How much does a home carer cost per hour UK?
Are You Wondering How Much Home Care Costs and What Support is Available?
Understanding home care costs is essential for families considering support for a loved one. Whether you need occasional assistance or round-the-clock care, planning for the financial aspect can feel overwhelming. Home Instead Yeovil, Sherborne & Bridport is committed to helping families navigate the costs and explore available funding options.
In this article, we break down the costs of home care in 2025, including hourly rates, live-in care, and overnight support. We also explore funding opportunities, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Home Care Costs in 2025: What You Need to Know
The cost of home care varies depending on factors such as location, level of care required, and the type of service chosen. Below is an overview of average home care costs in the UK:
Hourly Home Care Costs
Hourly home care, also known as domiciliary care, provides support for individuals who need assistance with daily tasks. The average cost in 2025 is £28 per hour.
For someone requiring three hours of care each day, the costs add up as follows:
- £84 per day
- £588 per week
- £2,548 per month
- £30,576 per year
This option is ideal for those who need help with tasks such as:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Companionship
Live-in Care Costs
For individuals needing 24/7 assistance, live-in care provides a dedicated carer who resides in the home. This is often a preferred alternative to residential care homes. The average cost of live-in care is £228 per day, or approximately £82,992 per year.
Live-in care is particularly beneficial for those requiring:
- Dementia care
- Palliative care
- Support following hospital discharge
- Assistance with mobility
Overnight Home Care Costs
Overnight care is an essential service for those who need support during the night. It comes in two forms:
- Sleeping night care (£187 per night): A carer stays overnight but is only required to assist occasionally.
- Waking night care (£244 per night): A carer remains awake and alert to provide continuous support.
For those requiring overnight care every night, this can total up to £68,068 – £88,816 per year, depending on the level of support needed.
Who Pays for Home Care? Exploring Funding Options
Funding home care can be challenging, but there are various options available to help cover the costs.
Local Authority Funding
Local councils provide financial support based on a care needs assessment and a financial means test. Importantly, the value of a person’s home is not considered when applying for home care funding.
2024/2025 Financial Thresholds:
| Country | Upper Savings Threshold | Lower Savings Threshold |
| England | £23,250 | £14,250 |
| Northern Ireland | £23,250 | £14,250 |
| Scotland | £10,000/£6,000 | N/A |
| Wales | £24,000 | N/A |
If savings exceed the upper threshold, full self-funding is required.- Those with savings between the thresholds may receive partial funding.
- If savings fall below the lower threshold, the council provides the maximum possible assistance.
Self-Funding Options
For those who do not qualify for local authority funding, there are several ways to fund home care:
- Personal savings and pensions
- Attendance Allowance (for individuals over State Pension age)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (for individuals under State Pension age)
- Immediate needs annuities
- Equity release schemes
- Downsizing to a smaller home
- Deferred payment schemes (offered by some councils)
NHS Funding for Home Care
Individuals with complex medical needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC), which covers the full cost of care. In Scotland, a similar scheme called Hospital-Based Complex Clinical Care provides funding for those with significant health conditions.
Eligibility is based on:
- The level of care required
- The complexity of medical needs
- The risks involved if care is not provided
Government Benefits That Can Help Cover Home Care Costs
Several government benefits can help reduce the financial burden of home care. These include:
Attendance Allowance
For individuals over State Pension age who need assistance due to a disability or illness:
- Lower rate: £72.65 per week
- Higher rate: £108.55 per week (for those needing day and night support)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For individuals under State Pension age requiring long-term care:
- Daily living component: Up to £108.55 per week
- Mobility component: Up to £75.75 per week
Carer’s Allowance
If a family member or friend provides 35+ hours of unpaid care per week, they may be eligible for £81.90 per week, subject to income limitations.
Pension Credit
For pensioners on a low income:
- Guarantee Credit: Tops up weekly income to £218.15 (single) or £332.95 (couple)
- Savings Credit: Provides up to £19.04 per week for those with modest retirement savings
Choosing the Right Home Care Provider
When selecting a home care provider, it is essential to look at:
Key Factors to Evaluate
- Reputation & Accreditation: Look for Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings.
- Services Provided: Ensure the provider meets specific care needs.
- Cost Transparency: Verify pricing structures and additional charges.
- Carer Qualifications: Check for experience in specialist care, such as dementia or palliative care.
- Adaptability: Ensure care plans can be adjusted as needs change.
Why Choose Home Instead Yeovil, Sherborne & Bridport?
Home Instead is a trusted provider of high-quality home care, offering compassionate and personalised support to individuals across Yeovil, Sherborne & Bridport. With a team of highly trained caregivers, we ensure:
- Tailored care plans suited to individual needs
- Companionship-focused services to enhance quality of life
- Expertise in specialist care, including dementia and palliative care
- Support in accessing funding and financial assistance
Final Thoughts
Understanding home care costs is essential for making informed decisions about the future. While home care fees can be significant, various funding options, government benefits, and NHS support schemes can help manage the costs.
If you are considering home care for yourself or a loved one in Yeovil, Sherborne & Bridport, Home Instead is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more about personalised care plans and funding support options.
Areas We Serve
Yeovil, Bridport, Sherborne, Crewkerne, Weston, Martock, Somerton, Langport, Eastfield, Castle Cary, Bruton, South Petherton, Beaminster, Milborne Port and surrounding areas.
DT6 3, TA18 7, TA12 6, BA22 9, TA14 6, DT6 6, TA11 7, TA11 6, BA21 3, DT9 6, DT6 5, TA10 0, BA22 8, BA7 7, DT9 5, DT6 4, DT2 0, BA21 4, TA17 8, DT8 3, BA22 7, TA10 9, TA13 5, BA10 0, BA9 8, TA15 6, DT9 3, BA20 2, BA21 5, BA20 1, TA16 5, DT9 4, TA18 8
Office Address: Somerset Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close,
Copse Road, Yeovil,
Somerset – BA22 8RN
Phone: 01935 577030