Find a Home Care Specialist near you
The average rating for Bark Home Care Specialists is 4.78, based on 92,226 reviews
5/5
based on 92,226 reviews
Looking to hire a home care specialist to care for yourself or a loved one? Read our handy guide to find out how much your home and domiciliary care is likely to cost.
Many people will come into contact with domiciliary care (otherwise known as home care) in their lifetimes, whether they're looking for support for themselves or they want help taking care of a loved one - in fact, by 2021, The National Audit Office estimated that 814,000 adults were receiving home care. Domiciliary care is a tricky thing to get right, and the cost of high quality care is a hot topic. In this guide we break down the average hourly and weekly costs of home care, what you get, and how you can help fund it.
If you're already looking for a professional local carer, get free domiciliary care quotes here.
Home and domiciliary care is health care or support which is provided in your own home. A home care specialist can enable you to maintain your independence whilst having that extra support when you need it the most.
Many people choose home care as an alternative to moving into a care home. Home and domiciliary care enables you to continue living in your own home with your familiar surroundings, whilst receiving as much support as you need.
Home care specialists can help with anything from collecting your shopping, preparing meals, collecting prescriptions and carrying out personal care tasks. Many clients who live alone also enjoy having someone to talk to when their home carer visits.
If you’re considering hiring a home care specialist to provide home and domiciliary care, you may be wondering how much it will cost.
The cost of hiring a home care specialist depends on several different factors. These include your location and any specialist requirements that you might have. Although there is no fixed rate for home and domiciliary care, a breakdown of average hourly costs based on local UK professionals is given below.
Here are the average costs of home and domiciliary care based on UK professionals across the country:
| Average cost (hourly) | £20 |
| Minimum cost (hourly) | £15 |
| Maximum cost (hourly) | £25 |
On average, the hourly rate for domiciliary care in the UK stands at approximately £20. However, this figure is not set in stone - many variables can push this cost ceiling to £25 or drop it to a more affordable £15 range.
These factors include the specific needs of the individual, as well as locality and the carer's experience level. The duration of care sought daily can make a substantial difference, with around-the-clock services obviously incurring heftier expenses.
When considering the broader picture of domiciliary care expenses, weekly costs provide a more comprehensive insight. On average, families in the UK can expect to invest around £800 to £1,600 weekly for home care services. This range is reflective of the cumulative hourly rates extended across varying lengths and intensities of care throughout the week. These figures suggest that for those requiring full-time care, the financial commitment can be significant, yet it is crucial for ensuring that loved ones receive the support and assistance they need in the comfort of their own homes.
Home care prices aren’t uniform across the nation. The regional disparity is a noticeable economic signifier, with the East Midlands and the Southeast edging above the average at £21 and £22 respectively. Conversely, the North East and Scotland present more budget-friendly options at £17 per hour.
| Location | Average cost (hourly) |
| East Midlands | £21 |
| East of England | £22 |
| London | £20 |
| North East England | £17 |
| North West England | £18 |
| Scotland | £17 |
| South East England | £22 |
Aside from geography, the expertise of the carer plays a significant role in cost determination. Those with specialisms, such as dementia care or physiotherapy, will charge more due to their advanced skills and the demand for such services.
Time frames are equally impactful. Out-of-hours care, like during bank holidays or in the evening, will warrant an increased rate, reflecting the logistical challenges and higher labor costs associated with unsociable hours.
The process of selecting home care is not just about minimizing costs, but also about finding the right match for your relative’s needs. This involves detailed discussions regarding their condition and any specific requirements they may have. Transparency in these communications will help in arriving at a personalized care plan that is both effective and, hopefully, affordable.
Looking for recommendations from friends or online caregiver directories can be insightful. Prior experience and reviews from other users can provide valuable perspective. And, of course, trust your intuition. Meeting caregivers in person is a crucial step in vetting their suitability for the role.
While the price tag on domiciliary care can be significant, the value it provides cannot be overstated. Not only does it allow individuals to maintain their independence and familiar environment, but it also ensures a higher quality of life by tailoring care to personal preferences and routine. This has far-reaching positive implications for the emotional well-being of those under care, and for their family members who are reassured by professional support.
Investing in domiciliary care is not only an investment in welfare but also a strategic economic decision. It can help avoid or delay the need for more intensive, and often more expensive, care solutions.
Many families inquire about the NHS or council funding for home care. The answer can be complex, as eligibility is determined by specific criteria and the availability of resources in each local authority. You can find more information on the support you or your relative can get for free here.
However, individuals are often expected to contribute a certain amount to their care costs, which can be calculated during a financial assessment. It’s important to remember that despite potential government support, understanding the roles and responsibilities of both parties involved - the state and the family - is a crucial part of financial planning for home care.
Opting for a private home carer has distinct benefits. In comparison to agency-employed carers, private carers are sometimes more affordable due to the absence of intermediary fees. They also offer the possibility of building a long-term, one-on-one relationship, providing a sense of continuity and personal touch.
On the other hand, using an agency may provide more flexibility, for example guaranteed cover if your carer is off sick. Our advice is to get quotes from both agencies and private carers, and see who you click with.
According to Age UK it costs £800 per week on average to live in a care home, rising to over £1,000 for a nursing home. Costs may be higher or lower in some locations (for example, a care home will cost more on average in London to reflect the general cost of living.) In addition, if the person going into care has over £23,250 in savings, everything will need to be self-funded.
Whether a home is the right choice is completely up to personal preference and needs. People who choose domiciliary care may do so for budgeting reasons or, more likely, to stay in the environment that they're familiar with for as long as possible. (There really is no place like home.) If finances come into the decision, think about how often you or your relative need care assistance, calculate the average cost of domiciliary care in your area (from the table above) multiplied by how many hours you think you'll need care for, and compare it to the cost of care homes in your area.
If you feel that you or a loved one need support in your home, a home care specialist could be the ideal solution. From helping with shopping and preparing meals, to assisting with your personal care, a home care specialist can enable you to maintain your independence whilst offering the support you need.
If you only need a couple of hours of care each day, home care typically works out cheaper than moving into a care home. It also means that you can stay living in your own home, in familiar surroundings and near to your friends and family. You can also continue living with any pets you might have.
Home care also allows you to choose how much care you require. You can increase or decrease the hours you need as your circumstances change and choose which aspects of your life you require support with, making your care completely customisable.
Hiring a home care specialist is an important decision which requires a lot of consideration. Search for home care specialists, read reviews from genuine customers and request quotes on Bark.
The average rating for Bark Home Care Specialists is 4.78, based on 92,226 reviews
5/5
based on 92,226 reviews
