Home Care Costs in Brighton and Hove
When exploring home care options for yourself or a loved one, understanding the costs involved is essential. Unlike NHS services, home care isn’t always free at the point of need, which can sometimes come as a surprise. Many family members take on caring responsibilities, often reducing work hours or leaving employment altogether to support their loved ones. However, when caring becomes too demanding, or you live some distance away, professional home care can provide the support needed. At Caremark Brighton & Hove, we assist both self-funding and funded clients across Brighton & Hove. We can guide you through your home care options and costs in Brighton and Hove, and help you access the right care services.
Funding Your Home Care in Brighton and Hove
You don’t always have to cover home care costs yourself in Brighton and Hove. There are two main funding routes to explore:
1. Local Authority Funding
Local councils may provide financial assistance if you have limited savings or assets—currently under £23,250.
Your local Adult Social Care team will carry out a Care Needs and Financial Assessment, which can take several weeks or months and will assess whether or not you are eligible for funding. If approved, funding is usually backdated to your application date. In Brighton & Hove the social care number to call to request an assessment is 01273 295555 or you can email accesspoint@brighton‑hove.gov.uk
You may also request Direct Payments, which allow you to choose and pay for your care services directly, rather than relying on council-provided care. For more information, visit resources such as Age UK on financial assessments. Age UK also produce a booklet that gives advice on how to look for care. Direct payments can be used to pay a care company or a personal assistant. With direct payments, you will need to keep careful records of what has been paid to whom and why, to ensure it is being used appropriately. Learn more about the Age UK Brighton & Hove advice service.
Even if you have local authority funding, you can still request, at the assessment or later, that they use the home care company you choose (as long as that company accepts LA funding rates). We at Caremark Brighton & Hove do take on council-funded care.
2. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
For individuals with primary health conditions that require ongoing care, full funding may be available through NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Eligibility depends on your health needs and the level of care required, and referrals are usually made by your GP, social worker, or another healthcare professional.
If you believe you may qualify for funding, start by speaking with your GP or local council to begin the assessment process. This is only given in very specific circumstances, but they will be able to guide you as to whether an assessment would be appropriate.
Private Home Care Costs
If you do not qualify for funding because you do not have an eligible need you will most likely need to cover your care costs privately. And if you are over the funding threshold you should expect to pay for your care privately, although you can request a re-assessment if you believe your finance levels have dropped below the threshold later on.
Employing a Personal Assistant
You can hire a personal assistant directly, paying them hourly or weekly, either funding this yourself or by using direct payments to pay them. Be aware this also means you take on employer responsibilities, including holiday and sick pay, pension contributions, and any HR or training requirements. Some families do combine this approach however with professional home care services to cover PA breaks or to provide additional support.
Using a Home Care Provider
Many families choose a private home care provider and here at Caremark (Brighton & Hove) this is because we actively deliver safe, professional, and fully regulated home care. We carefully recruit and vet every carer, carry out enhanced background checks, and provide ongoing training and supervision to maintain the highest standards.
We offer a free initial care assessment and continue to review your care regularly to ensure it always meets your needs. As a service regulated by the Care Quality Commission and a proud member of the Home Care Association, we take full responsibility for providing safe, reliable, and high-quality home care in Brighton & Hove for you or your loved one.
About Caremark Brighton & Hove
Caremark Brighton & Hove offers personalised home care in Brighton and Hove. Our care services in Brighton and Hove include companionship, dementia care, and palliative care. Contact us today to arrange a free assessment and understand home care costs in Brighton and Hove.