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The cost of home care in London varies, with the average prices for basic live-in care and basic hourly care falling at around £151.14/day and £19.56/hr respectively.
If you are looking for care for a few hours a day, our average advertised rate is £19.56/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 £1,058/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 London 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 cost of home care in London varies, with the average prices for basic live-in care and basic hourly care falling at around £151.14/day and £19.56/hr respectively.
To help you understand the financial implications of securing a home carer, consider that the average cost for an hourly home carer on the PrimeCarers platform in London is around £19.56 per hour. The cost may vary depending on the level of expertise required and the number of hours a carer is needed per day.
Factors that influence costs in home care may include whether the carer has a driving license, possesses their own vehicle, and their level of practical experience. For instance, carers with prior experience in caring for individuals who require special assistance, such as those with stomas or catheters, often charge a higher rate.
Additionally, if a carer is able to offer their services to couples, this can also impact the cost of care. Notably, carers skilled in cooking may also warrant a higher hourly rate due to their additional proficiency.
It's worth noting that with hourly care, the carer is always actively working within the hours that are paid for.
On the other hand, the cost for live-in home care is generally charged as a daily rate. From the data on PrimeCarers, the average cost of basic live-in care is approximately £151.14 per day.
It's important to understand that the cost of live-in care has a higher degree of variability than hourly care. This is because the number of hours a carer needs to work can significantly differ based on individual circumstances. A live-in carer, for instance, can expect to work an extra two to four hours daily when caring for couples. This, naturally, would lead to a higher cost.
An advantage of live-in care is that it ensures constant support for your loved one, providing peace of mind to families. These caregivers offer round-the-clock companionship and support with daily activities, reducing the risks associated with living alone.
Investing in live-in care can offer great value for money, especially for individuals who need substantial support and for couples who can share the cost.
Remember, all the caregivers on the PrimeCarers platform are self-employed, meaning their rates are set individually and may be subject to variation. However, rest assured that all of the carers are thoroughly vetted by our team, complete with Enhanced DBS certificates, ID checks, Right to Work verifications, and a professional carer interview.
When considering the type of home care your loved one may require, assess your options carefully. Be it types of home care available in London, or weighing the cost of live-in care in London against the cost of hourly care, informed decisions are best decisions.
Moreover, ponder over whether your loved one requires a carer with special skills, or if they could benefit from the companionship of a live-in carer. Should you require additional guidance, do explore PrimeCarers' complete guide to home care.
Lastly, remember the basis of what PrimeCarers encourages: be caring and kind. By providing the best care support for your loved ones in their own home, you're promoting their wellbeing in the most caring way possible.
By James Bowdler
I founded and manage PrimeCarers, a Platform that connects Private Clients with Private Carers near them.