Understanding the Real Cost of Home Care: A Financial Guide for Families

The cost of these two choices is likely to make a significant impact in your decision, so we’ve put together this handy guide to help to explain the typical home care costs and what they cover.

Typical home care costs

Home care costs can vary depending on the part of the country that you are based in. An average hourly rate for home care can be £20-£30 an hour and covers help with washing and dressing, meal preparation, light household tasks and companionship. Care for more complex needs like dementia care will usually incur higher costs.

If you are considering live-in care for round-the-clock support, then costs can range from £900 to £1,500 per week. This will include the carers time, food and basic expenses, but there might be some additional costs if advanced medical care or specialist training is needed.

What affects the price?

There are several different factors that can affect the price of home care, with one of the greatest being the part of the UK that you live in. Prices in London and the South East can be higher than other parts of the country.

The type of care that is required will also be an important consideration. Services such as specialist care or overnight provision will always demand a higher price. The cost will also be determined by how frequently carers are needed and whether you are looking for live-in care or regular visits.

Home care vs residential care

When looking at care options, the majority of families will be choosing between home care and residential care. Home care allows individuals to remain in the comfort of their own home, with care being tailored around their routine and lifestyle. This offers flexibility around how and when the support is delivered and helps to maintain independence, community ties, and personal surroundings.

Residential care provides accommodation, meals and 24-hour support in a care home setting. This is reassuring for those with more significant needs but does require some adaptation to new routines and environments.

Funding and support

Providing care can come with some significant costs, but there is financial help available to ease the burden. Some families might be entitled to local authority funding if a person’s savings and assets fall below a certain threshold.

There is also an Attendance Allowance which is a non-means-tested benefit for those over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability.

The NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is for individuals who have significant health needs and provides a package of care fully funded by the NHS and delivered at home.

How Mariposa can help

Mariposa understands that choosing a care home is about trust, dignity and clarity, which is why we offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs. We include meals, care services and wellbeing support so that families can budget with confidence.

We also provide tailored care plans designed around the personal preferences of an individual, as well as the level of care required, daily routines and their health condition.

We offer free consultations to give families an opportunity to visit a home, meet the staff, review care plans and ask those all-important questions.

By understanding the costs of home care, you can enjoy a greater sense of peace of mind. Get in touch with Mariposa Care now to find out more about the care options open to you.