Home care costs vary significantly depending on the type of care and who provides it. 

We have provided a quick overview for this: 

Type of care	TrustonTap	Domiciliary care agency
Hourly visiting care	£23–£34 per hour	£34–£42 per hour
Live-in care	£1,200 per week	£1,500 per week
Overnight care	From £155 per night
Residential care home	—	£1,300–£1,700 per week
Nursing home	—	£1,600 per week (average)

*Figures gathered via direct provider enquiries; indicative and may vary by care needs. 

What affects the cost of home care? 

Several factors influence what you will pay, regardless of the type of care you choose. 

Level of care needed 

Companionship and help around the home generally costs less than personal care, mobility support or specialist care for conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s. The more complex the care need, the more experienced the carer needs to be. 

Time of day and day of the week 

Early morning visits, evening visits, weekends and bank holidays typically attract a higher rate. Bank holiday rates can be significantly more than a standard weekday visit. 

Single person or couple 

Live-in care for a couple, where one carer supports both partners, is typically priced higher than care for one person but is almost always more cost-effective than two separate arrangements. 

Where you live 

Home care rates vary across the UK, with costs generally higher in London and parts of the South East. 

How much does a home carer cost per hour?  

Hourly home care involves a carer coming to the home for a set number of hours. The cost depends on who provides the care. 

Through a traditional care agency 

Traditional care agencies employ carers directly and manage the care arrangement, including rotas, cover and supervision. Hourly rates typically range from £34 to £42 per hour, with higher charges sometimes applying for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. 

The price you pay covers not only the care itself, but also the wider costs of running a fully managed service, including staffing, and administration. These higher overheads can contribute to higher overall care costs, and some providers may also charge separately. 

Carers are usually allocated through an agency rota, so you may see different carers depending on availability, although this varies between providers. 

Through TrustonTap  

At TrustonTap we help you find carers who set their own rates. Carers working with us typically charge between £23 and £34 per hour, depending on their experience and the type of care required. 

This means carers earn significantly more as we believe our carers should be better valued and their pay should reflect that. 

What does hourly care cost per week? 

The table below shows typical weekly costs at an average of £26 per hour through TrustonTap. 

Care arrangement	Hours/week	Weekly cost	Annual cost
1 hour visit, once a day	7 hrs	£182	£9,464
1 hour visit, twice a day	14 hrs	£364	£18,928
10 hours per week	10 hrs	£260	£13,520
15 hours per week	15 hrs	£390	£20,280

*Based on £26/hour average. Actual costs will vary depending on the carer’s experience and agreed rate* 

How much does overnight care cost? 

Overnight care is usually charged at a nightly rather than hourly rate. Through TrustonTap, overnight care starts from £155 per night, although the cost will depend on the type of support needed. 

There are two main types of overnight care. With a sleeping night, the carer sleeps in the home but is available if occasional help is needed. A waking night is for someone who needs regular support throughout the night, and will usually cost more because the carer remains awake and available throughout. 

The number of nights required, the level of support and whether care is needed at weekends or on bank holidays can all affect the overall cost. 

For a full breakdown, read our guide to how much overnight care costs, including sleeping vs waking nights and what is included 

How much does live-in care cost? 

If care needs grow to several hours a day or more, live-in care often becomes more cost-effective than multiple daily visits. Live-in care is priced as a weekly rate rather than an hourly rate. A carer lives in the home and provides support throughout the day, with overnight presence included. 

Through TrustonTap 

At TrustonTap our costs for live-in care starts from £1,200 to £1,500 per week. Costs vary within this range depending on the level of support needed, while more involved support, such as advanced dementia care or complex mobility needs, tends to sit towards the upper end. 

Couples’ live-in care is typically priced at £200 per day, and is usually significantly more cost-effective than two separate care arrangements. 

Through a traditional care agency 

Live-in care arranged through a traditional managed care agency typically costs up to £1,500 per week or more. . Where care needs are more complex such as advanced dementia, Parkinson’s or post-stroke support costs may be higher, reflecting the level of experience and specialist knowledge required. 

