Finding the right care for a loved one is a major decision, and understanding the associated costs is a critical part of the process. In the UK, caregiver costs vary significantly based on the level of support needed, geographical location, and the care provider. This guide provides a detailed look at the financial aspects of hiring a caregiver in 2025.
Average UK Caregiver Costs (2025)
The cost of a caregiver in the UK depends on whether you opt for hourly (domiciliary) care or 24/7 live-in care. The latest figures for 2025 provide a clear benchmark for families to work with.
Hourly or Domiciliary Care
This involves a carer visiting the home for set periods to assist with tasks like personal care, medication management, or meal preparation.
- Average hourly rate: Approximately £27 per hour.
- Regional variations: This can range from around £25 in the West Midlands to £29 or more in the South West and London, due to higher costs of living.
- Provider differences: Costs can also vary depending on whether you use a care agency, which manages all logistics, or hire a private carer directly. Private carers may charge less but require you to handle payroll, insurance, and other employer responsibilities.
Live-in Care
For those requiring round-the-clock support, a live-in carer resides in the individual's home. The costs are typically calculated on a daily or weekly rate.
- Average daily rate: Roughly £206 per day.
- Average weekly rate: Around £1,442, but can be significantly higher for complex needs.
- Additional costs: It is important to remember that this cost does not usually cover the carer's food or other expenses.
Overnight Care
For individuals who need assistance during the night, overnight care is available in two forms.
- Overnight Sleeping Care: A carer sleeps at the home and is available for assistance if needed. Costs average £178 per night.
- Overnight Waking Care: A carer is awake and on-call throughout the night. This is more expensive, with an average cost of £230 per night.
Factors that influence caregiver costs
The price of a caregiver is not static and is affected by several factors that determine the overall cost of a care package.
- Complexity of Care: The level of medical expertise required significantly influences the cost. Specialised care for conditions like advanced dementia, Parkinson's, or palliative support commands higher fees.
- Geographical Location: As with many services in the UK, care costs are higher in certain regions, most notably in London and the South East, where the cost of living is greater.
- Care Provider Type: Using a fully managed agency provides a structured, legally compliant service with oversight, but is typically more expensive than hiring a private, self-employed carer.
- Number of Carers: If the care recipient needs two people to assist them at any one time, for instance for complex mobility issues, the hourly rate will be double.
A comparison of care costs
To put the price of a home caregiver into perspective, here is a comparison with other common care options in the UK. All figures are based on 2025 averages for England.
| Type of Care | Estimated Average Weekly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Domiciliary (Hourly) | £135 (based on 5 hours/week) | Care provided in the recipient's home for set periods; ideal for low-level needs. |
| Live-in Care | £1,442 | A carer lives in the home, offering continuous, one-to-one support. Highly personalised care. |
| Residential Care Home | £949 | Accommodation in a care home with support for daily living tasks. Less one-to-one time than live-in care. |
| Nursing Home | £1,267 | Accommodation in a nursing home with 24-hour nursing care. Higher cost due to medical needs. |
Funding for caregiver costs
Navigating the financial side of care is challenging, but several options are available in the UK to help manage the costs. For impartial financial advice on paying for care, visit the PayingForCare service.
Self-funding
If your savings and assets are above the national threshold (£23,250 in England for 2025/26), you will be required to fund your care privately. In this case, you can arrange services directly with a provider or receive Direct Payments from the local authority to manage your own care package.
Local Authority funding
If your assets fall below the threshold, your local council may provide financial support following a needs and financial assessment. The level of support depends on your finances, with maximum contributions available for those with savings below the lower threshold (£14,250 in England for 2025/26).
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
For those with long-term, complex health needs, the NHS may cover the entire cost of care. Eligibility for CHC is not means-tested and is determined by a comprehensive assessment of the individual's primary health needs.
Government benefits
Additional benefits can help supplement care costs, even if you are a self-funder.
- Attendance Allowance: For state pension age individuals needing care.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For people under state pension age with a disability.
- Carer's Allowance: Paid to an individual providing 35+ hours of unpaid care per week.
Conclusion
The question of how much for a caregiver in the UK depends on a variety of factors, from the type of care required to your location and individual financial circumstances. With hourly care costing an average of £27 per hour and live-in care averaging £1,442 per week in 2025, understanding these costs is the first step towards effective financial planning. Families should explore all available funding options, including local authority support and NHS Continuing Healthcare, to ensure their loved one receives the highest quality care possible without undue financial stress. By carefully assessing needs and researching local providers, families can make an informed decision that prioritises both the well-being of the care recipient and their financial security.
