How much does hourly care cost?
Quick summary
In the UK, hourly home care typically costs somewhere between £34 and £42 per hour, depending on where you live, the level of support needed, and who provides the care. With TrustonTap, hourly care ranges from £23 per hour, often up to 25% better value than many domiciliary care agencies, because we connect you directly with self-employed local carers and remove the agency mark-up.
Continuity of care, visit length and the experience of your carer can have just as much impact on the quality of support you receive as the hourly rate itself.
A clear guide to what hourly home care costs in the UK — what you pay for, what affects the price, and how to get quality care without the agency mark-up.
Cost is one of the first questions almost every family asks when arranging care. Unfortunately, pricing isn’t always easy to understand. This guide explains what hourly home care typically costs, what affects the price, and how to compare providers fairly so you know what to expect.
Hourly home care costs at a glance
Typical hourly home care costs in the UK:
- Average cost: £34–£42 per hour
- TrustonTap: From £23 per hour
- Best suited for: Flexible support from a few hours a week to daily visits
- Funding available? Possibly through your local authority, the NHS or benefits such as Attendance Allowance
- Minimum visit: One hour
What affects the cost of hourly care?
Several things influence the hourly rate. Understanding them helps you compare options fairly:
- Where you live. Rates vary by region, with the South East and home counties typically higher than the national average.
- Level of support. Specialist care — for example dementia support — may cost more than companionship or help around the home.
- Time and day. Evenings, weekends and bank holidays can carry higher rates.
- Visit length. Very short visits can work out more expensive per hour; our one-hour minimum keeps things fair and unhurried.
- Who provides the care. A traditional agency builds its overheads into the price. An introductory model like ours connects you directly with carers, so more of what you pay goes to the carer — and the overall cost is lower.
- Travel and rural locations. In some areas, longer travel times or rural locations can affect pricing. TrustonTap keeps pricing transparent, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for.
How TrustonTap compares
| Provider type | Typical hourly cost | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Domiciliary Care agency | Often around £34–£42 per hour | Ask whether visit length, weekend rates or additional charges affect the total cost. |
| TrustonTap (direct, self-employed carers) | Ranges from £23 per hour — up to 25% better value | Transparent hourly rates and a clearly explained administration fee. Choose your own vetted local carer. |
The difference comes down to how we work. With no traditional agency overheads, more of what you pay goes directly towards your care, providing excellent value while ensuring carers are paid fairly.
What’s included in the price?
Our pricing is transparent, so you’ll always understand exactly what you’re paying. Alongside the agreed hourly rate, we clearly explain our administration fee before care begins, so there are no unexpected costs. You get:
- A fully vetted, DBS-checked, referenced and experienced local carer
- A consistent, familiar carer at each visit wherever possible
- Unhurried support, with a one-hour minimum visit
- The ability to choose your own carer from a matched shortlist
- Full transparency on what you pay and how carers are paid
How to compare home care prices fairly
Don’t compare providers on price alone. Ask:
- What’s the minimum visit length?
- Will I have the same carer every visit?
- Are there joining or set-up fees? This may depend on the length of care needed.
- Are travel costs included?
- Are weekend rates different?
- Can care increase later?
How many hours of care do most people need?
Many families begin with:
- 2–4 hours a week for companionship or light support
- One visit a day for help with personal care or medication
- Two or three visits a day for more regular assistance
- Longer or overnight care as needs increase
Every situation is different, and support can usually increase or decrease over time.
Can you get help paying for hourly care?
You may not have to meet the full cost yourself. Depending on your circumstances, you could be entitled to local authority funding, NHS support, or benefits such as Attendance Allowance. A financial assessment will determine any council contribution. Many families are surprised to discover they may be eligible for financial support, particularly if their loved one has dementia, a disability, or significant health needs.
For a full breakdown of what’s available and how to apply, see our guide to paying for care and financial support.
Is hourly care the right option?
For regular but not constant needs, hourly care is usually the most cost-effective way to receive support — you pay only for the hours you use. If needs are greater, it’s worth comparing with live-in care, which can be more economical than many hours of visits, and with the trade-offs set out in our guide to home care vs a care home.
Frequently asked questions
How much is home care per hour in the UK?
Hourly home care ranges between £34 and £42 per hour, depending on location, the support needed and the provider. TrustonTap starts from £23 per hour.
Why are TrustonTap’s hourly rates often lower than traditional agencies?
Because we connect you directly with self-employed local carers, there’s no agency mark-up. You receive the same quality of care for up to 25% less, and carers are paid fairly.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Our pricing is transparent, with full clarity on what you pay and how carers are paid. We explain our administration fee before care begins.
Is there a minimum number of hours?
TrustonTap has a minimum visit of one hour.
Does the hourly rate include weekends?
Weekend rates tend to be around 10% higher than weekday rates.
Can I get help paying for hourly care?
Possibly. Depending on your circumstances you may qualify for council funding, NHS support or benefits such as Attendance Allowance. Learn more about financial support for home care here.
How to get started
Understanding the cost of care is an important first step, but the best way to get a clear picture for your specific situation is to have a conversation. There is no commitment at the enquiry stage.
- Call us on 0808 278 1112 for a free, no-obligation chat with one of our team
- Tell us about your loved one’s needs and how much support you are looking for
- We will identify carers in your area with the right experience
- You choose the carer you feel most comfortable with, at a rate that works for your family
- Care can often start within a few days of making contact
Arranging care often feels like a big step, but most families are surprised by how straightforward it is once the conversation starts. We are always happy to talk it through. There is no commitment required at the enquiry stage; we are here to help you think it through, not to push you into a decision.
You can also explore our guide to hourly home care for more information about how visiting care works and what to expect from the first visit.
or talk to our care team today on 0808 278 1112
