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

When arranging support for yourself or a loved one, one of the most common questions is: how much does home care cost per hour in the UK? With more people choosing to receive care in the comfort of their own home from a care worker, it’s important to understand the costs involved and what services are available.

Organisations like Age UK provide assistance with home help services, focusing on everyday domestic tasks. They are a valuable resource in the community for those seeking support.

This guide explains the average hourly cost of home care, what factors influence pricing, and the kinds of care services you can expect—from companionship and personal care to 24 hour care and palliative support. When looking for home care check out Careline Home Support for all your care needs.

Introduction to Home Care

Home care, also known as domiciliary care, is a type of care service that allows individuals to receive support and care in the comfort of their own home. This can include personal care, such as bathing and dressing, as well as help with daily living tasks, like cooking and cleaning. Home care services can be provided by local councils, homecare agencies, or private carers, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. With the help of financial support from the local council or other sources, individuals can receive the care they need to live independently in their own home.

What Is Home Care?

Home care is a type of home care service delivered directly in a person’s home. It allows individuals to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving the help they need with daily tasks, mobility, health conditions, or social interaction. It can be a short-term solution after a hospital stay or a long-term arrangement for ongoing health or support needs.

Typical home care services include personal care, companionship support, medication assistance, respite care, meal preparation, overnight care, and full-time 24 hour care.

Types of Care Services

There are various types of care services available to support individuals in their own homes. These include homecare services, such as personal care, domestic care, and companionship, which can be provided by homecare agencies or private carers. Additionally, live-in care services are available for those who require constant care and support. It’s essential to research and compare different care providers to find the most suitable option for your needs and budget. The local council can also provide information on available care services and offer financial support to help with care costs.

Average Hourly Cost of Home Care in the UK

As of 2025, the average cost of home care in the UK ranges between £20 and £30 per hour. However, prices can vary significantly depending on location, the complexity of care required, and whether the care is provided privately or through a local authority.

Some general cost estimates include:

• Basic home care (e.g. help with housekeeping or shopping): £20 to £25 per hour
• Personal care (e.g. assistance with bathing, toileting, or dressing): £22 to £28 per hour
• Specialist care (e.g. dementia or palliative care): £25 to £35 per hour
• 24 hour care or live-in care: £150 to £250 per day (equivalent to £6.25 to £10.40 per hour, though usually charged as a flat daily or weekly rate)

Individuals may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance if they care for someone for at least 35 hours per week, and disability benefits can also help cover home care costs.

It’s important to note that live in care costs can vary, with an average of approximately £1050 per week.

These figures are averages, and actual rates may be higher in areas like London or the South East, or slightly lower in more rural parts of the UK.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Home Care

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for hourly home care:

1. Type of Care NeededSupport needs can range from light housekeeping and companionship to complex clinical care. Services such as palliative care, overnight support, or 24 hour care tend to cost more due to the skills and hours required.

2. LocationRates vary by region. For example, care providers in the South of England often charge more than those in the North due to cost of living and demand.

3. Duration and FrequencyThe more hours you book per week, the lower the average hourly rate may be. Regular or ongoing care arrangements are often more cost-effective than ad-hoc visits.

4. Time of DayEvening, weekend, or bank holiday visits can carry a premium rate. Overnight care and waking night support are usually priced higher than daytime visits.

5. Agency vs Private CarersHiring through an agency ensures DBS-checked carers, supervision, and emergency cover, but may cost more than hiring an independent carer privately. Additionally, a means test may be conducted to determine eligibility for financial assistance with home care costs.

What Services Are Typically Included?

Hourly home care can be tailored to the individual, with flexible packages designed to support different needs. Some of the most commonly requested services include:

Personal care – Support with daily hygiene tasks such as washing, dressing, using the toilet, and oral care. Home adaptations, such as installing handrails, can also be part of the support provided to help individuals live independently in their own homes.

Companionship support – Providing company for individuals who may be isolated or living alone. Carers can chat, play games, or accompany the person on walks and appointments.

Medication assistance – Helping clients remember to take their medication correctly and on time, including administering prescribed drugs where trained to do so.

Befriending services – Offering emotional support and social contact through regular visits or phone calls. Especially helpful for those at risk of loneliness.

