Home care in Shetland
LCH Care matches families in Shetland with checked, self-employed carers, from 2-hour visits to live-in care. You choose your carer and speak to them before anything is agreed.
Shetland at a glance
Shetland has about 22,700 residents, and 23.3% of them, about 5,290 people, are aged 65 or over (ONS mid-2025 population estimates). Around 645 Shetland residents are aged 85 or over. Shetland has about 15 people per square kilometre.
Population figures: ONS mid-2025 population estimates.
Care at home in Shetland
- Hourly care in Shetland: visits of 2 hours or more, at times that suit you, from £25 an hour
- Live-in care in Shetland: a carer living in the home for daily support, £1,100 a week
- Overnight care in Shetland: sleeping or waking nights, so nights are safe
- Respite care in Shetland: cover while a family carer takes a break
- 24-hour care in Shetland: two carers sharing the day and the night
- Companionship care in Shetland: company, outings and help with daily routines
- Dementia care in Shetland: 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 Shetland
Adult social care in Shetland is run by Shetland Islands Council. Ask Shetland Islands 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
NHS hospitals in Shetland include Gilbert Bain 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 Shetland
Tell us what is needed
Where in Shetland, 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 Shetland 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.
Questions
Do you arrange home care across Shetland?
Yes. LCH Care matches families anywhere in Shetland, including Lerwick and Brough, 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 Shetland?
Wherever you live in Shetland, 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 Shetland?
Ask Shetland Islands Council for a free needs assessment: apply for a needs assessment on GOV.UK.
Can care start when someone leaves Gilbert Bain 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 Shetland?
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 Shetland?
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 Shetland
Tell us what is needed in Shetland, and we'll call you back and send profiles of suitable carers.