If you’re arranging care for yourself or a loved one, one of the most important questions is:
👉 “How much will this cost per week?”
While hourly rates are often quoted, the true cost of home care depends on how many visits are needed each day and how long each visit lasts.
This guide explains typical weekly costs in the UK and how to estimate your own situation accurately.
Why Weekly Cost Matters More Than Hourly Rates
Care providers often advertise:
- Hourly rates
- Price per visit
But this can be misleading.
👉 What really matters is:
- Number of visits per day
- Duration of each visit
- Time of day (day vs evening)
- Weekend pricing
Even small differences can significantly impact the total weekly cost.
Typical Weekly Home Care Costs (UK)
Here are some common care setups and approximate weekly costs:
Light Support (1–2 visits per day)
- 30-minute visits
- Example: morning + evening
👉 Estimated cost:
£200 – £400 per week
Moderate Support (2–3 visits per day)
- 30–45 minute visits
- Example: morning, lunch, evening
👉 Estimated cost:
£400 – £700 per week
Higher Support (3–4 visits per day)
- Mix of 30–60 minute visits
👉 Estimated cost:
£600 – £1,000+ per week
Complex Care (multiple daily visits)
- 4+ visits per day
- Longer durations
👉 Estimated cost:
£1,000+ per week
Example Weekly Breakdown
Let’s look at a realistic example:
- 3 visits per day
- Each visit = 30 minutes
- £25 per visit
Calculation:
- £25 × 3 visits = £75 per day
- £75 × 7 days = £525 per week
👉 This shows how quickly costs add up
👉 Use Our Weekly Cost Calculator
Instead of guessing, you can calculate your exact weekly cost:
👉 Use the Home Care Cost Calculator UK
You can:
- Enter your provider’s prices
- Adjust number of visits
- Include evening and weekend rates
👉 The calculator gives you a full weekly total instantly
What Can Increase Weekly Costs?
Several factors can push costs higher:
Evening Visits
Care after 7pm is often charged at a higher rate.
Weekend Care
Many providers charge more on:
- Saturdays
- Sundays
- Bank holidays
Longer Visits
1-hour visits cost more but may be more efficient than multiple short visits.
Location
Costs are typically higher in:
- London
- South East
Lower in other regions, although travel time may be charged in rural areas.
How to Reduce Weekly Care Costs
If you’re trying to manage costs, consider:
- Combining tasks into fewer visits
- Using longer visits instead of multiple short ones
- Reviewing whether all visits are necessary
- Comparing multiple providers
👉 Even small changes can reduce weekly costs significantly
Home Care vs Weekly Cost of Care Homes
It’s useful to compare weekly costs:
- Home care: £400 – £1,000+ per week
- Care home: £800 – £1,500+ per week
👉 Home care is often more cost-effective for lower to moderate support needs
When Costs Start to Increase Significantly
Costs tend to rise quickly when:
- 4+ visits per day are needed
- Longer visit durations are required
- Complex care is involved
At this stage, some families consider:
- Live-in care
- Residential care
You can check your own pay using our minimum wage checker.
Final Thoughts
Weekly cost is the best way to understand what home care will actually cost you.
By focusing on:
- Number of visits
- Duration
- Time of day
You can get a much clearer picture of your expected spend.
👉 For the most accurate estimate, use our Home Care Cost Calculator UK to calculate your personalised weekly cost.
FAQ Section
What is the average weekly cost of home care in the UK?
Most people pay between £400 and £800 per week, depending on the level of care required.
Is home care cheaper than a care home per week?
Yes, for lower levels of care. However, intensive home care can cost similar to residential care.
Do home care costs vary by location?
Yes. Costs are generally higher in London and the South East.