Published 18 June 2026. Last edited 9 October 2026.
There is no fixed legal deadline. Most councils carry out the needs assessment within a few weeks of your request, and the financial assessment follows it, so allow four to six weeks end to end, and longer in busy areas. Urgent cases (a hospital discharge, a carer crisis) can be fast-tracked, sometimes within days. The practical advice: request the assessment as soon as care looks likely, not when it becomes unavoidable.
Look Into helps UK families navigate care and later-life support, compare your options, understand what care really costs, and find out what funding and benefits you may be entitled to. Independent, jargon-free guidance.
Care options at a glance
| Option | Typical UK cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Home care | £25–£32 / hour | Help with daily tasks while staying in your own home |
| Live-in care | £1,200–£1,600 / week | Round-the-clock one-to-one support at home |
| Residential care home | £1,298 / week | Help with daily living in a care setting |
| Nursing home | £1,535 / week | Ongoing medical or nursing needs |
| Personal alarms | £15–£30 / month | Fast help at the press of a button |
Types of care
Home Care
Visiting carers for help with daily tasks, personal care and companionship in your own home.
Read guide →Live-in Care
A dedicated carer living with you, a one-to-one alternative to a care home.
Read guide →Care Homes
Residential and nursing homes, how to compare options, fees and funding.
Read guide →Personal Alarms
Fall detectors and personal alarms (telecare) for fast help at the press of a button.
Read guide →Free guides, data & tools
UK Care Costs 2026
What care really costs across the UK, home care, live-in care and care homes, by region.
View the report →The UK Cost of Care Index 2026
Our flagship data study on what care costs across the UK, free to cite with attribution.
View the index →How to Pay for Care
Means tests, Attendance Allowance, NHS funding and local-authority support, explained.
Read the guide →Care Cost Calculator
Estimate your weekly and yearly care costs by care type, hours and region.
Open the calculator →Choosing Care Checklist
A printable checklist of questions to ask, red flags to watch for and CQC checks.
Get the checklist →Look Into is independent. Our method & research · About us
Care at home: frequently asked questions
How much does care at home cost in the UK?
In 2026, home care (carers visiting your home) typically costs around £25–£32 per hour, while live-in care usually ranges from about £1,200 to £1,600 per week depending on needs and location. Costs vary significantly across the UK.
Who pays for care at home?
Care is means-tested. If your capital is above the upper threshold (£23,250 in England), you usually pay for your own care. Below that, your local council may contribute after a needs and financial assessment. Thresholds differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What's the difference between home care and live-in care?
Home care means carers visit for scheduled hours to help with tasks like washing, dressing and medication. Live-in care means a carer lives in your home full time, providing round-the-clock support, often an alternative to moving into a care home.
Can I get financial help with care costs?
You may qualify for council funding after an assessment, plus benefits such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, which are not means-tested. NHS Continuing Healthcare can fully fund care for those with significant health needs.
How do I arrange care at home?
Start by requesting a free needs assessment from your local council's adult social services. You can then choose a CQC-regulated care agency or, with a personal budget or direct payment, arrange care yourself.