How Much Does Homecare Really Cost in Northumberland? A Family’s Guide
Cost is usually one of the first practical questions families ask once they’ve started looking into home care. There isn’t a single answer, as it depends on how much support is needed, how often, and how it’s funded, but understanding the main routes to paying for it makes the question far less daunting. For a fuller breakdown, visit our cost of homecare page.
Why there’s no one figure
Home care is built around the individual: a few hours of our visiting care in Northumberland a week looks very different to domiciliary care or overnight care at home, so cost varies from family to family rather than following a fixed rate. The clearest way to understand what it would mean for your own situation is a free, no-obligation care assessment, where costs are discussed alongside what’s actually needed.
The two main ways to pay for home care
Broadly, home care is paid for privately (self-funding), or with support from Northumberland County Council (or your local authority) following a financial assessment of your savings and income. Many families use a mix of the two, alongside home care funding options and other benefits that can help.
Paying for care privately
If you’re self-funding, cost reflects the visits actually arranged rather than a flat fee, so it stays flexible as needs change. This is a conversation best had directly with our team, since it depends entirely on what’s needed.
Getting help through Northumberland County Council
If your savings are above a set threshold, you’ll usually be expected to pay for care yourself, below it, support may be available based on income, and there’s a sliding scale in between. These thresholds are set nationally and reviewed each year, so rather than quote a figure that could change, it’s worth checking the current thresholds directly with Northumberland County Council’s adult social care team, who can also carry out your financial assessment.
NHS-funded care
Where someone has significant, ongoing health needs, care may be funded by the NHS through Continuing Healthcare rather than the council. This is assessed separately, so it’s worth asking your GP or a healthcare professional whether it’s worth exploring.
Benefits that can help with the cost
Attendance Allowance is worth looking into if you or your family member is over State Pension age and needs help with personal care. It isn’t means-tested, so it doesn’t depend on savings or income, though it won’t cover the full cost of care on its own. Current rates are published by the Department for Work and Pensions and reviewed every financial year.
Find out what home care could cost for your family
The most useful next step is a friendly conversation, not a guess. Get in touch and we’ll arrange a free home visit to talk through costs and funding options, with no pressure to decide anything on the spot.
Call our East Northumberland team on 01670 339671, or our West Northumberland team on 01661 843 839, whenever you’re ready.
Frequently asked questions
How much does home care cost per hour?
It depends on the visits arranged and what support is needed, so there isn’t a single figure that applies to every family. A free assessment gives you an accurate, personal answer – get in touch to arrange a visit or discuss your needs.
Will Northumberland County Council help pay for my care?
Possibly, depending on a financial assessment of your savings and income. The council’s adult social care team can confirm the current thresholds and carry out this assessment.
Does Attendance Allowance cover the full cost of care?
No, it’s a contribution rather than full funding, and it isn’t means-tested. It’s worth checking the current rate, as these are reviewed each year.
Can Helping Hands help me work out what I’ll pay?
Yes. A free home visit lets us understand what’s needed and give you a clear, accurate picture of cost, alongside talking through any funding options that might help. Contact Helping Hands today, and speak to our friendly team to discuss your needs.
