Home care in Reading
Checked, self-employed carers for families across Reading, for hourly visits, nights or live-in care. You speak to carers first, then choose.
Reading at a glance
About 22,700 people aged 65 or over live in Reading, 12.3% of its 183,800 residents (ONS mid-2025 population estimates). Around 3,160 Reading residents are aged 85 or over. Reading is classed as urban (ONS rural-urban classification), with about 4,549 people per square kilometre, which suits hourly visits as well as live-in care.
Population figures: ONS mid-2025 population estimates.
Care at home in Reading
- Hourly care in Reading: visits of 2 hours or more, at times that suit you, from £25 an hour
- Live-in care in Reading: a carer living in the home for daily support, £1,100 a week
- Overnight care in Reading: sleeping or waking nights, so nights are safe
- Respite care in Reading: cover while a family carer takes a break
- 24-hour care in Reading: two carers sharing the day and the night
- Companionship care in Reading: company, outings and help with daily routines
- Dementia care in Reading: 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 Reading
Adult social care in Reading is run by Reading Borough Council. Ask Reading Borough 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 England, the council's needs assessment is free, and people with savings over £23,250 usually pay for their own care; the home is not counted when care is at home (NHS). 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 Reading include Royal Berkshire 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 Reading
Tell us what is needed
Where in Reading, 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 Reading 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 Reading
LCH Care matches families across Reading, including these 2 towns, villages and districts:
- Caversham
- Tilehurst
Postcode districts
Postcode districts in Reading include RG1, RG4, RG30 and RG31.
Nearby areas
Questions
Do you arrange home care across Reading?
Yes. LCH Care matches families anywhere in Reading, including Caversham and Tilehurst, 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 Reading?
Wherever you live in Reading, 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 Reading?
Ask Reading Borough Council for a free needs assessment: apply for a needs assessment on GOV.UK.
Can care start when someone leaves Royal Berkshire 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.
Will I have to pay for care in Reading?
In England, the council's needs assessment is free, and people with savings over £23,250 usually pay for their own care; the home is not counted when care is at home (NHS).
Do you have an office in Reading?
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 Reading
Tell us what is needed in Reading, and we'll call you back and send profiles of suitable carers.