Domiciliary care (or home care) is providing support at home to maintain the independence of older people so that they don’t have to move into a nursing home. We are often asked what is the cost of domiciliary care in London?
What is domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care is a range of services that help older residents in London stay in their own home for longer. The range of services is wide; at Jothno Care we provide help from a few hours every week to full time 24/7 live in care services.
Domiciliary care can include light housekeeping, shopping services, medication management, companionship and personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, going to the toilet, etc). Our carers are professionally trained to be dementia friendly.
Domiciliary care is typically day time care provided in your own home. We will visit you when you need help and we will support your independence at home.
Live in care is provided day & night all year round. It includes more monitoring including at night to keep you or your family member safe and secure at home. It is useful once a disease like dementia progresses and more help is needed.
Both domiciliary care and live in care enable an older person to remain at home and living in a familiar environment whereas a residential nursing home means moving into a new environment and a new routine.
Domiciliary care costs in London
Domiciliary care costs on average £20 per hour (NHS). The Homecare Association recommended rate is £28.78 per hour and the minimum rate for local authorities is currently £32 per hour. The rates are different in different areas of the UK and the London cost can be higher than this. The price of domiciliary care also depends on the level of support that is required.
A care agency, like Jothno Care, will provide a private carer and will make arrangements to cover holidays and time off. We are specialists at providing care to older people in London that need everyday help. All our carers are specially trained to safely care for our clients. Our prices for domiciliary care in London start at £22 per hour.
If you need care provided around the clock or you need specific care for a medical need (Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, etc) the rate for domiciliary care can increase.
Paying for domiciliary care
There are a few ways to pay for domiciliary care. Funding is available from local authorities and the NHS if you are assessed as needing support for everyday tasks. This can come in the form of Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, personal budgets and direct payments. Or you can pay for domiciliary care with self funding.
Attendance Allowance – is for people who have reached the state pension age and who have a physical disability or health condition that is severe enough to mean you need help and that you have done so for six months or more
Personal Independence Payment – is for anyone over 16 and under state pension age who has a long term physical or mental health condition or disability that is likely to last for 12 months
Personal budgets and direct payments – are available to anyone over 16 who has been assessed by social services as needing care and support services
Personal budgets and direct payments give you more choice over what type of care you pay for. Personal budget and direct payments are means tested but Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance is not.
Self funding – Many of our customers pay for our domiciliary care services through self funding. We will tailor a care package that meets your needs and your budget. Simply talk to our care team and we can discuss the options with you.
Can I get financial help for domiciliary care?
Yes, you can get financial help for domiciliary care. This is funded by the local authority or the NHS (see above). If you have personal savings above the upper capital limit (UCL) which is currently £23,250 or you own your home you will not qualify for financial help. You do not need to sell your home to pay for carers. You may have to sell your home to pay for a care home. That’s one good reason to consider domiciliary care over a nursing home.
Finding the right care for yourself or elders in your family is important. At Jothno Care & Support we make sure that the carer is a good match for the family. This can include cultural, language, religion and more. The carer must feel like a part of the family as they will be supporting you in your home.
We are happy to answer as many questions as you need before booking domiciliary care. We can meet with you to discuss how much need you require, what your personal preferences are, whether you have any particular requirements, e.g. dietary preferences, what your daily routine is and where you need help most.
The cost of domiciliary care
The cost of domiciliary care ranges depending on where you live in the UK. In London it is higher than in other areas. Domiciliary care prices also depend on the level of care required. The cost of a few hours of care a week for someone with minimal needs, e.g who just wants company, is lower than the cost of 24/7 live-in care teams for someone with more complex needs.
At Jothno Care & Support we can deliver a care package that will ensure your independence, be compassionate and caring, and cognisant of your personal routines and preferences. You can stay at home for longer with the right care.