Cost of Homecare vs Care Home Living in Lancashire

Russell Crossley
Nov 13
3 min read

For many families in Lancashire, understanding the cost of arranging care is one of the biggest and most stressful challenges. Whether you are considering support at home or exploring care home placement, it is important to have clear, realistic information that helps you make informed decisions. This guide explains typical homecare and care home costs in Lancashire, outlines funding options, and shows how Horizons Homecare supports families through the process with compassion and clarity.

What Are the Typical Costs of Homecare in Lancashire

Homecare (also known as domiciliary care or care at home), allows individuals to receive professional support while staying in their own homes. It is a flexible option, making it suitable for people who value independence and prefer familiar surroundings.

Homecare costs in the Lancashire region usually range from:

£28 to £40 per hour for personal care or companionship
- It's also worth noting that some care providers do have additional charges such as 'peak time rates', 'travel charges', 'complex care rates' etc.

With most providers, you only pay for the care that is needed, which often makes homecare a more adaptable and affordable choice when compared to residential settings.

At Horizons Homecare, visits are never rushed and clients always receive their full allocated time. Consistency and reliability are central to how we work.

What Are the Average Costs of Care Homes in Lancashire

Care homes provide accommodation, meals, supervision, and personal care in a residential setting. Costs in Lancashire often include twenty four hour staffing and overheads such as building maintenance, utilities, food, and nursing support where required. Typical costs include:

£850 to £1200 per week for residential care
£1000 to 1800 per week for nursing care

Based on these averages, families can expect yearly costs of £45,000 to £75,000 or more.

Care homes can be appropriate for situations where someone needs constant monitoring or intensive support that cannot be safely delivered at home.

Understanding Local Funding and Financial Support

Care can be funded in several ways depending on a person’s health needs, savings, assets, and eligibility. The main funding routes include:

Local Authority Funding

If a person’s savings are below twenty three thousand two hundred and fifty pounds, the local authority may contribute to care after a financial assessment. Please visit your local authority website for more information

Direct Payments via Local Authority

These allow families to choose their own preferred care provider, such as Horizons Homecare, by receiving a budget directly from the council.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

For individuals with significant ongoing health needs, the NHS may fully fund care.

Attendance Allowance and PIP

These non means tested benefits help cover the cost of additional support for daily living.

Horizons Homecare regularly supports families with navigating assessments, understanding financial contributions, and accessing available help. Our team aims to reduce stress by providing clear guidance throughout the process.

Why Homecare Can Be More Cost Effective for Families

Homecare offers flexibility and often provides strong value for money, especially when compared with the fixed weekly costs of a care home. Many individuals can continue living safely and happily at home with a personalised care package that adapts to their needs.

Families choose Horizons Homecare because we provide:

Consistent carers who build strong, trusting relationships
Full time support that is never shortened
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Personalised plans that protect independence and dignity

Remaining at home maintains comfort, routine, familiarity, and emotional wellbeing which can greatly enhance quality of life.

A Message from Horizons Homecare MD, Russell Crossley

Caring for a loved one is an important and emotional decision. Understanding the true cost of care is essential for planning ahead with confidence. Many families are surprised to learn that high quality homecare can be cost effective while also supporting independence, personal choice, and dignity. At Horizons Homecare, our mission is to make staying at home possible for as long as it is safe and appropriate. We provide guidance, reassurance, and dependable support every step of the way.

Russell Crossley, Managing Director