Simple, clear prices
LCH Care is an introductory agency. We introduce you to checked, self-employed carers, and you choose who you want. These are our prices.
Prices at a glance
Hourly care
Minimum 2 hours a visit.
Live-in care
One carer living in your home. Minimum 2 weeks.
Two carers
Live-in care with two carers, or £60 an hour for hourly care with two carers.
Hourly care or live-in care?
| Question | Hourly care | Live-in care |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £25 an hour | £1,100 a week |
| What it is | A carer visits at times that suit you | One carer living in your home, giving support day to day |
| Best for | A few hours of help each day or week | Daily support, company, and staying in your own home |
| Minimum | 2 hours a visit | 2 weeks |
| With two carers | £60 an hour | £1,800 a week |
What hourly care costs in a week
Hourly care at £25 an hour with one carer.
| Hours per week | Weekly cost |
|---|---|
| 6 hours (three 2-hour visits) | £150 |
| 14 hours (2 hours a day) | £350 |
| 28 hours (4 hours a day) | £700 |
| 44 hours or more | Live-in care at £1,100 a week is likely to be better value |
Live-in care at £1,100 a week costs the same as 44 hours of hourly care, so it can be better value once someone needs more help than that. Every visit is at least 2 hours.
What is included
- Introduction to matched carers, checked for identity, right to work in the UK, Enhanced DBS, two references, work history, and relevant training or qualifications
- Your choice of carer, with the chance to speak to them first
- Weekly invoicing, and payment passed on to your carer
- Help from LCH Care when you need it
What to plan for
- Live-in care: the household provides the carer's food, or pays a food allowance of £30 a week
- Live-in care: a private bedroom for the carer, with access to a bathroom and kitchen
- Help several times a night needs two carers or waking-night cover
- Your written quote confirms the full price before care starts
How you pay
LCH Care sends you an invoice each week, in advance, and you pay by bank transfer. LCH Care then pays your self-employed carer weekly by bank transfer.
Help with paying for care
Your council can carry out a free needs assessment and may help with costs. NHS Continuing Healthcare is separate and covers care needed mainly because of health needs. You may also be able to claim Attendance Allowance. Read our guide to paying for care at home, or see the full cost of live-in care and cost of hourly care.
Questions about prices
How much does care cost?
Hourly care costs £25 an hour and live-in care costs £1,100 a week. If two carers are needed, live-in care costs £1,800 a week and hourly care costs £60 an hour. You pay LCH Care, and LCH Care pays your self-employed carer. Your written quote confirms the full price before care starts.
How and when do I pay?
LCH Care sends you an invoice each week, in advance, and you pay by bank transfer. LCH Care then pays your self-employed carer weekly by bank transfer.
Do we provide the carer's food? Do they pay rent?
Typically the household provides food for the carer. If you can't, you pay the carer a food allowance of £30 a week. No rent is charged, because the carer is working in your home. This is set out in the agreement.
Is there a minimum booking for live-in care?
Yes. Live-in care is booked for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Is there a minimum number of hours per visit?
Yes, the minimum is 2 hours per visit.
Is live-in care cheaper than a care home?
For many families, yes. Live-in care with LCH Care costs £1,100 a week, and your loved one stays in their own home, keeps their routine and pets, and gets one-to-one support. Care home fees vary by area and type of home, so compare the fees near you.
It can also be good value for couples. A care home charges per person, while one live-in carer can often support both people.
Get a clear price for your situation
Tell us what you need and we'll confirm the price in writing before care starts. There is no obligation.