Home care in Scottish Borders
Checked, self-employed carers for families across Scottish Borders, for hourly visits, nights or live-in care. You speak to carers first, then choose.
Scottish Borders at a glance
Of the 116,800 people who live in Scottish Borders, about 32,800 (28.0%) are aged 65 or over, according to ONS mid-2025 population estimates. About 4,090 people in Scottish Borders are aged 85 or over. Scottish Borders has about 25 people per square kilometre.
Population figures: ONS mid-2025 population estimates.
Care at home in Scottish Borders
- Hourly care in Scottish Borders: visits of 2 hours or more, at times that suit you, from £25 an hour
- Live-in care in Scottish Borders: a carer living in the home for daily support, £1,100 a week
- Overnight care in Scottish Borders: sleeping or waking nights, so nights are safe
- Respite care in Scottish Borders: cover while a family carer takes a break
- 24-hour care in Scottish Borders: two carers sharing the day and the night
- Companionship care in Scottish Borders: company, outings and help with daily routines
- Dementia care in Scottish Borders: a familiar carer and a steady routine at home
Not sure which type fits? See home care explained or care for specific conditions.
Arranging and funding care in Scottish Borders
Adult social care in Scottish Borders is run by Scottish Borders Council. Ask Scottish Borders Council for a free needs assessment: apply for a needs assessment on GOV.UK. A needs assessment is worth having even if you plan to pay for care yourself, because it sets out the help needed in writing.
In Scotland, personal care from the council is free if the care needs assessment shows it is needed, whatever the person's age, income or savings, and NHS nursing care at home is free; the council may charge for other help, such as housework (mygov.scot). Benefits such as Attendance Allowance and NHS Continuing Healthcare can also help; see paying for care at home.
Coming home from hospital
The main NHS hospitals serving Scottish Borders include Borders General Hospital. If your relative is coming home from hospital, care can start at short notice when a suitable carer is available near them. Tell us the discharge date as early as you can, and see short-notice care.
How LCH Care works in Scottish Borders
Tell us what is needed
Where in Scottish Borders, the help needed, and when care should start.
See matched profiles
Profiles say what experience each carer has.
Speak first
Talk to carers by phone or video call before you choose.
Care starts
You and your carer agree the routine, and change it as needs change.
There is no office in Scottish Borders to visit: LCH Care is an introductory agency. Hourly care costs £25 an hour, with at least 2 hours a visit, and live-in care costs £1,100 a week. You pay LCH Care weekly, and LCH Care pays your self-employed carer. See how it works and pricing.
Towns and districts in Scottish Borders
LCH Care matches families across Scottish Borders, including these 15 towns, villages and districts:
- Coldstream
- Duns
- Earlston
- Eyemouth
- Galashiels
- Greenlaw
- Hawick
- Innerleithen
- Jedburgh
- Kelso
- Lauder
- Melrose
- Newtown St Boswells
- Peebles
- Selkirk
Postcode districts
Postcode districts in Scottish Borders include EH44, EH45, TD1, TD2, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12 and TD14.
Nearby areas
Questions
Do you arrange home care across Scottish Borders?
Yes. LCH Care matches families anywhere in Scottish Borders, including Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso and Peebles, with checked, self-employed carers. Availability depends on carers near you, and we will tell you honestly what we can offer.
How much does home care cost in Scottish Borders?
Wherever you live in Scottish Borders, hourly care with LCH Care costs £25 an hour, with at least 2 hours a visit, and live-in care costs £1,100 a week. Your written quote confirms the full price before care starts.
Who do I contact for a needs assessment in Scottish Borders?
Ask Scottish Borders Council for a free needs assessment: apply for a needs assessment on GOV.UK.
Can care start when someone leaves Borders General Hospital?
Yes, when a suitable carer is available near them. Tell us the discharge date as early as you can, and we will send profiles of carers who can start.
Is personal care free in Scottish Borders?
In Scotland, personal care from the council is free if the care needs assessment shows it is needed, whatever the person's age, income or savings, and NHS nursing care at home is free; the council may charge for other help, such as housework (mygov.scot).
Do you have an office in Scottish Borders?
No. LCH Care is an introductory agency without local offices. You speak to carers by phone or video call, and your carer comes to your home.
Care at home in Scottish Borders
Tell us what is needed in Scottish Borders, and we'll call you back and send profiles of suitable carers.