Home Care Costs in the UK: Prices, Funding & Options

Understanding home care costs in the UK is an important step when planning care for yourself or a loved one. Costs can vary widely depending on the type of care needed, location, and level of support, which can make budgeting feel overwhelming.

This guide explains how much home care typically costs, what influences the price, what funding may be available, and how home care compares to other care options.

How Much Does Home Care Cost in the UK?

Home care (also known as domiciliary or visiting care) can be charged per hour or as a weekly rate, depending on the provider and the level of support needed.

According to guidance from Age UK and the NHS, typical costs are:

• Hourly rates: around £20 to £30 per hour for visiting home care
• Weekly rates: often offered when care is more regular or intensive

Some providers may charge more for:

• Evening, overnight, or weekend care
• Specialist care, such as dementia or complex needs
• Short-notice or emergency visits

Hourly vs weekly home care costs

While hourly care can work well for short visits or lower support needs, weekly pricing is often more cost-effective for people who need care every day or for longer periods. Weekly rates usually:

• Reduce the overall cost compared to paying hour by hour
• Offer more predictable budgeting
• Include additional support, reviews, or flexibility

Many agencies also set a minimum visit length (often 30 minutes or one hour), which can make frequent short visits more expensive than a weekly care arrangement.

What Affects the Cost of Home Care?

Several factors influence home care pricing:

Level of care needed

Support may range from help with household tasks to personal care and medication support. More complex needs generally increase costs.

Number and length of visits

Care arranged once or twice a day will cost less than multiple daily visits or long support periods.

Location

Care costs are often higher in London and the South East, reflecting local wages and living costs.

Type of provider

Costs can vary between private care agencies, local authority-arranged care, and independent carers.

Specialist care requirements

Care for conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or post-hospital recovery may involve higher rates due to training and experience requirements.

Weekly and Monthly Home Care Costs

To give a rough idea of budgeting:

• 10 hours per week at £25/hour = £250 per week
• 20 hours per week = £500 per week
• 30 hours per week = £750 per week

Monthly costs can therefore range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the level of support required.

Colin and Dulcie’s story

Dulcie is 102-years-old and lives with her son Colin, his wife Mary, and her Carer Sarah. She has dementia and has had full-time live-in care for over two years.

We talk to the family about the challenges of finding the right care solution for a fiercely independent woman – and how the positive benefits of live-in care with Sarah has transformed all of their lives.

How Is Home Care Paid For?

Self-funding

Many people pay for home care themselves, using savings, pensions, or income. This is known as self-funding.

Local authority funding

You may be eligible for help from your local council following a care needs assessment and financial assessment. Support is means-tested, and not everyone qualifies.

NHS support

In some cases, people with complex medical needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can cover the full cost of care at home.

Attendance Allowance and benefits

Benefits such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may help contribute towards care costs. You can find more detail in Elder’s care funding guides.

Home Care vs Other Care Options

Home care is often compared with other types of care:

• Live-in care: Higher weekly cost, but provides continuous one-to-one support at home
• Care homes: Often charged weekly and may cost more than visiting care, particularly for residential or nursing care

Home care can be a flexible and cost-effective option, especially when only part-time support is needed.

Planning for Home Care Costs

When planning, it can help to:

• Review care needs regularly
• Ask providers for a clear breakdown of fees
• Check what is included (travel time, assessments, reviews)
• Explore funding and benefit options early

The NHS recommends reviewing care arrangements as needs change to ensure support remains appropriate and affordable.

How Elder Charges for Home Care

Elder offers clear, transparent pricing designed to be flexible and easy to understand, without long-term contracts or hidden fees.

Elder pricing structure

Depending on your needs, Elder care is usually charged on a weekly basis, which is often more cost-effective than paying hourly when care is regular or ongoing.

Elder’s pricing typically:

• Is based on a weekly rate, rather than individual hourly visits
• Reflects the level of care and support required
• Provides predictable costs, making budgeting easier
• Avoids extra charges for frequent short visits

Weekly pricing works particularly well for families who need consistent support, as it removes the uncertainty that can come with hourly billing.

Elder’s care specialists can explain exactly what’s included in the weekly cost and help you understand how pricing may change if care needs increase.

How Elder Can Help

Elder supports families by providing personalised care at home, including visiting and live-in care options. Our care specialists can help you understand costs, funding options, and what level of support may be right for your situation.

If you’re planning care and want clear guidance on home care costs, explore Elder’s advice hub, learn more about live-in care, or speak to our team for personalised support.