Cost of Home Care in the UK (2025) and How to Pay for It

Home care has become an essential service for many families in the UK, allowing elderly or vulnerable loved ones to stay safely and comfortably in their own homes. But as demand continues to grow, so too does the cost, and many families are left wondering how much they’ll need to pay, and whether help is available.

In this guide, we’ll explore the average cost of home care in the UK in 2025, what affects those costs, and how families can access financial support to make care more affordable.

What Is the Average Cost of Home Care in 2025?

Home care costs vary depending on where you live, how much support is needed, and what kind of care is being delivered. As of 2025, the average cost for standard hourly home care in the UK ranges between £25 and £35 per hour. This includes personal care, companionship, and support with daily living tasks.

Overnight care typically costs between £130 and £160 per night, while 24-hour live-in care, where a carer lives in the home and provides round-the-clock assistance can range from £1,200 to £1,800 per week. Specialist care, such as nursing support or dementia care, may be even more expensive, with hourly rates reaching £35 to £50 depending on the complexity of needs.

In London and parts of the South East, these costs can be 15% to 20% higher due to staffing shortages and the higher cost of living.

Also Read Our Blog : Personal Independence Payment: A Guide to Support Long-Term Health Conditions 

What Factors Affect the Cost of Home Care?

Several elements influence the overall cost of care. These include:

• Type of care required – Personal care (such as washing or dressing) tends to cost less than specialist nursing care.
• Level of support needed – More hours or more complex support will naturally increase costs.
• Location – Urban areas, especially in London, tend to be more expensive than rural regions.
• Time of day – Evening, weekend, or emergency care often incurs higher fees.
• Qualifications of the caregiver – Highly trained or specialised carers may charge more.
• Care provider – Registered care agencies usually charge more than private carers but offer additional oversight, regulation, and consistency.

How to Pay for Home Care in the UK

While some people can afford to fund care independently, many rely on financial assistance from local authorities, the NHS, or government benefits. Here are the main ways to fund home care in the UK:

Self-Funding

If a person has savings or assets above £23,250 (in England), they are expected to fund their own care. Self-funders can choose to arrange care directly with a provider or receive direct payments from their local council to manage their own support package. Planning ahead and comparing care options can help reduce costs and stress.

Local Authority Funding

If the person needing care has limited savings, they may qualify for financial assistance from their local authority. The first step is a free care needs assessment, followed by a financial assessment to determine eligibility.

If the local council agrees to fund some or all of the care, they may either arrange care on the person's behalf or offer direct payments so the family can choose a provider like HTR Care themselves.

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

For people with complex, long-term medical needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover the full cost of care — including home care. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and many applicants are turned down initially. If this happens, families can appeal.

CHC is designed for individuals with primary health needs and may be suitable for those with advanced dementia, Parkinson’s, cancer, or who require palliative care at home. It’s worth asking a GP or district nurse to start the assessment process.

Government Benefits

Even if someone does not qualify for full funding, they may still be entitled to other financial help. Common benefits include:

• Attendance Allowance – for people over 65 who need help with personal care
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – for people under 65 with long-term health conditions or disabilities
• Carer’s Allowance – for people providing 35 or more hours of unpaid care per week
• Pension Credit – which can top up income for older adults with limited financial resources

These benefits can help reduce the overall cost burden of home care.

Other Options

Some families choose to fund care through equity release, by accessing money tied up in their home. Others may rely on financial support from family members or explore grants and charitable support, such as those offered by Age UK or The Care Workers’ Charity.

Read our Blog: Can I Apply for Care Funding

How to Keep Costs Down Without Sacrificing Quality?

There are ways to reduce home care costs without compromising the quality of support. Booking care in advance, choosing longer visits (which may cost less per hour), and combining family support with professional care can all help.

Using technology like personal alarms, fall detectors, and medication reminders can reduce the need for extra hours of in-person care. It’s also helpful to regularly review care plans, needs may change, and some services may no longer be necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of home care in the UK in 2025 can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to plan for a loved one’s long-term wellbeing. But with the right knowledge and support, families can access affordable, high-quality care tailored to their needs.

Whether you're exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to act early, compare services, and look into all funding routes available. The right support, emotional, practical, and financial support can make a huge difference.

Need Help Finding the Right Care?

At HTR Care, we’re here to help you navigate every step of your care journey. From choosing the right care package to applying for funding, our team is ready to support you with expert guidance and compassionate service.

 Call us today for a free consultation: 02030048402

Or you can email us at: info@htrcare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of home care in the UK in 2025?

As of 2025, hourly home care costs between £25 and £35. Live-in care starts at around £1,200 per week, and overnight care is typically £130–£160 per night.

Does the NHS pay for home care?

Yes, in many cases , if the person has serious health needs, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care including at home.

How do I get help paying for home care?

To get help for paying home care you can apply for financial support through your local council or government benefits like Attendance Allowance or PIP. Eligibility depends on income, savings, and care needs.

Is home care cheaper than a care home?

Yes, in most of the cases home care is cheaper, especially if only part-time support is needed. Home care allows you to pay only for the care you use, while care homes charge full-time fees.

How do I apply for a care needs assessment?

To apply for a care needs assessment you can contact your local council to request a free care needs assessment. This is the first step in applying for local authority funding or support services.