Cost of Hourly Care in the UK

Curam keeps hourly visiting care costs transparent and easy to understand. Choose your own self-employed carer, discuss the hourly rate upfront and pay only for the support you need. There are no long-term commitments, and you stay in control of your care budget.

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How Much does Hourly Care Cost in the UK?

The average cost of hourly care in the UK through Curam is £14 – £30 per hour. You agree the exact rate directly with your chosen carer, so pricing reflects your location, the length of each visit, and the duties you need help with.

Because Curam connects you with independent, DBS-checked carers, there are no handover fees or exit charges. You only pay for completed visits, supported by a transparent 12% client fee that covers safeguarding, insurance and payment protection.

Whether you’re arranging short companionship calls or complex double-up visits, hourly care keeps budgets flexible. Increase visits temporarily after a hospital stay, reduce them during holidays, or blend visiting care with live-in care or respite support.

Typical Hourly Visiting Care Rates

Guide prices from Curam carers supporting families nationwide today. Final rates depend on travel time, duties, experience and visit length.

Weekday daytime visits

£14 – £26 / hour

30–60 minute visits covering personal care, medication prompts, meals and companionship during standard daytime hours.

Evenings, weekends & bank holidays

£25 – £32 / hour

Later visits, waking nights or weekend calls often attract a small premium because of unsociable hours and greater travel demand.

Complex or double-up care

£28 – £36 / hour

Specialist support for dementia, mobility equipment, hoisting, PEG or catheter care, or visits requiring two carers for safe moving & handling.

Short notice or emergency care

£26 – £34 / hour

Urgent support for sudden illness, last-minute cover or fast hospital discharge, with carers available quickly for personal care, safety checks and reassurance.

What Influences Hourly Care Prices?

Every hourly care plan is personal. These are the main factors that shape the final price:

Location & travel — rural postcodes or long travel times can add a small uplift to cover mileage.
Visit length & frequency — multiple short visits each day cost more overall than combining tasks into longer calls.
Time of day — evenings, overnight sits and bank holidays are priced slightly higher than weekday mornings.
Duties & complexity — specialist clinical tasks or double-up support require carers with additional training.
Urgency — same-day or short-notice requests may attract premium rates, especially during peak seasons.

Hourly Care Packages Tailored to your Week

Weekday routine

Two 45-minute visits per day (morning & evening) — approx. £300 per week.
Includes washing, breakfast prep, medication, light housekeeping and evening tucks-in.
Family can add a weekend visit when they are away or need respite.

Enhanced support

Four visits daily plus one waking night per week — approx. £550 – £650 per week.
Great for clients who need regular transfers, hoisting or two-person assistance.
Costs remain flexible: pause or add visits at any time without long contracts.

What does the Hourly Rate Cover?

When you agree a rate with a Curam carer, you pay for more than time. Each visit includes:

Personal care

Discrete help with washing, dressing, continence support and getting ready for bed.

Medication & health

Prompts, eye drops, hydration reminders and liaison with community nurses.

Meals & nutrition

Breakfast prep, nutritious snacks, evening meals and grocery top-ups.

Household help

Laundry, tidying, bins, plant care and keeping key rooms safe.

Companionship

Conversation, puzzles, short walks, appointments or visits to local clubs.

Specialist skills

Carers with dementia, Parkinson’s, MS as well as palliative experience are available nationwide.

Why Choose Curam for Hourly Care?

Transparent

Agree rates upfront

No joining fees or hidden extras. You see every visit, invoice and payment breakdown inside the Curam app.

Choice

Handpick hourly carers

Browse detailed profiles, references and reviews, then interview carers who match your budget and routine.

Safeguarding

Trusted professionals

Every Curam carer is DBS-checked, insured and monitored by our UK safeguarding team.

Support

Help seven days a week

Need a replacement carer or funding guidance? Our specialists are on hand every day.

Hourly Care Cost FAQs

How are hourly carers paid?

All payments go through the Curam platform. You approve each timesheet, funds are processed securely, and the carer is paid after the visit, so there’s no cash handling or payroll admin.

What affects the cost of hourly care?

Hourly care rates vary based on your location, the carer’s experience, visit length, duties required, specialist skills, and whether care is needed during evenings, weekends or bank holidays. Short-notice requests may also attract a small premium.

Are there any upfront fees when hiring hourly carers through Curam?

No. There are no sign-up fees, assessment costs or exit penalties. You only pay the hourly rate you agree with your carer plus the transparent 12% client fee that is already included in the quote you see.

What funding help is available?

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, local-authority direct payments, personal budgets or benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance. Our team can explain each route.

Is hourly care cheaper than a care home?

In most cases, yes. Hourly visiting care is often more affordable because you only pay for the time you need. It’s ideal for people who require support with daily tasks but do not need 24-hour supervision or residential care.

Do carers charge extra for evenings or weekends?

Some carers may charge slightly higher rates for evenings, weekends, bank holidays or urgent short-notice visits. You’ll always see the exact hourly rate upfront before confirming any booking.

Is there a minimum number of hours per week?

No. There is no weekly minimum. You can book as few or as many visits as you need, and adjust the schedule at any time if your situation changes.