How much does home care cost?
Typical UK home care rates, what changes the price, and how to get a quote you can rely on.
Free to search. No account required. Information from the Care Quality Commission.
Typical hourly rates
As a guide, hourly home care in the UK commonly falls between £25 and £35 an hour. Rates are higher in London and the South East, and for evening, weekend and bank holiday visits. Half-hour and 45-minute calls usually cost more per hour than a longer visit, because travel time is spread over less care.
What changes the price
- Where you live and how far carers travel between visits
- The length and timing of each visit, and how many visits a day
- Whether two carers are needed, for example for safe moving and handling
- Specialist needs such as dementia, complex care or end of life support
- Notice periods, minimum contracted hours and bank holiday uplifts
Live-in care
Live-in care replaces hourly visits with a carer who lives in the home. It is charged weekly, often around £1,100 to £1,600 for one person, and can work out cheaper than many hours of visiting care. The carer needs their own room and proper breaks.
Help with paying
Start with a free needs assessment from your local council, followed by a financial assessment. Depending on your circumstances you may also be eligible for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, a direct payment, or NHS Continuing Healthcare where needs are primarily health related.
What to check before you choose
- A written schedule of rates, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
- Whether travel or mileage is charged on top
- The minimum visit length and minimum weekly hours
- How and when rates change, and how much notice you get
- What happens if you need to cancel or pause care
Common questions
How much does home care cost per hour in the UK?
Most home care agencies in the UK charge roughly £25 to £35 an hour, with higher rates in London and the South East, and for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Shorter visits often cost more per hour than longer ones. Always ask the provider for their current rates in writing.
How much is live-in care?
Live-in care is usually charged as a weekly fee, commonly in the region of £1,100 to £1,600 a week for one person, depending on the level of need and the location. Couples are often only slightly more than a single person.
Will the council pay for my home care?
Your local council can carry out a needs assessment, then a financial assessment. In England, people with capital above the upper threshold generally pay for their own care, while those below it may receive council support towards the cost.
Are there extra charges on top of the hourly rate?
Sometimes. Ask about travel or mileage charges, minimum visit lengths, notice periods, bank holiday uplifts and whether a care assessment or set-up fee applies.