Respite care – Giving a regular carer or family member a break, whether for a few hours a week or during holidays. Respite care can be arranged short-term or occasionally.

Palliative care – Support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. This type of care is often delivered in partnership with district nurses or hospice teams.

Overnight and 24 hour care – Around-the-clock support, either with a carer staying overnight (sleep-in or waking night) or through live-in care for clients needing continual supervision.

Specialist care – Specialist care services also include dementia care, which requires trained carers to support individuals with this condition.

Quality of Home Care

The quality of home care services can vary depending on the provider and the individual’s specific needs. However, high-quality home care should prioritize the individual’s comfort, dignity, and well-being. Care providers should be trained, experienced, and compassionate, and should work closely with the individual and their family to develop a personalized care plan. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the care service can help ensure that the individual is receiving the best possible care. Additionally, home care services should be flexible and adaptable, allowing for changes in the individual’s needs over time. By choosing a reputable and trustworthy care provider, individuals can receive high-quality home care that meets their unique needs and preferences.

Alternatives to Home Care

While home care can be a cost-effective and comfortable option for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. Alternatives to home care include residential care, nursing care, and live-in care services. Residential care, also known as care homes, provide 24-hour care and support in a communal setting. Nursing care, on the other hand, provides specialized medical care and support for individuals with complex health needs. Live-in care services involve a carer living with the individual in their own home, providing constant care and support. Other alternatives, such as adult day care or respite care, can also provide temporary relief and support for individuals and their families. By exploring these alternatives, individuals can find the care solution that best meets their needs and preferences. It’s also important to consider the financial implications of each option, including the cost of care home fees, and to seek financial help and advice from social services or other organizations as needed.

Creating a Personalized Care Plan

A personalized care plan is tailored to an individual’s specific needs and preferences. It outlines the type and level of care required, as well as the care services that will be provided. Creating a care plan involves an initial assessment by a healthcare professional, which helps to identify the individual’s care needs and develop a plan to meet those needs. A needs assessment is essential for determining the level of care required and the financial contributions needed. The plan may include a combination of care services, such as homecare, live-in care, or respite care, and can be adjusted as needed to ensure the individual receives the best possible care. Direct payments or a personal budget can be used to fund the care plan, giving individuals more control over their care.

Is Financial Help Available?

Many people are eligible for financial assistance to help cover home care costs. This might come from:

• Local authority funding (subject to a needs and means assessment)
• NHS Continuing Healthcare (for those with complex medical needs)
• Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment
• Carer’s Allowance for family members providing regular care

A financial assessment will be conducted to evaluate your income and savings, determining your eligibility for financial support. Local councils assess an individual’s situation to determine the extent of financial support they can provide, and tariff income is calculated based on an individual’s capital during this assessment.

It’s important to contact your local council or a social worker to see what support may be available, especially before arranging care privately.

How to Choose the Right Type of Care

The right type of home care depends on the individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances. Some people benefit from occasional help with shopping or cleaning, while others need daily visits for personal care and medication. For individuals living with conditions like dementia or Parkinson’s, regular specialist care is key to maintaining comfort and safety at home. In-home care can be tailored to individual needs, providing personalized support and allowing individuals to remain in their familiar surroundings.

Here are a few common care scenarios:

• An older adult living alone may benefit from companionship support and befriending services to improve wellbeing.
• A family caring for a relative with mobility issues might arrange daily personal care and respite care to reduce pressure on loved ones.
• Someone receiving end-of-life care may need a combination of palliative care and overnight or 24 hour care to ensure comfort and dignity. A live in carer can provide 24/7 support, ensuring the individual’s comfort and dignity.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how much home care costs per hour in the UK is a vital step in planning support. While rates can vary based on care needs, location, and provider type, the flexibility of home care makes it a valuable option for many families. From personal care and medication support to overnight visits and full-time 24 hour care, the right care package can provide comfort, independence, and peace of mind—without the upheaval of moving into residential care. It is also important to understand various funding options and how to pay for care, including financial assistance from local councils and benefits.

Whether you’re arranging support for a loved one or planning for your own care, exploring options early can help ensure you get the right level of care, at the right cost, when it’s most needed.

Image by Sabine van Erp from Pixabay