Care Costs

Aspect	Private Home Care	Local Authority Home Care
Cost	£15 – £30 per hour	Based on a means test
Eligibility	No restrictions	Income below £23,250
Choice of Provider	Full choice	Limited to council-approved services
Flexibility	High	May have waiting lists or service limitations

Can You Combine Private and Council-Funded Care?

Yes, some individuals mix private and council-funded care to cover gaps in local authority support. For example:

• Using local authority funding for essential daily care.
• Paying privately for additional support, companionship, or evening/weekend care.

Understanding these options helps individuals and families make informed financial decisions about home care.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Home Care?

The cost of home care in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors influence the hourly rate charged by care providers and ultimately determine how much individuals and families will need to budget for care services.

Level of Care Required

The complexity of care needed plays a crucial role in determining costs. Home care can range from basic personal assistance to specialist medical support, with more complex care typically being more expensive.

• Basic Care (£15 – £20 per hour): Includes help with personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, and companionship.
• Specialist Care (£20 – £35 per hour): Includes dementia care, palliative care, or support for conditions such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
• Overnight or 24/7 Care (£800 – £1,500 per week): Full-time care that includes live-in carers or night-time support.

Location and Regional Price Differences

• Where a person lives in the UK has a direct impact on the cost of home care.
• Prices are generally higher in London and the South East compared to rural areas or regions in the North of England.

Time of Day and Day of the Week

The timing of care services also affects costs. Care provided outside of regular working hours is usually more expensive.

• Weekday Daytime Rates: Standard rates apply.
• Evening & Weekend Rates Can be 10–30% higher than weekday daytime rates.
• Overnight Care: Charges apply per night, often starting at £100+.
• Public Holiday Rates: Some providers charge double rates for services on bank holidays.

Experience and Qualifications of Caregivers

Highly experienced carers or those with specialist training command higher fees. Care agencies often charge more because they employ trained and vetted caregivers.

• Independent Carers (£15 – £20 per hour): Usually more affordable but require direct hiring and management.
• Agency Carers (£18 – £30 per hour): More expensive but offer guaranteed availability and professional oversight.

Additional Services and Hidden Costs

Some care providers charge extra fees that can increase the overall cost:

• Transportation Fees:  If a carer needs to travel long distances.
• Specialist Equipment:  Items such as hoists, wheelchairs, and stairlifts may be required.
• Emergency or Last-Minute Care: Urgent care needs may result in additional charges.

By considering these factors, individuals and families can make better financial plans for home care services.

What Funding and Financial Support Are Available for Home Care?

For those struggling with the cost of home care, there are several funding options available in the UK. These financial support schemes can help cover some or all of the costs.

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a fully funded care package for individuals with severe ongoing health needs. If eligible, all care costs, including home care, are covered by the NHS.

• Eligibility: Assessed based on medical needs rather than financial situation.
• Coverage: Can include personal care, nursing care, and specialist medical support at home.

 Local Authority (Council) Funding

Local councils provide funding for home care based on a means-tested financial assessment.

• If an individual’s savings and assets are below £23,250, they may qualify for full or partial funding.
• If their assets exceed this threshold, they must self-fund their care.

Personal Budgets & Direct Payments

• Instead of receiving direct care from the council, some individuals may opt for a personal budget, which gives them more flexibility in choosing their own care provider.

Attendance Allowance

This is a non-means-tested benefit for people over state pension age who need help with daily tasks.

• Lower rate: £72.65 per week.
• Higher rate: £108.55 per week (for those needing care day and night).

Carer’s Allowance

• If a family member provides 35+ hours of care per week, they may qualify for a Carer’s Allowance of £81.90 per week.
• These funding options can significantly reduce home care expenses, making care more affordable for individuals and families.

How Does Home Care Compare to Other Care Options?

Home care is one of several options available for individuals needing support. Each option has different costs and benefits.

Care Option	Average Cost (Per Week)	Key Benefits
Hourly Home Care	£150 – £1,000 (varies by hours needed)	Stay in your own home, flexible care hours
Live-In Care	£800 – £1,500	24/7 support, one-on-one care
Residential Care Home	£600 – £1,200	Social environment, meals, and accommodation included
Nursing Home	£900 – £1,800	Specialist medical care available

How Can You Find Affordable Home Care Services?

Finding cost-effective home care services requires research and planning. Here are some practical steps to help reduce costs:

Compare Different Providers

• Research multiple home care agencies and independent carers.
• Check online reviews, CQC (Care Quality Commission) ratings, and recommendations.

Negotiate Prices with Care Providers

• Some agencies offer discounts for long-term contracts or bulk hours.
• Independent carers may be more open to flexible pricing arrangements.

Check for Hidden Fees

• Ask providers about travel charges, weekend rates, and additional service fees.
• Ensure the care package includes all necessary services to avoid unexpected costs.

Use Financial Support and Benefits

• Apply for local council funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and benefits like Attendance Allowance.
• Some charities and organisations offer grants for care costs.

Consider Combining Private and Public Care

• If eligible for partial council funding, use it alongside privately funded care to create a more affordable care plan.
• By carefully comparing providers and exploring funding options, individuals can find high-quality, affordable home care services.

Conclusion

Understanding home care costs in the UK is essential for individuals and families planning long-term care.

The average hourly rate for home care ranges from £15 to £30, depending on factors like location, level of care, and whether the provider is private or council-funded.

For those concerned about affordability, there are several financial support options, including NHS Continuing Healthcare, local council funding, Attendance Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance.

Comparing providers, negotiating rates, and combining public and private care can help reduce costs while ensuring quality care.

By exploring all available options, individuals can find a cost-effective and personalised care solution that allows them or their loved ones to remain independent and comfortable in their own homes.

FAQs

How much does a home carer cost per hour in the UK?

Home care costs £15 to £30 per hour, depending on location, type of care, and whether it’s private or council-funded.

Can I get free home care in the UK?

Yes, some people qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare or local authority funding based on their health needs and financial situation.

Is home care cheaper than a care home?

For individuals needing only a few hours of care per day, home care is usually cheaper than a residential care home. However, live-in care can be more expensive than a care home.

Does home care cost more at night and on weekends?

Yes, home care rates are typically higher for evening, weekend, and public holiday services, sometimes 10–30% more than standard daytime rates.

How do I apply for local authority funding for home care?

You need to request a needs assessment from your local council. If eligible, they will conduct a financial assessment to determine how much funding you can receive.

Can I hire an independent carer instead of using an agency?

Yes, hiring an independent carer can be more affordable, but agencies provide trained, vetted, and insured caregivers with backup support.

What is the best way to find affordable home care?

Compare providers, negotiate prices, check for hidden fees, explore financial support options, and consider mixing private and public funding to lower costs.