Is Hourly Care Affordable? A Guide to Hourly Care Costs

Hourly care in the UK typically costs £20 to £35 per hour, depending on location, level of need, time of day and the type of care provider. It is often more affordable than residential or live-in care because families only pay for the hours they need. Hourly care, or visiting care, is best suited to people who require short, scheduled visits rather than continuous support, and it can be funded through Direct Payments, Attendance Allowance or private contributions.

Hourly care is one of the most flexible and straightforward ways to bring support into the home. Many families want to understand whether hourly support is affordable and how it fits into wider care planning.

At Elder, we help families compare care options with clarity so they can make confident decisions. This guide breaks down the real cost of hourly care, what influences pricing and how to determine whether it’s the right choice for your loved one.

What Is Hourly Care?

Hourly care (sometimes called visiting care or domiciliary care) provides support in short, scheduled visits. It suits people who want to remain independent at home but need help with daily activities.

Common support includes:

• Personal care such as washing, dressing and toileting
• Medication reminders
• Meal preparation and hydration
• Mobility support
• Light housekeeping
• Companionship

Because visits are booked in hourly blocks, families can tailor support closely to someone’s routine and needs.

If your loved one later needs more regular support, you can explore Elder’s live-in care option, which offers one-to-one support at home.

Is Hourly Care Affordable?

For many families, hourly care is one of the most affordable care options because you only pay for the hours of support you need.

Hourly care vs residential care

Residential care typically costs £800–£1,600 per week.When someone only needs support at set times of day, hourly care is often far more cost-effective.

Learn more in our guide to live-in care vs care homes.

Hourly care vs live-in care

Live-in care starts at around £1,000 per week. Hourly care may be more suitable when someone does not require continuous support.

Who hourly care suits best

• People who want to stay at home
• Anyone needing help with daily activities rather than 24/7 supervision
• Families who can provide some support themselves
• Those searching for a flexible and budget-friendly option

When Hourly Care Becomes Less Cost-Effective

Hourly care becomes less economical when someone needs:

• Multiple visits every day
• More than 6–8 hours of support daily

At this stage, a live-in care arrangement can offer better value, more consistency and one-to-one support. You can explore how it works in What is live-in care?

Funding Options for Hourly Care

Several funding routes can help make hourly care more affordable.

1. Local authority support (Direct Payments)

If someone is assessed as needing care, they may receive a personal budget and the option of Direct Payments, allowing families to choose their own carers or introductory agencies.Learn more in our guide to Direct Payments.

2. Attendance Allowance

A non-means-tested benefit for older adults who need support at home.See our guide to Attendance Allowance.

3. NHS Continuing Healthcare

Full funding for people with severe or complex health needs.

4. Private or blended funding

Many families use a combination of personal contributions and local authority funding.Our guide on paying for care explains all options.

How to Manage the Cost of Hourly Care

Families can keep hourly care affordable by:

• Scheduling support only during times of greatest need
• Combining family help with professional visits
• Using Direct Payments where eligible
• Reviewing care needs regularly
• Considering introductory agencies for more flexible pricing

If you’re unsure which type of care is the best fit, our guide on how to choose care can help.

Is Hourly Care Worth It?

Hourly care offers a personalised, flexible and often cost-effective way to support someone at home. When needs are predictable and limited to specific tasks, hourly visits can strike a balance between independence and support.

If your loved one’s needs increase, transitioning from hourly care to live-in care can provide continuous one-to-one help without requiring a move to a care home.

Understanding hourly care costs is a valuable first step in planning confidently for the future.

In summary

Hourly care can be a simple, flexible and affordable way to support an older adult at home. By understanding real costs, exploring funding options and planning how needs may evolve, families can build care arrangements that prioritise dignity, independence and peace of mind.