Every kind of care
Every kind of care in Bedfordshire, with what it costs here
Each row is a level of help, with the price carers near Bedfordshire charge and how much of it there is locally.
The kinds of care in Bedfordshire
From the least help to the most. Each row links to its section below.
- Companionship visitsCompany, outings and errands£19 to £21 an hour25 nearby carers write about it
- Visiting carePersonal care and help at set times£19 to £21 an hour63 carers within about 45 minutes of Bedfordshire
- Overnight careA sleeping or waking night£130 to £165 a night35 of the nearest carers do nights
- Live-in careA carer living in, day and night£1,015 to £1,190 a week61 live-in carers within reach
- Care homeA room, meals and care, away from homeabout £1,160 a week77 homes without nursing across the 3 council areas of Bedfordshire
- Nursing homeA care home with nurses on shiftabout £1,410 a week40 nursing homes across the 3 council areas of Bedfordshire
Visit and live-in prices are what carers near Bedfordshire charge on PrimeCarers, our fee included, October 2026. Night prices are the range on PrimeCarers. Care home counts are from CQC registrations across the 3 council areas of Bedfordshire. Care home fees are UK averages, because too few homes here publish theirs.
Help during the day
Help at home during the day in Bedfordshire
Visiting care
A carer comes for an hour or more at the times you agree, such as a morning call to help someone up and washed.
- 63 carers are based within about 45 minutes of Bedfordshire, charging £19 to £21 an hour with our fee included, typically £20.
- 40 of the 54 with a rate on their profile drive, which matters for trips out and for visits outside the towns.
Asma N.Luton · 8 years caring£19.50 an hour3 reviewsProfile →
Vincent Buchisa C.Stevenage · 15 years caring“My week is built around visiting calls across Stevenage, moving from one home to the next, and the part I enjoy most is the company as much as the care itself.”£32 an hourProfile →
Jacqueline S.Letchworth Garden City · 17 years caring“I love helping people live as independently as possible and I feel that it's a real privilege to be able to do this.”£21 an hourProfile →
“Nhaida cared for my husband who had complex needs for almost a year. In that time she was a true professional. She was proactive researching information to better care for him. She was always punctual and very flexible. I had complete confidence in her. She is a true gem of a carer.”
“Nyarai is an exceptional carer with many years of experience. She has been caring for my 90 year old mother with such care and attention and has quickly established a really warm and Natural relationship with her. Nyarai is such an asset in so many ways, not only as a wonderful carer for mum but also a lovely person spend time with when we come and stay.”
Companionship
Visits for company rather than personal care: a conversation, a walk, the shopping or a lift to a club.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 25 write about companionship, conversation or days out in their own profile.
Leala S.Hitchin · 17 years caring“Care has suited me for seventeen years now, and I have stayed in it because I like the steadiness of it, the routines, the conversations, the small things that make someone's day easier.”£20 an hour1 reviewProfile →
Toyinlola Sekinat A.Luton · 18 years caring“Clients often tell me they value the company as much as the practical help, whether that's a card game, some reading together, or simply a proper chat over a cup of tea.”£19 an hour1 reviewProfile →
Ndodayesisa S.Stevenage · 20 years caring“My path into care began back in 2008, and fifteen years of nursing since then have grounded me in the basics that matter most: patience, steady hands, and knowing when someone just needs company rather than a task done for them.”£20 an hourProfile →
“Florence has always been kind, patient and with a wonderful positive attitude, which she needed to deal with some of my mothers conditions. I would thoroughly recommend anyone who is seeking a carer to engage Florence. Her communication with us was also excellent, and she was very reliable. I wish we could have kept my mother at home with Florence but she eventually needed 24/7 care.”
“Nyarai has been an incredibly sunny, positive and uplifting presence for Mum since she arrived February. Mum is flourishing through her home cooked meals, tender care, open hearted warmth, and professional poise. As a family we value so much the qualities that Nyarai brings to her care work, and the sense of reassurance she spreads through her lovely spirit.”
Companionship care explainedCarers who share a hobby in Bedfordshire
Personal care
Help with washing, dressing, the toilet and continence, from the same carer each time.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 31 describe personal care in their own words, not just on a checklist.
Paraschiva C.Luton · 7 years caring“I am also skilled in providing personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and moving and handling.”£22 an hour1 reviewProfile →
Paul V.Milton Keynes · 14 years caring“I have supported people with a wide range of conditions, from dementia and Parkinson's to stroke recovery and mobility difficulties, and I am comfortable with hands-on personal care as well as the quieter side of the job, like sitting down for a cup of tea and…”£20 an hourProfile →
Rufaro Lorraine S.St. Neots · 5 years caring“Alongside that, I am comfortable with the hands-on side of care too, including bathing, hoist use, catheter care and medication reminders, and I have experience supporting people with dementia, Parkinson's, stroke recovery, learning disabilities, autism and…”£18.50 an hourProfile →
“For example, Kitty values her own independence, and Nyarai is able to deliver a tailored caring style which maintains Kitty's dignity and sense of self whilst ensuring she is well and looked after. Furthermore, she is a deeply warm and loving person, who is sensitive and respectful. Nyarai is a caring person, hence why she is so confident and adept in her role!”
