Understanding the Cost of Home Care

Choosing the right care for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Quality matters — but so does cost, especially when it comes to home care funding options. If you’re unsure where to begin with understanding the price of home-care services, we’re here to guide you. 

Home care is often a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to residential care homes. It allows people to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home while receiving the level of support they need — whether that’s help with daily routines, personal care, companionship, or more complex medical support, including NHS-funded care. 

At North Liverpool Health Care, our mission is simple: to help people age positively, safely, and independently in the place they know best — their home. We bring expert, compassionate care directly to your door, and we’re committed to making the process of arranging care as clear and stress-free as possible, including navigating local authority care options. 

Whatever questions you have, our team is here to help you make confident, informed decisions about your care.

Home care funding can be provided in three main ways. The right option for you will depend on your financial circumstances, care needs, and the results of any assessments conducted by your local authority or the NHS.

1. Local Authority–Funded Care

If you have eligible care needs, your local authority may assist with the cost of your home care. This assistance is based on:

- A Care Needs Assessment

- A Financial Assessment (means test)

Depending on your situation, the local authority may cover all, some, or none of your home care costs. Additionally, you can opt to receive this support as Direct Payments, allowing you the freedom to choose your preferred care provider.

2. Self‑Funding

If you do not qualify for financial support or prefer to arrange your care independently, you can choose self-funding for home care. Self-funding provides:

- Full choice over your care provider

- Flexibility in the type and amount of care you receive

- No waiting for assessments

Many families opt for this route due to its simplicity and control.

3. NHS‑Funded Care

In certain situations, NHS-funded care may cover part or all of the costs associated with home care, typically when someone has significant, ongoing health needs. The two primary NHS options are:

- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): Fully funded care for those with complex medical needs

- NHS‑Funded Nursing Care (FNC): A contribution toward nursing support if CHC criteria are not met.