Question 1

How much does Homecare / Care at Home cost?

Accepted Answer

With most homecare providers, the cost of homecare depends on the level of support you need, the duration, the distance a carer needs to travel, how often visits take place, and whether care is funded privately or through your local authority. Generally this costs between £32 and £40 an hour and according to The Homecare Association (https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/)a care provider should be charging a minimum of £32.14 if the care provider is paying the national living wage (£12.21 per hour) - see their report from 18th December 2024 (https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/about-us/research-and-reports.html#:~:text=Homecare%20Association's%20Minimum%20Price%20for,to%20%C2%A312.21%20per%20hour.)

At Horizons Homecare we pay more than the NLW and opt to be much cheaper than our competitors whilst still being able to offer you the consistency, continuity, professionalism and punctuality that you need. We are also very proud to inform you that we do not add any nasty surprise charges to your invoives - you only pay for the care you receive. No peak rates, no weekend charges, no travel charges, no complex care fees etc.

Question 2

Can I get help from the council to pay for care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may be entitled to financial help from your local council depending on two assessments:
1. A care needs assessment – this looks at what kind of support you need day to day.
2. A financial assessment (means test) – this looks at your income and savings to decide how much, if anything, you will need to contribute toward the cost of your care.

Financial thresholds (England):
As of 2025, the financial limits that decide who pays for care are:
Over £23,250: You will normally pay the full cost of your care (self-funding).
Between £14,250 and £23,250: The council may help with some costs, but you will be expected to contribute from your income and part of your savings. Sometimes known as a 'top-up'.
Below £14,250: Your savings are ignored in the means test, and the council pays for your care, although you may still contribute from your income if your care provider charges more than the council is willing to provide (for example pensions or benefits)

What counts as assets?
The financial assessment includes savings, investments, and certain property:
Savings and investments: All money held in bank accounts, ISAs, premium bonds, shares and similar assets is counted.
Property: Your home is only included if you are moving permanently into residential care. If you are receiving care in your own home, the value of your property is not counted in the means test.
Income: Pensions, benefits and other regular income are included, although some allowances are protected.

Direct payments and personal budgets:
If you qualify for council support, you can choose to let the council arrange your care or receive the money directly through a personal budget (sometimes called direct payments). This allows you to choose your preferred provider, such as Horizons Homecare, giving you more flexibility and control over how your care is delivered.

Question 3

What is a direct payment?

Accepted Answer

A direct payment is money given to you by your local council to arrange your own care instead of them organising it on your behalf. Many people prefer this because it offers greater choice and control. You can use direct payments to pay for Horizons Homecare (or an alternative provider you choose).

Question 4

What is Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding?

Accepted Answer

NHS Continuing Healthcare is fully funded care provided by the NHS for people with complex or severe health conditions. It covers all care costs, whether at home or in a care home. To qualify, you must be assessed by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). If you are found eligible, the NHS pays for your care in full, which includes homecare delivered by providers like Horizons Homecare. See more information (https://www.england.nhs.uk/healthcare/)

Question 5

What happens if I’m paying privately?

Accepted Answer

Many care at home clients self-fund their care, either in full or alongside partial council or NHS contributions. Private funding offers complete flexibility meaning you can choose your schedule, carers, and type of support without waiting for assessments. We provide clear pricing and transparent invoices so you always know what you’re paying for.

Question 6

Are there benefits or allowances that can help with costs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may be able to claim benefits such as:
Attendance Allowance (for people over 65 who need personal care)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (for people aged 16–64 with a disability or long-term health condition)
Carer’s Allowance (for family members providing unpaid care)
These benefits are not means-tested and can help reduce overall care costs.

The team at Horizons Homecare may be able to help you in applying for these benefits. Alternatively, local carers centre charities may also offer these services for free. Such as https://blackpoolcarers.org/

Question 7

Can couples receive joint funding or support?

Accepted Answer

If both partners (multiple people) need care, your local authority will assess each person individually. However, with a provider like Horizons Homecare, care visits can often be arranged efficiently to support both people together, which can make funding stretch much further.

Question 8

What if I’m not sure which option applies to me?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to have all the answers before you contact us. If you require care at home, our team can help you understand which funding routes might apply to your situation and guide you toward the right assessments or support.

Funding for Care Services

Looking at Care services, but need help with funding answers?