“I feel extremely fortunate to have Nyarai looking after me.”
Help with a condition
Care for a condition or a change in health in Bedfordshire
Dementia care
Care from someone who has looked after people with dementia before and knows how to keep a day calm.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 33 write about caring for someone with dementia.
Kathryn W.Dunstable · 8 years caring“I started out as a support worker, trained up to senior and eventually moved into a team leader role, and along the way I found that learning disability support was where I felt most at home, though my experience also stretches across dementia, autism, mental…”£19 an hourProfile →
John Mwenda K.Bedford · 5 years caring“I have five years of experience supporting people with a wide range of conditions, including dementia, Parkinson's, stroke and mobility problems, as well as helping with day to day tasks like bathing, dressing and medication reminders.”£17.50 an hourProfile →
Abidemi A.Bedford · 12 years caring“I have supported people with dementia, Parkinson's, stroke, brain injury, learning disabilities and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia, among many others, and I try to bring patience and consistency to each situation rather…”£18.50 an hourProfile →
“We can all fully relax around Nyarai and she feels like part of our family, which is no mean feat!”
Care for Parkinson's, stroke and other conditions
Carers who have looked after someone with a particular condition, such as Parkinson's, a stroke or MS.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 31 write about Parkinson's, stroke, MS or motor neurone disease.
Grace O.Luton · 25 years caring“25 years as a carer working with different families, work with dementia patients, Parkinson patients, work with learning disability and elderly patients, so much experience”£21.30 an hourProfile →
Tefo M.Bedford · 19 years caring“I bring that same steady, easy manner into my care work, offering hourly, live-in and overnight support across Bedford, drawing on nineteen years of experience with conditions including dementia, Parkinson's, stroke and learning disabilities.”£19.20 an hourProfile →
Simba K.Dunstable · 14 years caring“Based in Dunstable, I offer hourly, live-in and overnight care, and over the years that has meant supporting people through very different chapters, from recovering after a stroke or operation to living well with dementia or Parkinson's.”£19.20 an hourProfile →
Care after a hospital stay
A few weeks of extra help at home while strength and confidence come back after a hospital stay.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 14 write about helping someone home from hospital or through a recovery.
Nhaida K.Luton · 21 years caring“I am experienced in dealing with medical conditions and liaising with health professionals such as arranging district nurses and hospital appointments.”£22.50 an hour5 reviewsProfile →
Blessing A.Bedford · 6 years caring“Over the years I've supported people living with dementia, anxiety and depression, as well as physical conditions such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's and cancer, and I've cared for people who are bedbound or…”£19 an hour2 reviewsProfile →
Ozioma Assumpta I.City of Milton Keynes · 2 years caring“I am based in Milton Keynes, where I offer hourly and overnight care, and over two years in this work I have supported people with a wide range of conditions, from dementia, Parkinson's and stroke recovery to diabetes, arthritis and physical disabilities.”£21.50 an hour2 reviewsProfile →
Palliative care at home
Support at home for someone who is very ill, alongside the district nurses and the GP.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 9 write about palliative care or caring for someone who is very ill.
Florence M.Luton · 12 years caring“I have experience with end of life care too, and I try to bring calm and steadiness to families going through a difficult time.”£24 an hour2 reviewsProfile →
Raluca Ariana G.Luton · 7 years caring“Over seven years I have supported people with a wide range of needs, from dementia, stroke and Parkinson's to arthritis, respiratory illness and end of life care, along with practical help such as medication reminders, moving and handling, catheter care and…”£18.80 an hour1 reviewProfile →
Temiloluwa Justina O.Milton Keynes · 2 years caring“I offer hourly visiting care around Milton Keynes, and over the past two years I have supported people with a wide range of conditions, including stroke, heart disease, respiratory illness, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as those needing end of…”£25 an hour2 reviewsProfile →
“Eva supported my mother especially well for two years allowing my mother to continue to live, and pass away, in her own home as she wanted. Eva has always been friendly, supportive, professional and knowledgeable. As my mother got more frail and support got more difficult Eva rose to the challenge extremely well. I recommend her highly.”
“Tabi provided not only excellent physical care but also great companionship to Mum, always attentive and with a calm and relaxed sense of humour, sharing and supporting Mum's love of football and love of family. I wholeheartedly recommend Tabi for any caring position - she is truly exceptional.”
Nights and round the clock
Care at night and around the clock in Bedfordshire
Overnight care
A carer spends the night in the house, either sleeping and on hand, or awake all night.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 35 offer overnight care.
- £130 to £145 for a sleeping night and £165 for a waking night on PrimeCarers.
