Navigating the Cost of Home Care: 6 Things You Need to Know

When it comes to arranging care at home, it’s vital to find the right support but also understand what it costs and what you’re actually paying for.

Homecare, often called domiciliary care, can include everything from help with washing, dressing and meal preparation, to companionship visits and medication support.

According to Age UK, the average cost of home care starts from £25 per hour, depending on where you live and the level of help you need.

Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, knowing how homecare costs in the UK are calculated and what options are available, can make all the difference.

Here’s 6 things you need to know.

1. Understanding the Cost of Homecare

The cost of care at home varies because every person’s needs are different. You might only need an hour or two of support each day, or you might need more frequent visits, overnight care or even full-time live-in care.

Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:

• Hourly care – usually £20-£30 per hour for everyday support such as personal care, meals or light housework.
• Live-in care – a carer stays in your home to provide round-the-clock help; prices start at £800 per week.
• Overnight care – typically £120 to £150 per night, depending on whether the carer is awake or sleeping.

Other factors affect price too: where you live (care is usually more expensive in London and the South East), the level of training and experience carers have, and how long or how often visits are scheduled.

It’s also worth asking about extras. Some agencies charge for travel time, short visits or weekend and bank holiday calls.

2. What’s Included in Home Care Costs?

Understanding what you’re paying for helps judge whether you’re getting value for money. A good homecare service typically includes:

• Help with washing, dressing and personal care
• Meal preparation and household tasks
• Companionship and social support
• Medication prompts or admin
• Support with appointments or shopping
• Night-time or 24-hour supervision (for those who need it)

Some agencies also provide specialist services like dementia and/or palliative care, or support after leaving hospital.

Overall, every visit should focus on person-centred care – meaning the care is shaped around a person’s routines, preferences and personality.

3. Local Authority Funding and NHS Support

You don’t necessarily have to pay for everything yourself. Local authority funding for care in your own home is available for many people, depending on your financial situation and support needs.

Here’s how it works:

1. Contact your local council’s adult social care team and ask for a care needs assessment.
2. A social worker or assessor will visit to see what help you need day to day.
3. If you have eligible needs, you’ll then go through a financial assessment to see if the council will help pay.

You might qualify for part-funded or fully-funded care, depending on your savings and income.

If your needs are mainly health-related, you could be entitled to NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) — a separate funding route that covers ongoing care for people with complex medical needs.

Benefits that help top up your income include:

• Attendance Allowance – for people over State Pension age who need regular help for a physical or mental health condition.
• Carer’s Allowance – for family or friends who provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care per week.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – for working-aged people with long-term health conditions or disability.

Age UK and Citizens Advice have excellent guides on how to apply for these benefits and funding streams.

4. Making the Most of Your Budget

It’s natural to focus on how much in-home care costs but value is about much more than price. You want homecare that’s reliable, personal and high-quality.

At its heart, great care is person-centred. It’s not about squeezing in as many calls as possible but making each visit meaningful and efficient.

When comparing homecare agencies, look out for:

• CQC registration: This means the agency is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, the independent body that inspects and rates all care providers in England.
• Clear pricing: Ask for itemised costs with no hidden extras.
• Staff quality: Check what training carers receive and how often they’re supervised.
• Flexibility: Good agencies adapt as your needs change.

It’s also worth asking if the agency uses digital care management systems. Modern homecare software like we provide at TagCare, helps teams plan visits, record updates instantly and communicate with families — improving transparency and reducing wasted time.

“Fantastic service. Always happy to support no matter how small the issue. Never have to wait to be dealt with - always someone there for immediate assistance. Many thanks.” – Dane Brumby, Knights Home Care Services

5. When Care Needs Are More Complex

If you or your loved one are living with dementia or another long-term condition, costs can rise because of the extra skills and consistency required. Care costs for dementia tend to be higher as carers need specific training and visits may last longer.

That said, early planning can make things easier. Ask for a dementia-friendly care plan that takes into account how a person’s needs may change over time. This allows care hours to increase gradually rather than jumping suddenly and helps you budget more predictably.

You can also get financial help through:

• Local dementia support groups, often connected to the Alzheimer’s Society
• Council respite schemes, offering short breaks for family carers
• Charitable grants, which may cover equipment or home adaptations

6. Plan Ahead and Choose with Confidence

Paying for homecare can feel overwhelming but once you understand how it’s structured, it becomes much easier to plan.

The best approach is to:

1. Get a professional care needs assessment early.
2. Research funding options before committing.
3. Compare a few CQC-registered providers.
4. Focus on the balance between quality, flexibility and cost.

The right home care service will provide both practical support and peace of mind for everyone involved. Taking time to understand your options means you can choose care that’s affordable and life-enhancing.

How TagCare Can Help

If you’re reviewing your homecare options or run an agency that wants to deliver transparent, affordable and person-centred support, talk to one of our friendly team at TagCare by calling 01254 819205 or email howcanwehelp@tagcare.co.uk.