Is your family considering home care but unsure where to begin when it comes to cost?
Planning care for a loved one—whether it’s a few hours of help each day or round-the-clock support—can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. At Home Instead New Forest, we understand how important it is to feel confident in your decisions and informed about the options available.
With the rising need for elderly support in the comfort of one’s own home, especially across areas like the New Forest, understanding the cost of a home care package in 2025 is more important than ever. In this blog, we explain what you can expect to pay, what influences these costs, and what support may be available to help make home care more manageable and sustainable.
What Does Home Care Cost in the UK in 2025?
Hourly Home Care Costs
If your loved one needs help with daily tasks like getting dressed, taking medication, preparing meals, or keeping the home clean, hourly or domiciliary care might be the right option. This type of care typically involves a trained professional visiting for a set period each day or week.
In the UK, the average hourly cost of home care in 2025 ranges from £23 to £34 per hour.
Let’s break this down:
- Two hours of care daily at £30/hour equates to:
- £420 per week
- £1,680 per month
- £20,160 per year
- £420 per week
Of course, these figures vary based on individual needs, the complexity of care, and the provider you choose. At Home Instead New Forest, we offer tailored care plans to ensure you only pay for what’s truly necessary—nothing more.
Live-In Care Costs
For those who need continuous support but prefer to remain at home rather than move into a care home, live-in care can be a suitable solution.
In 2025, live-in care typically starts from around £900 to £1,400 per week, though more complex needs can increase this to £2,000 per week.
For example, a standard weekly live-in care package at £1,100/week totals:
- £4,730 per month
- £56,760 per year
Live-in care is often recommended for people living with dementia, mobility difficulties, or long-term medical conditions. At Home Instead New Forest, our live-in carers provide support that goes beyond practical tasks—they offer companionship, reassurance, and continuity of care in familiar surroundings.
What Influences the Cost of a Home Care Package?
Every individual has different needs, so it’s no surprise that care costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence how much you might pay, including:
- Level of care required: Simple help with housework costs less than medical or dementia care.
- Frequency and duration: Costs increase with more hours or overnight support.
- Specialist services: Medication administration, mobility equipment support, or continence care may incur additional fees.
- Location: Rates vary across the UK, and providers in the New Forest will charge according to local demand and operating costs.
Home Instead New Forest takes the time to assess your needs thoroughly and works with families to create clear, affordable care plans.
Can You Get Help with the Cost of Home Care?
Yes—and it’s essential to know your rights and what funding or benefits might be available. Depending on your financial situation and where you live in the UK, several options may ease the burden.
England: Means-Tested Support
In England, care funding is means-tested:
- Savings over £23,250 – You’ll need to pay for your own care.
- Savings between £14,250 and £23,250 – Partial support is available.
- Savings below £14,250 – Full support may be granted, although your income is still assessed.
Importantly, if care is provided in your own home, the value of your house isn’t counted during assessment.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If your needs are primarily medical, you may qualify for CHC, which covers full care costs and isn’t means-tested. Eligibility is based on an assessment by your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Other Sources of Financial Help
Several national benefits can contribute to care costs, depending on your circumstances.
Attendance Allowance (aged 65+)
- Lower rate: £72.65/week
- Higher rate: £108.55/week
Personal Independence Payment (under 65)
- Daily Living Component: £72.65 to £108.55/week
- Mobility Component: £28.70 to £75.75/week
These benefits are non-means-tested, tax-free, and can be used however you choose—including to fund private care.
Carer’s Allowance
- £81.90/week Available to those who care for someone for 35+ hours a week. In Scotland, carers also receive two additional annual payments of £288.60.
Pension Credit
Provides additional income for people on low pensions:
- Up to £218.15/week (single)
- Up to £332.95/week (couples)
Other forms of support include:
- Disability premiums
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Council Tax reductions (depending on eligibility)
At Home Instead New Forest, our team can guide you through the maze of benefits and entitlements, or refer you to a trusted adviser who can help.
How Direct Payments Work
If you’re eligible for support from your local authority, you may be offered direct payments. This allows you to arrange care yourself—instead of using council-provided services.
Direct payments:
- Must be spent on care-related needs only
- Give more choice over who provides your care
- Are available to disabled adults, older people, and carers
If you receive direct payments, Home Instead New Forest is happy to work with you to deliver personalised care that fits your plan.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Choosing home care is never just about the money—it’s about providing the right environment for loved ones to thrive. While residential care homes might seem the default option, remaining at home can often offer better continuity, dignity, and comfort.
Live-in care and hourly visits from Home Instead New Forest provide that personal, compassionate service tailored to each client’s preferences and routine. It allows families to stay involved while ensuring their loved ones are supported by experienced and caring professionals.
We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all.” Every care plan we create is tailored to the individual, built with compassion, and backed by transparency—so there are no hidden costs or surprises.
Let’s Talk: We’re Here to Help
If you’re unsure what level of care is needed or how much it may cost, we’re always available to answer your questions. At Home Instead New Forest, we’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and help you make informed, confident decisions.
📞 Call us today on [insert local number]
🌐 Visit Home Instead New Forest
Together, we can help you plan care that’s right for your family—both emotionally and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average cost of live-in care in the New Forest?
Most families can expect to pay between £900 and £1,400 per week, depending on care needs.
Can I get help paying for care at home?
Yes. Funding is available through your local authority, the NHS, and national benefits like Attendance Allowance or PIP.
What’s included in a home care package?
Support with daily living—such as washing, dressing, mobility, cooking, and companionship. Live-in care may also include overnight help and complex care.
Will the council take my home into account?
Not if you’re receiving care in your own home. The value of your home is excluded from financial assessments for domiciliary care.
