Calculating the Cost of Homecare
Published: 27/08/2024
Understanding the Cost of Homecare
When considering homecare options for yourself or a loved one, cost is often a significant factor. At Right at Home UK, we believe that high-quality homecare can be a more affordable and personalised alternative to residential care.
This guide provides essential information on the cost of homecare and how it can be a practical solution for maintaining independence in the comfort of your own home.
Read on for more information.
Why Choose Homecare Over Residential Care?
Homecare offers several advantages that residential care cannot match:
- Stay in Familiar Surroundings: Enjoy the comfort and security of your own home.
- Personalised Care Plans: Receive one-on-one attention from a dedicated CareGiver tailored to your unique needs.
- Flexible Scheduling: Choose care visits that suit your routine and preferences.
- Continued Independence: Maintain control over your daily activities, meals, and lifestyle choices.
- Family Visits: Your loved ones can visit as often as they like, with no restrictions.
These benefits, combined with cost-effectiveness, make homecare a preferred choice for many families.
How Much Does Homecare Cost?
The cost of homecare can vary depending on the level of support required and your location. However, we pride ourselves on transparency, ensuring that there are no hidden fees. Below is an overview of the types of care we offer and their associated costs:
Visiting Care Costs
- Hourly Rate: Our homecare visits start from an affordable hourly rate.
- Flexible Visits: Choose visits lasting as long as you require – all our visiting times are based on your needs. We prefer a minimum of one-hour per session so we can provide exceptional, unrushed care
To get an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs, contact us today.
Do Homecare Costs Differ Across the UK?
It’s important to note that the cost and government provisions for care vary from area to area. To understand the cost of care in your local area, you can use the Which? Cost of Care Calculator. This handy tool allows you to see whether you are eligible for local authority financial support, the cost of care in your area and the next steps if you wish to proceed with care for yourself or a loved one.
Comparing Homecare with Residential Care Costs
Homecare is not only a personalised option but can also be more cost-effective than residential care. According to the Money Advice Service:
- Homecare: On average, homecare costs around £14,000 per year for 14 hours of care per week.
- Residential Care: Costs for care homes range from £27,000 to £39,000 per year.
These figures highlight that homecare can provide the necessary support at a significantly lower cost, especially when only a few hours of care per week are required.
When Do Homecare Costs Differ?
When exploring homecare options in the UK, it's essential to understand the cost differences between regular homecare and more comprehensive live-in care. Both types of care offer valuable support, but their pricing structures differ significantly based on the level of care provided.
Cost of Regular Homecare
Regular homecare is typically charged on an hourly basis. Across the UK, according to homecare.co.uk, the cost of hourly homecare ranges from £23 to £34 per hour.
These costs may increase if care is needed on weekends or bank holidays, as some providers charge higher rates during these times. Hourly care is ideal for those who need assistance with daily activities but do not require 24-hour supervision.
Cost of Live-In Care
Live-in care offers around-the-clock support, where a CareGiver lives in the home to provide continuous care. This level of care is more comprehensive and, therefore, more expensive. On average, live-in care costs in the UK start from £900 to £1,400 per week, but can rise to £2,000 per week depending on the complexity of care required.
Live-in care is particularly beneficial for individuals with more complex needs, such as those requiring personal care, companionship, or assistance with medication, providing peace of mind for both the Client and their families.
Choosing the Right Care Option
Whether you opt for regular hourly homecare or more comprehensive live-in care, it’s important to assess your needs and budget carefully. Homecare can be tailored to suit your specific requirements, ensuring you receive the appropriate level of support while managing costs effectively.
Financial Support for Homecare
Understanding what financial support you might be eligible for can help reduce the cost burden. Here are some key points to consider:
- Local Authority Funding: In England, if your assets (excluding your home) are below £23,250, you may qualify for local authority funding. Use tools like the Which? Cost of Care Calculator to check eligibility.
- Direct Payments: We accept direct payments from local authorities, allowing you to manage your care funding directly.
- Benefits and Allowances: Explore potential benefits such as Carer’s Allowance or Attendance Allowance, which can contribute to the cost of your care.
If you’re unsure about your financial situation, we recommend requesting a Financial Assessment from your local council.
Learn More: If you’d like to know more about how personal budgets can help you access the support you deserve, check out our guide on planning your funding and receiving direct payments for care.
Why Choose Right at Home UK?
At Right at Home UK, we are dedicated to delivering compassionate and professional homecare services. Here’s why we stand out:
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, agency charges, or surprise add-ons.
- Expertly Trained CareGivers: Our CareGivers undergo rigorous training to stay up-to-date with the best practices and most recent regulations. They are also fully DBS-checked to ensure the highest standard of care.
- Person-Centred Care: Our care plans are customised to meet your specific needs, ensuring you receive the right level of support.
How to Arrange Homecare
Arranging homecare with us is straightforward and stress-free. Follow these simple steps:
- Speak to Our Team: Call our friendly experts to discuss your options and ask any questions.
- Free Home Care Assessment: We’ll visit you at home to assess your care needs.
- Find Your CareGiver: We’ll match you with a CareGiver who fits your preferences and requirements. In addition, we ensure you meet your CareGiver – either face-to-face or over the phone – before care begins, so you’ll always know who will be providing your support.
For more information or to get a personalised quote, contact us today. Let us help you maintain your independence and quality of life with our award-winning homecare services.
Useful Links:
https://www.homecare.co.uk/fees/
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/paying-for-care/