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The average cost of home care in Merton is approximately £19.58 per hour for basic hourly care and around £151.20 per day for basic live-in care. However, prices can vary based on the experience and skills of the carer as well as the specific care requirements of the individual.
If you are looking for care for a few hours a day, our average advertised rate is £19.57/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 Merton 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 average cost of home care in Merton is approximately £19.58 per hour for basic hourly care and around £151.20 per day for basic live-in care. However, prices can vary based on the experience and skills of the carer as well as the specific care requirements of the individual.
Prices on the PrimeCarers platform represent the individual rates set by the carers themselves, all of whom are self-employed and set their own prices based on their professional qualifications, experience and the level of care they provide. We regularly review and update the average prices on our platform to ensure they reflect the market rate for home care in Merton and other areas we cover.
Let's dig a bit deeper into what home care options are available, and how each model can influence the cost. The primary types of home care commonly sought after are hourly care and live-in care.
Hourly care is as the name suggests, care that's arranged on an hourly basis. It retains a standard of professional and compassionate care while offering flexibility. From a financial perspective, this model offers the advantage of paying only for the hours during which care is received making it an accessible option. On average, the cost of basic hourly care in Merton stands at £19.58 per hour.
Live-in care, on the other hand, is a more involved form of care where a carer essentially becomes a full-time presence in the individual's home. For those requiring round-the-clock attention, a live-in carer provides continuous support and companionship, ensuring peace of mind and comfort for both the individual and their loved ones. It's crucial to remember that this type of comprehensive care comes at a heftier price, with an average cost of £151.20 per day.
A variety of factors can affect the cost of home care, besides the care model chosen. Individual care requirements and the skills or experience of a carer may alter this.
An experienced carer usually charges more than someone at the beginning of their career. Unique skills will also enhance the cost. For example, a carer who can drive and has a car may charge more than a carer who doesn't drive. Similarly, if the carer has experience with stomas or catheters or has exceptional cooking skills, they may charge a higher rate.
Caring for couples can also incur additional charges. A live-in carer caring for a couple may need to work an additional 2-4 hours per day - a factor which is understandably reflected in their rates.
We ensure the utmost professionalism on our platform at PrimeCarers. All of the self-employed carers listed on our platform have gone through a thorough vetting process, including an Enhanced DBS certificates, ID checks, Right to Work verifications, and professional interviews conducted by our team. We pride ourselves on facilitating a platform that upholds the high standards of home care, to give our customers the best possible service.
While costs for home care in Merton can fluctuate, the average costs we've discussed here can give a benchmark. Hourly care offers affordability and flexibility, whereas live-in care provides the individual with a carer's constant presence and support. Regardless, great quality care can be accessed at a reasonable cost, especially when considering all the benefits it brings; preserving dignity, enhancing life quality and ensuring peace of mind. If you are looking at home care options in Merton, our dedicated team at PrimeCarers can help you find a carer that suits your needs. Explore the Best Home Carers in Merton on our platform and let us support you on your journey.
Please visit our guide to home care to find out more about your options and what suits your requirements best, using the Complete Guide To Home Care.
By James Bowdler
I founded and manage PrimeCarers, a Platform that connects Private Clients with Private Carers near them.