Understanding Home Care: home care vs care homes

At Capitalpro Agency, we often get asked by families: “What is care at home care, How much will care cost?”As we age or face health challenges, many of us want to remain in the comfort and familiarity of our own homes rather than move into a care home, covid taught us that i guess. Home care, also known as domiciliary care, makes this possible, offering professional support in your own home to help you live safely and independently.

But what exactly is home care, and how much does it cost compared to other options like care homes or live-in carers? Below, we break down everything you need to know about the cost of care in London and across the UK in 2025.

Home care (domiciliary care) means receiving professional support in your own home from trained carers. The service is flexible and tailored to your individual needs. It can include:

• Help with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)

• Meal preparation and medication support

• Companionship and social visits

• Assistance with mobility or getting out and about

• Overnight or live-in care for round-the-clock support

Unlike a care home, you don’t need to move out of your home, carers visit you at times that suit your daily routine. This makes home care ideal for people who value independence but need a little extra help

How Much Does Home Care Cost Per Hour in the UK and Greater London?

The cost of home care depends on your location, care level, and provider.

• Across the UK: average home care costs range from £20 to £30 per hour.

• In Greater London: prices are higher, typically £25 to £35 per hour due to higher wages and travel costs.

• According to the Homecare Association, the minimum sustainable rate is approximately £28.53 per hour for 2024–25.

  
  

  For example, two hours of care per day at £30/hour would cost around £420 per week.

  
  

If you’re researching home care costs in London, expect to pay at the higher end of the scale, especially for complex or specialist care (such as dementia or mobility support).

How Much Does 24-Hour Home Care Cost?

If you or a loved one needs continuous support, 24-hour care at home ensures someone is always available for assistance.

This can be arranged through a live-in carer (who stays in your home) or through shift-based carers providing day and night coverage.

• Across the UK: £1,200–£1,800 per week

• Greater London: £1,500–£2,000 per week

  
  

  24-hour home care offers personalised, one-to-one support, often comparable in cost to a care home, but with the comfort of remaining at home.

How Much Does Overnight Care Cost?

Overnight care is ideal for those who need reassurance or support during the night.

There are two main types:

• Sleeping night care – the carer sleeps at your home but can assist if needed. (Average £120–£150 per night)

• Waking night care – the carer stays awake to provide active support throughout the night. (Average £150–£200 per night)

Typical weekly costs range from £1,200 to £1,600 per week, depending on frequency and complexity.

Home Care Costs vs Care Home Fees

Many families compare live-in care vs care home costs to decide what’s best financially and emotionally.

Here’s how they compare:

• Residential care homes (UK average): around £1,300 per week

• London care homes: between £1,700 and £1,900 per week for residential or nursing care

• 24-hour home care: typically £1,500–£2,000 per week in London

  
  

  Home care and care home costs are often similar, but home care allows you to stay in a familiar environment with one-to-one attention, reducing the risk of infection.

Is It Cheaper to Have a Live-In Carer or Go into a Care Home?

The answer depends on your situation:

• For individuals, costs are often comparable between live-in care and residential care.

• For couples, live-in care can be more affordable, as one carer may support both people, whereas a care home charges separately for two residents.

• For moderate care needs, a care home may appear cheaper, but you lose the independence and comfort of home life.

  
  

  In many cases, live-in care provides better value for money, especially when independence, comfort, and personal attention are priorities.

Summary: Home Care Costs in Romford, Essex, Greater London & Across the UK

• Home care (domiciliary care) provides flexible, personal support in your the confort of your own home.

• Hourly costs: £20 – £30 UK average, £25 – £35 in Greater London.

• 24-hour live-in care: £1,500 – £2,000 per week in Greater London.

• Care home fees: £1,700 – £1,900 per week in Greater London.

• Overnight care: £120 – £200 per night.

• Live-in care can be more cost-effective for couples or those wishing to remain at home.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between home care, live-in care, or a care home is a deeply personal decision. While costs may be similar, home care offers flexibility, independence, and familiarity that residential settings cannot match.

At CapitalPro Agency, we provide compassionate, high-quality domiciliary care in Romford, Essex, across Greater London and the UK, from hourly visits to full live-in care.

Contact us today for a free consultation and personalised care cost estimate tailored to your needs, or call for a free assessment on 08001075155 / 01708871517