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The costs of home care in Kent vary widely based on the type of care, the specific services required, and the skills or experience of the carer. On average, basic live-in care costs approximately £151.28 per day and hourly care is around £19.55 per hour.
If you are looking for care for a few hours a day, our average advertised rate is £19.55/hour.
Search Hourly CarersIf you're looking for a live-in carer, then prices can vary, but our average price for a single patient is £1,059/week.
Search Live-in CarersIf your live-in carer needs to be woken more than twice a night then an overnight relief carer can be hired a few nights a week to give the carer a chance to sleep.
Search Overnight CarersPlease Note: The above prices are fully inclusive of our 10-20% fee, and there are no other hidden costs.
Carers with different skills and experience levels will charge different rates.
Shorter visits are usually more expensive than longer visits, and live-in care is usually the most cost-effective option.
If your property in Kent is hard to reach by public transport, carers may charge more to cover their travel costs.
The easiest way to find the correct price for your care, is to search for a carer today! Try our carer search below to see which carers are available in your area.
Fully Independent Carers: Independent carers typically charge between £15 and £25 per hour. This rate reflects the absence of intermediary fees, as clients engage directly with carers, allowing for personalised arrangements and potentially lower costs. However, clients bear the responsibility for vetting, insurance, and managing employment obligations.
Platform-Based Carers: Platforms like PrimeCarers offer a middle ground, connecting clients with vetted, insured, and supported carers. The average hourly rate ranges from £16.50 to £25. This model provides a balance between cost-effectiveness and support, as platforms handle administrative tasks and offer resources, ensuring quality and reliability without the higher fees associated with traditional agencies.
Traditional Agency Carers: Traditional care agencies charge higher rates, typically between £25 and £35 per hour. These fees encompass comprehensive services, including recruitment, training, management, and quality assurance. The higher costs reflect the agencies' operational expenses and the added value of managed services, offering clients convenience and peace of mind.
Private Carer | Traditional Agencies | ||
---|---|---|---|
Cost | Good | Excellent | Poor |
Choice | Excellent | Poor | Poor |
Control | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
Consistency | Excellent | Moderate | Poor |
Quality | Excellent | Poor | Poor |
Safety | Excellent | Poor | Excellent |
The costs of home care in Kent vary widely based on the type of care, the specific services required, and the skills or experience of the carer. On average, basic live-in care costs approximately £151.28 per day and hourly care is around £19.55 per hour.
Home care services offer a way to maintain independence and continue living comfortably at one's own residence. However, as with any service, the costs can add up depending on the duration and type of care necessary.
Depending on your or your loved one's needs, different types of home care are available in the county of Kent. The type of care needed can greatly influence the overall cost.
Hourly Care:
Hourly care is structured so that a carer visits the individual's home for a set number of hours each day. Tasks completed during this time can include general care, such as helping with basic chores, personal hygiene, and companionship.
Live-in Care:
Live-in care involves a carer residing in your loved one's home, providing assistance around the clock. This type of care is suitable for individuals who require more extensive care or those who are prone to falls or accidents and need someone on hand at all times.
Overnight Care:
Overnight care can be considered a subset of live-in care, where a carer is present during the night. The rates for this type of care may be lower if the carer gets opportunities to rest during the shift.
Certain skills or experience may increase the cost of home care. For instance, if you require a carer with experience in managing stomas or catheters, or a carer that can cook specific meals, you may need to accommodate for higher fees. Carers who have a driving license and their own car can also charge more due to their increased mobility and ability to support errands or medical appointments.
A significant factor of cost fluctuation in live-in care is whether the care is for a single individual or a couple. Typically, a carer working with a couple would expect an additional 2-4 hours of work each day, and this increase in workload is reflected in the charges.
The cost of home care in Kent, as mentioned before, is often dependent on the specific requirements of the person requiring care. The average prices advertised for basic live-in care were £151.28/day and the average price advertised for basic hourly care was £19.55/hr. However, these prices can fluctuate depending on the specific needs of the individual client.
While all the carers on the PrimeCarers platform are self-employed, they have gone through a thorough vetting process, which includes Enhanced DBS certificates, ID checks, Right to Work, and a professional carer interview conducted by our team. Thus, while trying to work out the cost of home care, it's important also to note that you are paying for quality and reliable services.
Finally, understanding the cost of various home care services in Kent is vital in making informed decisions about care options. The flexibility and variance in prices mean you can tailor the care service to fit both your daily routines and budget. Working with renowned platforms like PrimeCarers ensures you are linked with qualified and thoroughly vetted carers, offering a balance between cost-effectiveness and the provision of high-quality care.
The expenses involved in home care are an investment in comfort, security, and quality of life. By recognising the factors that influence these costs, you can best determine the care required, find a match with the right skills, and plan your budget accordingly. Just as each individual's caring needs are unique, so too is the cost of care. The benefits, however, from improved daily living to peace of mind, are universal. The goal is to ensure that even in the face of health and age-related challenges, every individual has the chance to live their best life, in their own home.
By James Bowdler
I founded and manage PrimeCarers, a Platform that connects Private Clients with Private Carers near them.