Laura Jane G.Bedford · 1 years caring“I'm based in Bedford and offer hourly, visiting and overnight care. I'm quiet by nature, but steady with it.”Does nightsProfile →
Adebisi C.Dunstable · 15 years caring“I'm based in Dunstable, offering hourly visiting care and overnight support, and I've been doing this work for fifteen years.”Does nightsProfile →
Nelson K.Bedford · 14 years caring“I offer hourly and overnight care across Bedford, and after fourteen years in this job, I have learned that good company often matters as much as any task on a care plan.”Does nightsProfile →
Respite care
Cover so the person who does the caring can stop for a while, from a few visits to a fortnight.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 36 do nights or live-in care, which is how most respite is covered.
Emmanuel A.Stevenage · 2 years caring“I'm based in Stevenage and offer hourly, live-in and overnight care, and I speak both English and Yoruba, which sometimes puts a client at ease in ways nothing else quite does.”£19 an hourProfile →
Ajoke Rashidat A.Luton · 12 years caring“I offer hourly and overnight care in Luton, and in fourteen years I have supported people in hospitals, residential settings and in their own homes, sometimes living alongside clients for longer stretches.”£26 an hourProfile →
Rutendo C.Stevenage · 4 years caring“I trained in tracheostomy and ventilator care because some of the people I support need that level of attention through the night, not just during the day.”£20 an hourProfile →
“Natalia looked after my dad with dementia for a week.she took care of his needs with him having dementia and mobility issues.he seemed to like her there looking after him. She also took trouble to brighten his room with flowers and ironed all his clothes She let me know if he was short of anything Would recommend her”
Live-in care
One carer lives in the home and is there through the day and night, with a daily break.
- 61 live-in carers are based within about an hour of Bedfordshire.
- A week here costs £1,015 to £1,190 with our fee included, typically £1,050.
- Of the 45 nearest carers with a full profile, 19 also do live-in care as well as visits.
Monicah D.Dunstable · 14 years caring£165 a day3 reviewsProfile →
Amanda N.Bedford · 10 years caring“I am happy to support with overnight care, waking nights, sleep-ins or hourly care and now have capacity to accept live-in care packages.”£145 a day1 reviewProfile →
Peter O.Bedford · 2 years caring“I'm based in Bedford and offer hourly visits, live-in care and overnight support, and I try to bring the same reliable presence whatever the shift looks like.”£160 a day1 reviewProfile →
“She handled the new situation in front of her with such professionalism and I felt I could trust her 100%. She communicated to me regularly and got on well with all visiting carers whom she bonded with which showed such gracious team work. The main thing is I felt Tabi had compassion for our mum and appreciated the person she was.”
Care homes
Care homes and nursing homes in Bedfordshire
81 of the 108 with a Care Quality Commission rating are rated good or outstanding, 6 of them outstanding, and 27 are rated requires improvement or inadequate. Few homes here publish their fees; across the UK a residential place costs about £1,160 a week and a nursing place about £1,410. A live-in carer here costs £1,015 to £1,190 a week, so for one person the two cost about the same, and for a couple live-in care costs far less.
Elderly care in Bedfordshire helps you weigh care at home against a care home, and care at home or a care home goes through what to ask a home before choosing it.
Agencies or private carers
Home care agencies and private carers in Bedfordshire
182 home care agencies for older people across the 3 council areas of Bedfordshire
63 private carers near Bedfordshire
Every carer on PrimeCarers has passed an enhanced DBS, identity and right-to-work check and an online interview before they appear (how we check carers). Agency or private carer compares the two, and the best home carers in Bedfordshire profiles the best-rated private carers nearby.
Paying for care
Help paying for care in Bedfordshire
Attendance Allowance is not means tested and can go towards any of these. The council assesses needs for free and contributes once savings fall below £23,250, and NHS Continuing Healthcare pays in full when needs are mainly health needs. Funding home care in Bedfordshire sets out each route and who to contact.
Questions
Questions families in Bedfordshire ask about the types of care
63 carers within about 45 minutes of Bedfordshire offer care at home, from companionship visits to live-in care. Away from home, 117 care homes across the 3 council areas of Bedfordshire take older people, 40 of them with nursing and 91 registered to care for people with dementia.
For one person it is usually about the same: a live-in week here is typically £1,050 with our fee included, against about £1,160 for a care home place. For a couple, one live-in carer costs about £1,350 a week, far less than two care home places. Care at home or a care home goes through the decision.
A nursing home is a care home with registered nurses on shift, for people who need nursing as well as care, such as wound care or complex medication. Of the 117 care homes across the 3 council areas of Bedfordshire that take older people, 40 provide nursing. 91 are registered to care for people with dementia. The difference between a nursing home and a care home explains how to tell which is needed.
Often, yes. Attendance Allowance is not means tested and helps with the cost of care at any level. The council contributes once savings fall below £23,250, and the NHS pays in full when needs are mainly health needs. Funding home care in Bedfordshire sets out each route.