Choosing home care is a big decision—financially and emotionally. The right support can keep you or your loved one independent, comfortable and connected to community life. At Charismatic Care, we specialise in person-centred domiciliary care across the UK, and we’re often asked the same question first: How much does home care cost? This guide breaks down the key cost drivers, typical price ranges, funding routes, and smart ways to plan—so you can make a confident, informed choice.
What is domiciliary care?
Domiciliary (home) care brings professional support into your own home. Depending on needs, this may include:
- Personal care: washing, dressing, toileting, continence support.
- Daily living: meal preparation, hydration prompts, light housekeeping, laundry.
- Medication support: reminders or administration (MAR charts, safe storage).
- Companionship & community: conversation, hobbies, escorted appointments, social visits.
- Specialist care: dementia support, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, catheter or stoma care, end-of-life care.
- Respite & sitting services: breaks for unpaid carers, day or night.
- Live-in care: a carer based in the home, providing round-the-clock support.
The great advantage is flexibility—care scales up or down to match changing needs, routines and preferences.
How much does domiciliary care cost?
Home care in the UK is usually priced per hour (for visiting care) or per day/week (for live-in care). Broadly:
- Visiting care: many areas fall within ~£20–£35 per hour (urban centres can be higher).
- Waking nights: typically ~£22–£40 per hour (or a fixed shift rate).
- Sleeping nights: a lower fixed rate, with an hourly uplift if the carer is called more than an agreed number of times.
- Live-in care: commonly ~£1,000–£1,600 per week, depending on complexity.
Prices vary by location, time of day, complexity, and provider. At Charismatic Care we provide transparent quotes after a free care assessment, with no hidden extras.
What drives the cost up or down?
1) Level of need and complexity
- Low to moderate support (e.g., meal prep, companionship, light personal care) is at the lower end of pricing.
- Complex care (e.g., dementia, PEG feeding, post-operative care, palliative care) requires additional training and supervision and is priced accordingly.
2) Visit length, frequency and timing
- Longer visits (45–60 minutes) can be more economical per minute than 15–30 minute calls.
- Double-up calls (two carers) cost more but are required for safe manual handling.
- Evenings, weekends and bank holidays often include a modest premium.
- Waking or sleeping nights are priced differently from daytime visits.
3) Location and travel
- Major cities and areas with higher living costs command higher hourly rates.
- In rural areas, drive times can add to scheduling costs; some providers apply mileage or minimum weekly hours to cover travel.
4) Service model and provider
- CQC-registered providers invest in recruitment, training, supervision, quality audits and safeguarding—factors reflected in price but crucial to reliability and safety.
- Some agencies charge assessment, set-up or care-plan fees; others (including Charismatic Care) roll this into the service.
5)Live-in vs visiting care
- When care is needed for many hours each day, live-in care can be more cost-effective than a dense schedule of hourly visits—and avoids the upheaval of moving into residential care.
Typical cost scenarios (illustrative)
- Scenario A – Light support: One 60-minute visit each morning for personal care and breakfast, plus two 30-minute visits for lunch and tea.
Estimated weekly cost: 14 visits (10 hrs) × £25/hr ≈ £250/week. - Scenario B – Medium support with nights: Four 45-minute calls daily (personal care, meals, meds) + two sleeping nights.
Estimated weekly cost: ~21 hrs × £26/hr + 2 × £90 ≈ £846/week. - Scenario C – Complex needs, live-in: 24/7 presence with daily breaks for the carer; advanced dementia support.
Estimated weekly cost: £1,250–£1,500/week, depending on complexity and location.
Your plan will be tailored to actual needs; a Charismatic Care assessor will cost it precisely and propose cost-sensible alternatives where appropriate.
How to keep care affordable without compromising quality
- Match visit length to tasks. Many people thrive with fewer, well-structured longer visits rather than numerous short calls.
- Combine tasks. Align medication times, meals and housekeeping in the same slot.
- Use tech sensibly. Door sensors, falls alerts, or medication dispensers can reduce avoidable visits while improving safety.
- Blend support. Mix professional care with family support or community services to meet outcomes economically.
- Review regularly. Needs change—scale up after hospital discharge; scale down when rehabilitation goals are met.
Funding and financial support (UK)
There are several potential routes to help with fees. We guide families through the process and coordinate with local teams.
Local authority support
- Care needs assessment: determines eligible needs under the Care Act.
- Financial assessment: means-tested; may result in the council contributing towards care at home.
- Personal budgets / Direct Payments: money allocated to you so you can choose or arrange care yourself (we can support set-up and payroll if you employ PAs).
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
- Fully funded package for those with a primary health need (often complex, unpredictable needs). Eligibility is not means-tested. We can help you prepare for the checklist and DST (Decision Support Tool) meetings.
NHS-funded Nursing Care (FNC)
- A contribution paid by the NHS if nursing input is required (more common in care homes, but sometimes relevant in mixed packages).
Disability benefits (not means-tested)
- Attendance Allowance (State Pension age) or Personal Independence Payment (working age)—can be used towards home-care costs.
- Carer’s Allowance for an eligible unpaid carer (with income thresholds).
- Council Tax reductions may apply in some circumstances (e.g., severe mental impairment rules).
We can provide benefits checks and signposting to maximise entitlements and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What a good home-care quote should include
- Clear hourly rate(s) with any evening/weekend/holiday variations.
- Travel/mileage policy (if applicable).
- Assessment and review arrangements (and whether there’s a fee).
- Visit duration transparency: how minutes are scheduled and recorded (e-call monitoring).
- Medication and clinical tasks: who can do what, with training evidence.
- Safeguarding & quality: CQC rating, supervision structure, emergency cover.
- Flexibility terms: how to change visit times or scale support up/down.
- Notice and cancellation policy.
- Insurance coverage and complaint procedure.
At Charismatic Care, we keep pricing straightforward, issue digital timesheets, and provide a named care coordinator so you always know who to contact.
Why choose Charismatic Care?
- Person-centred planning: we build your support around routines, culture, food preferences and life goals—not a one-size script.
- Skilled, supported teams: safer recruitment, shadowing, regular supervision and condition-specific training (dementia, Parkinson’s, end-of-life care).
- Continuity you can trust: we prioritise consistent carers and clear communication with families and health professionals.
- Transparent costs: itemised quotes, flexible packages, and help to access funding or Direct Payments.
- Proactive reviews: we track outcomes so your package stays right-sized—and cost-sensible.
Getting started: our simple three-step process
- Free home (or video) assessment – we listen, understand needs and preferences, and agree goals.
- Tailored care plan & quote – transparent pricing with options (e.g., live-in vs extended visiting).
- Safe start & ongoing reviews – we introduce your team, monitor quality, and adjust support as life changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is home care cheaper than a care home?
It depends on hours required. For a few hours a day, domiciliary care is typically more cost-effective. For 24-hour oversight, live-in care can rival or undercut some residential options while keeping you at home.
Can I just try it for a month?
Yes. We can set up short-term or step-down packages (e.g., post-discharge), then review what’s genuinely needed.
Do you support couples?
Absolutely. A combined plan can be more economical than two separate packages or a move into residential care.
Final thoughts
Domiciliary care doesn’t have to be confusing or unaffordable. With a clear understanding of the cost drivers, available funding, and how to tailor visits to real needs, families can create reliable, dignified support at home—often for less than they expect. If you’re comparing options or want a precise figure for your situation, our team will map out a plan and price it transparently.
Ready to explore a care plan that fits your life and your budget?
Start a conversation with Charismatic Care and let’s design supportive, sustainable home care—on your terms..