How Much Does Home Care Cost Per Hour in the UK?

In England, the Homecare Association, the UK's professional body for home care providers, puts the minimum price of an hour of home care at £32.14 for 2025/26. It describes that as a minimum, not a fair price, so it is the lowest a provider can sensibly charge, not what most people pay. What you would actually pay depends on how many visits you need, how long each one is and what support each involves. At Jewel Home Support, the cost is worked out and quoted at your free assessment.

What changes the price for you

Two people can both need care and pay very different amounts. A quote is shaped by:

• ✓How many visits you need each week
• ✓How long each visit lasts
• ✓What support each visit involves, such as personal care, medication reminders, meals or help around the house
• ✓Whether you need overnight care or live-in care, which are planned differently from daytime visits

Visits with us can start at 30 minutes, and can build up to full live-in care if your needs change. You can read more about domiciliary care, overnight care and live-in care.

How to find out what you would pay

The most reliable answer is a free assessment. Someone from our office visits you at home, talks through what support is needed, and puts together a care plan before anyone starts visiting. The cost is quoted from that plan, and there is no obligation to go ahead.

You can also ask your council for a care needs assessment. In Bolton that is Bolton Council. In Chorley, adult social care is run by Lancashire County Council. You do not need a GP referral to ask. Our guide to care needs assessments and our page on paying for care explain the options.

Questions worth asking any provider

Whichever provider you speak to, these questions help you compare like with like:

• ✓Is the provider registered with the Care Quality Commission, and what is its rating?
• ✓What exactly is included in the hourly price?
• ✓Are there any extra charges, such as for travel?
• ✓Will I see the same carers where possible?
• ✓How will my care plan be reviewed?

Jewel Home Support is CQC registered and rated Good, and you can read the inspection report on the CQC website.

Frequently Asked Questions