When you’re exploring homecare for yourself or a loved one, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: how much does it cost?
It’s a completely valid question—and one we believe should be answered clearly and honestly. The reality is that homecare costs can vary significantly, and the reasons behind those differences aren’t always obvious on the surface. This guide aims to explain:
- Why there’s such variation in homecare pricing
- What to look out for when comparing providers
- What regulated carers can do (that agency carers cannot)
- How Trinity Homecare structures pricing
- Where we sit compared to the wider market
Why Does Homecare Pricing Vary So Much?
Homecare costs in the UK typically range from around £22 to £45 per hour for visiting care, and £1,000 to £2,000+ per week for live-in care. This wide range exists for a few key reasons:
- Regulated Provider vs. Introductory Agency
One of the biggest distinctions in homecare is whether you’re using a regulated provider or an introductory agency.
- Regulated providers (like Trinity Homecare) are inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and are legally accountable for care quality, safeguarding, supervision, training, and emergency cover.
- Introductory agencies act as matchmakers, introducing families to self-employed carers. Once introduced, the agency steps away, and the client assumes full responsibility for managing the care.
It’s a bit like choosing between a regulated nursery and a babysitter off the internet. One gives you peace of mind, structure, and protection. The other gives you flexibility—but also more risk.
- Care Quality and Reputation
Would you send your child to a school rated “Requires Improvement”? Probably not. The same principle applies to care.
The CQC rating is your objective benchmark. Trinity Homecare is rated Outstanding, placing us among the top 3% of providers in England. That rating reflects our rigorous recruitment, training, care planning, supervision, and responsiveness. It also reflects the cost of delivering care safely and well.
- Types and Levels of Care
Homecare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Costs depend on the nature of care required:
- Visiting care: for day-to-day help like washing, dressing, or companionship
- Live-in care: where a carer lives full-time in the home
The more specialist and complex the care, the more experienced and trained the carer needs to be—and the more hours of care per day or night are likely to be required. That directly influences cost.
What Regulated Carers Can Do (That Introductory Agencies Cannot)
This is one of the most overlooked factors in pricing—and risk.
| Task | Regulated Providers (like Trinity) | Introductory Agencies |
| Personal care & medication | ✅ Fully managed, trained, and monitored | ❌ Not allowed for medication, no supervision for personal care |
| Complex or clinical tasks (e.g. catheter care, hoists, PEG feeding) | ✅ Permitted with training and clinical oversight | ❌ Not allowed |
| Care planning & reviews | ✅ Formal assessments, updated regularly | ❌ Not provided |
| Supervision & safeguarding | ✅ Ongoing management and CQC oversight | ❌ No formal oversight |
| Carer sickness cover | ✅ Guaranteed by provider | ❌ Client must arrange cover |
Introductory agencies are not regulated by the CQC, meaning they cannot oversee or supervise care legally. If something goes wrong, you are solely responsible.
Trinity Homecare Pricing Explained
We believe in full transparency. No hidden fees, no unexpected add-ons—just clear, honest pricing based on your individual needs.
- Visiting Care (Hourly Support)
- From £37.75 per hour, depending on location and level of support
- Minimum visit length is 30 minutes, charged at £28 per visit
- Ideal for personal care, medication support, companionship, mobility help, and day-to-day assistance
- As needs become more complex, this may involve more frequent or longer visits throughout the day
- Fully managed by our care team, including regular reviews and family updates
- Live-in Care
- From £1,200 per week, depending on care needs and circumstances
- Most clients realistically fall between £1,645 and £1,925 per week
- Includes a carefully matched carer living in the home full-time
- Suitable for anything from companionship and low-level help to full 24/7 complex care
- Ongoing oversight, contingency planning, and support are all part of the service
Every care package includes carer training, vetting, matching, supervision, emergency cover, and clinical escalation where needed—giving families total peace of mind.
Trinity vs Other Homecare Providers
| Provider | Type | CQC Rating | Visiting Care | Live-in Care |
| Trinity Homecare | Regulated | Outstanding | From £37.75/hour £28 for 30-minute visits |
£1,645–£1,925/week (most clients) |
| The Good Care Group | Regulated | Outstanding | N/A | From £1,645/week |
| Helping Hands | Regulated | Good | From £31/hour | From £1,779/week |
| Right at Home | Regulated | Mostly Good | From £32/hour | From £1,610/week |
| Elder | Introductory Agency | Not rated | N/A | From £1,100/week |
| Home Instead | Regulated | Mostly Good/Outstanding | From £31.28/hour | Varies by branch |
Trinity offers an Outstanding-rated service with full management, clinical governance, and family support—competitively priced among leading regulated providers and transparently different from introductory-only agencies.
What to Look for When Comparing Homecare Providers
Before making a decision, consider:
- CQC rating: Your best indicator of care quality and safety
- Regulated or agency?: Agencies may cost less but offer no oversight
- Included services: Does the provider offer training, reviews, supervision, and sickness cover?
- Transparency: Are prices clearly explained from the start?
Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than Price
Choosing homecare is not just a financial decision. It’s about protecting a loved one’s wellbeing, independence, and dignity.
The cheapest option is not always the safest—or the wisest.
Book a free care consultation today by calling 020 4572 3694 or visit our website https://www.trinityhomecare.co.uk/ to find out more.
