How Much Does a Private Carer Cost Per Hour in the UK?

Private carer costs in the UK typically range between £15 and £30 per hour. However, the cost can vary depending on the complexity of care required and your area. On average, live-in care costs upwards of £800 per week.

Understanding the Basics

Before discussing the cost, it’s crucial to understand what a private carer does. Private carers provide physical support, assist with daily living activities, and ensure their clients maintain optimal health and comfort. The type and extent of care provided are highly tailored to the client’s unique needs.

Private Carer Costs – The General Picture

The average cost for a single hour of care on the PrimeCarers platform is £18.08. This price reflects the average, but the cost per hour for a private carer can be more or less, depending on various factors.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Private Carer

You need to consider several factors when hiring a private carer. These factors don’t just determine the cost; they also affect the quality of service.

Location

The area where you live significantly affects the cost of private care services. Generally, areas with a high cost of living, like London, tend to have higher carer costs than rural locations.

Care Complexity

A private carer’s cost is not universal; it varies depending on the complexity of care. Basic assistance, such as helping with meals or shopping, is less costly than complex care, such as support for dementia or other medical conditions.

Length and Frequency of Visits

Some clients require carers for only a couple of hours a day, while others need longer periods of care. The length and frequency of the carer’s visit also significantly influence the cost.

Live-in Care Costs

A live-in carer’s role is more substantial as they can care around the clock. Thus, it tends to be more expensive than hourly care. The average cost for a live-in carer on the PrimeCarers platform is £144.73/day.

Check out our full article on the cost of live-in care.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to the private carer’s fees, you may have other expenses depending on the care needed. These include:

Travel Expenses

Most carers will include local travel within their fees, but long-distance travel may incur additional costs.

Food and Drink

A live-in carer must be provided with meals or a food allowance.

Room and Board

For a live-in carer, the client will need to provide suitable accommodation.

Making Private Care More Affordable

Even with a clear understanding of the cost, the price of private care might seem steep. Here are a few strategies to make it more affordable:

Insurance

Some health or life insurance packages provide provisions for home care. It’s worth checking with your insurer to see what they cover.

Social Care Funding

State support might be available through NHS continuing healthcare or local authority funding for those eligible.

Direct Payment Scheme

The Direct Payment Scheme is a government-funded initiative where eligible people receive money to arrange their care instead of local authority-provided services.

Shared Care

If the care recipient is comfortable with the arrangement, sharing a carer with someone else in the same situation can significantly reduce costs.

Conclusion

The cost of private carers varies widely depending on many factors. Considering these factors and understanding the full scope of costs is essential before selecting a care plan. Remember, you can always find the most up-to-date prices for private carers on the PrimeCarers pricing page. After all, the ultimate goal is to ensure loved ones receive the best care possible.

At PrimeCarers, we strive to make the process of finding a private carer as seamless as possible. Our platform introduces clients to private home carers to match their specific needs, providing high-quality personalised care.