Additional costs to factor in 

• Food: either provided by the family, or a weekly allowance of £40–£60 if the carer arranges their own 

• Mileage: 55p per mile if the carer uses their own vehicle for outings or appointments 

• Bank holidays: may be charged at a slightly higher rate, agreed in advance 

How much does a care home cost? 

For context, here are the current average care home costs in the UK for self-funders. 

Type of care home	Average weekly cost	Average annual cost
Residential care	£1,300	£67,600
Residential dementia care	£1,350	£70,200
Nursing home	£1,500	£78,000
Nursing home with dementia care	£1,600	£83,200

*Rates vary by region and provider.* 

Cost comparison — home care vs a care home 

One of the most common misconceptions is that a care home is cheaper than home care. For most people, the weekly costs are broadly comparable, home care often works out more cost-effective. 

	Home care (TrustonTap)	Residential care home
Typical weekly cost	£1,200–£1,500 (live-in)	£1,300–£1,500
Impact on your home/property	Continue living at home	Property maybe considered in means testing
One dedicated carer?	✓ Yes	✗Rotating team
Stay in own home?	✓ Yes	✗Move to care facility

With home care your loved one stays in the comfort of their own home. If someone moves permanently into a care home, the value of their property may be considered in a local authority financial assessment, depending on their circumstances.

Care agency vs introductory agency — what is the difference in cost? 

Understanding the difference between these two types of providers is one of the most useful things families can do before arranging care. 

	Domiciliary care agency	TrustonTap
Hourly rate	£34–£42 per hour	£23–£34 per hour
Carer earnings	Up to £15 per hour	Up to £24 per hour
Same carer each time?	Not always — rota-based	Yes — you choose your carer
Contracts & admin	Managed by agency	Managed by TrustonTap on your behalf

At TrustonTap we understand that some prefer the fully managed approach of a traditional agency. But for families who want more choice, better value and a consistent carer, we aim to deliver all three. 

Extra costs to watch out for 

Home care is often arranged quickly and it is easy to overlook the detail of what you are being charged. Before committing to any provider, make sure you have clear answers to these questions. 

Questions to ask any care provider before you start

What exactly is included in the quoted rate — and what is not?

Are there higher rates for early mornings, evenings, weekends or bank holidays?

What happens if you need to change, move or cancel a visit?

Will you still be charged if your loved one is admitted to hospital?

Are there additional travel or mileage charges?

What is the notice period to end the arrangement?

How much do the carers themselves earn per hour?

What vetting and checks are carried out on carers?

What financial support is available? 

The majority of families fund care privately. However, there are several routes for financial support we believe are worth exploring, some of which can make a meaningful difference to the monthly outgoing. 

Local Authority (Council) funding  

If your loved one has significant care needs, they may be entitled to financial support from their local council. To access this, they will need a care needs assessment, followed by a financial assessment (means test). The level of support depends on their income and savings. 

• Oxfordshire County Council Adult Social Care: 0345 050 7666 

• Buckinghamshire Council Adult Social Care: 01296 383 204 

• Berkshire — contact your district council (e.g., Reading Borough Council: 0118 937 3747) 

Even if your loved one does not qualify for fully funded care, the council may contribute towards costs. It is always worth asking. 

Attendance Allowance 

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit for people over state pension age who need help with personal care. In 2026/27 it is worth £76.70 per week (lower rate) or £114.60 per week (higher rate). Many families use this to offset the cost of hourly care at home. 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 

PIP is available for people under State Pension age who have a long-term health condition or disability. The daily living component can help contribute towards the cost of home care. 

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) 

If your loved one has a primary health need, typically a complex or rapidly changing condition, the NHS may fund their care in full through Continuing Healthcare. This assessment is separate from the local authority process and is worth pursuing if care needs are primarily health related. 

Our full guide to financial support for carers and people needing care covers all these options in detail, including current 2026/27 benefit rates and how to apply. 

Financial support FAQs