The Rise of Homecare in 2025: Why More Families Are Choosing Care at Home

The support structure for older adults and individuals with complex needs across the UK is undergoing a profound and necessary evolution. As we observe market trends in 2025, there is a distinct and measurable acceleration in the preference for professional support delivered within a persons own home. This shift is not just sociological; it is an economic and demographic imperative, showing a commitment to personal autonomy and dignity in later life.

The homecare market in the UK now represents a considerable and growing segment of the healthcare economy, valued at approximately £17 billion annually (Source 1). This growth is primarily driven by the nation’s rapidly ageing demographic. The UK’s population aged 65 and over is projected to surpass 16 million by 2035 (Source 2), creating an unprecedented demand for flexible, high-quality care alternatives. Families and individuals are increasingly rejecting the institutional model in favour of tailored, dedicated support that allows for living life to the full.

Key Drivers of the families choosing care at home

The choice to receive professional care at home is rooted in several interconnected advantages that are increasingly prioritised by clients and their families. For example:

1. Preserving Personal Autonomy and Environment

The ability to remain at home is consistently cited as the single most important factor. Horizons Homecare knows this. Homecare allows individuals to maintain established routines, stay connected to local community life, and enjoy the psychological comfort of familiar surroundings. This stability is particularly crucial for clients receiving Dementia Care or those recovering from acute medical episodes, where predictability aids recovery and overall well-being.

2. The Power of Personalised Care Plans

Homecare fundamentally offers one-to-one attention. Care packages are developed entirely around the client’s specific requirements, rather than a generic operational structure. This enables detailed planning for everything from essential personal care and medication management to complex, nurse-led interventions. Critically, care is delivered on the client’s schedule, not the facility’s.

3. Financial and Logistical Efficiency

While the initial assumption is often that residential care is simpler, homecare can offer a more flexible and often cost-effective solution, particularly for individuals who are self-funding care or who require specialist services delivered for defined periods. Furthermore, the rising complexity of long-term care needs means that homecare providers are now commissioned to manage tasks once reserved for hospital settings, offering a streamlined, community-based alternative.

4. Regulatory Trust and Transparency

The sector's commitment to independent scrutiny via bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides a vital assurance of quality. High-performing providers leverage their CQC registration and inspection results to demonstrate accountability and compliance, building trust signals that are paramount for any service operating in the health and social care domain.

Horizons Homecare: Meeting the Demand in Lancashire & Cumbria

The accelerating need for reliable care is felt in our local operational areas across Lancashire and Cumbria. Families in Blackpool, the Fylde coast & Wyre, and Lancaster & Morecambe are seeking consistency and quality as local authority budgets struggle to meet demand.

At Horizons Homecare, we directly address these local challenges by embedding professional excellence and stability into our service model. We know that the quality of care is inextricably linked to the quality and consistency of the carer-client relationship.

"The growth in homecare isn't a surprise. When you ask people where they want to receive care, the answer is overwhelmingly 'at home.' Our role, as professional providers, is to make sure that option is not only possible but exceptional. We focus on consistency by sending the same carers on time, every time. Ultimately, because we know that stability is the foundation of outstanding care. That stability is what builds trust and delivers genuine comfort to both the client and their family, allowing us to manage complex cases with competence and compassion." - Russell Crossley, MD at Horizons Homecare

We believe that our investment in industry-leading staff training and a management focus on optimal continuity of care are the core elements needed to sustain this rising demand for home-based support.

The future of care is undeniably at home. By selecting a fully regulated and community-focused provider, families can ensure their loved ones receive the highest standard of support while remaining in the place they value most.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What is the main reason for the rise of homecare in the UK?

A: The primary driver is the UK’s rapidly ageing population and the strong public preference to age in place. Homecare provides a professional, flexible, and dignity-preserving alternative to residential care, allowing individuals to maintain their independence and personal routine at home.

Q: Is homecare regulated in the UK?

A: Yes. All professional homecare providers in England must be registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Families should always check a provider’s current CQC rating and inspection report to verify the standard of care.

Q: How does homecare compare financially to a care home?

A: For many, particularly those with basic or moderate support needs, homecare can be more cost-effective than residential care. The cost is highly variable and depends entirely on the level of complex care and the number of hours required. We recommend discussing all options, including government funding for care, with an advisor.

Q: What types of services can be provided at home?

A: Modern homecare is comprehensive. Services range from simple companionship and light housework (Home Help) to advanced, specialist services including Dementia Care, Palliative Care, Medication Assistance, and full live-in support.

Citations and Sources

1. UK Homecare Market Size. (2023). Based on analysis from major industry reports, the UK homecare market is valued at approximately £17 billion annually.

2. Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2024). Data on the UK’s ageing population and projections for the over-65 demographic.