When you or your loved one needs care at home, one of the first questions about home care costs and funding is: how much will it cost, and how can we pay for it?
For families in Dartford and across Kent, this question can feel overwhelming. Some information online gives UK averages, but often misses the local realities: how Kent County Council funding works, what benefits are available, and what private clients should expect.
At Ola Prestige Care Services, we believe in openness, compassion, and transparency. Under the CQC Duty of Candour, it’s our responsibility to be clear, honest, and supportive at every stage. This guide brings together national funding information with local Dartford insights on home care costs and funding, so you can make the right choice with confidence.
1. The True Home Care Costs and Funding in Dartford
Nationally, home care costs £26–£38 per hour, and live-in care ranges from £900 to £1,400 per week. In Dartford and Kent, families should expect:
- Visiting Care: £28–£35 per hour (slightly higher at weekends/bank holidays).
- Live-in Care: £1,000–£1,400 per week depending on needs and complexity.
- Emergency/Respite Care: Short-term support may carry higher rates, but helps avoid hospital stays.
Example: Two hours of home help for the elderly each day at £30/hour = £420 per week, £1,680 per month, £20,160 per year.
2. Local Authority Funding in Dartford (Kent County Council)
In England, home care costs and funding is means-tested. For Dartford residents, Kent County Council will:
- Carry out a needs assessment (to check what type of support is required).
- Carry out a financial assessment (means test).
Capital thresholds (2025/26):
- Over £23,250 → You pay full cost.
- Between £14,250–£23,250 → You pay part, council pays part.
- Under £14,250 → Council funds care, but your income may still contribute.
Important: The value of your property is not counted for care at home (only for care homes).
3. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If your loved one’s needs are primarily health-related, the NHS may cover all costs through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).
- Not means-tested (savings don’t matter).
- Available at home or in residential care.
- Includes a fast-track option for those nearing end of life.
Tip: Ask your GP or hospital discharge team in Dartford about CHC eligibility.
4. Direct Payments: More Choice, More Control
Instead of the council arranging care, you can request Direct Payments:
- Money is paid directly into your bank account.
- You choose your own carer or agency.
- Greater flexibility to personalise support (especially helpful for dementia or learning disabilities).
5. Benefits That Can Help Pay for Care (2025/26 Rates)
Many families miss out on non-means-tested benefits that can be combined with private or council-funded care.
I. Attendance Allowance
For people over State Pension Age who need regular help:
- £73.90 per week (lower rate)
- £110.40 per week (higher rate, incl. terminal illness fast-track)
II. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For under State Pension Age, based on how illness/disability affects daily life.
- Daily Living: £73.90–£110.40 per week
- Mobility: £29.20–£77.05 per week
III. Carer’s Allowance
For unpaid carers providing 35+ hours/week.
- £83.30 per week (+ NI credits)
IV. Pension Credit
Guarantee Credit (tops up weekly income):
- Single: £227.10/week
- Couple: £346.60/week
Savings Credit: up to £17.30/week single or £19.36/week couple.
V. Disability Premiums
- Standard: £43.20/week (single), £61.65 (couple)
- Enhanced: £21.20/week (single), £30.25 (couple)
- Severe: £82.90/week (single), £165.80 (couple)
VI. ESA Support Group
- Up to £140.55/week
VII. Other Allowances
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (up to £225.30/week)
- Constant Attendance Allowance (£45–£180/week depending on severity)
6. Council Tax Discounts & Exemptions
In Dartford, you may reduce your Council Tax bill if you or your loved one:
- Receives PIP daily living or mobility
- Receives Attendance Allowance
- Lives alone with severe mental impairment (e.g., dementia)
Tip: Always ask Dartford Borough Council about exemptions, many families are unaware they qualify.
7. How Dartford Compares to Other UK Nations
- Scotland: Free personal/nursing care (if assessed).
- Wales: Care costs capped at £100/week.
- Northern Ireland: Support arranged through Health & Social Care Trusts.
- England (Dartford): Means-tested with council/local variations.
Check out this comprehensive guide on Dartford Home Care Cost & Funding
8. Private Clients in Dartford: Filling the Gap
Many Dartford families fall into the “funding gap” — savings above £23,250, but not enough to comfortably afford ongoing care. This is where private live-in carers or tailored home help can bridge the gap.
Benefits of private live-in care in Dartford:
- Stay at home with loved ones, pets, and familiar routines.
- Consistency with one trusted carer.
- Person-centred support (from companionship to complex medical care).
- Peace of mind for families, especially those balancing work and care.
9. Emotional Wellbeing: The Hidden Value of Care
Costs are only one side of the story. The emotional and social benefits of home care are priceless:
- Reduced loneliness and anxiety.
- Familiar surroundings minimise confusion (especially for dementia).
- Compassionate companionship builds confidence and independence.
- Families gain peace of mind, knowing loved ones are safe.
10. Duty of Candour: Your Right to Transparency
As a CQC-regulated provider, Ola Prestige Care Services upholds the Duty of Candour:
- Open conversations about care plans and costs.
- Honesty about what’s included — and what isn’t.
- Transparency if mistakes happen, with clear action plans.
Families in Dartford deserve to feel reassured that care is safe, transparent, and compassionate.
11. Ola Prestige Home Care Costs and Pricing
At Ola Prestige Care Services, we believe families deserve clarity and honesty about care costs. That’s why we publish our fees no hidden extras, just straightforward pricing you can trust.
I. Visiting Hourly Care
- Standard: £26–£28/hr
- Complex/Evenings: £30–£35/hr
- Example: 2 hours/day, 5 days/week = £260–£280 per week
- Overnight Care
- Sleep-in: £150–£180/night
- Waking night: £200–£220/night
- Example: 3 nights = £450–£540 per week
II. Live-In Care
- For one person: £1,400–£1,600 per week
- For couples/complex needs: £1,700–£1,900 per week
- More cost-effective than most care homes — with the added comfort of staying at home.
III. What Affects the Cost?
- Level of support (companionship → complex clinical needs)
- Hours required (visiting, overnight, or full live-in)
- Specialist training (dementia, palliative, nurse-led care)
- Location and travel
IV. Why This Matters for Families in Dartford
Guide on UK home care costs and funding only give averages. By sharing our real prices, families can now compare:
- What’s covered by Kent Council vs what’s private.
- The difference between visiting vs live-in care.
- The true cost of respite, dementia, and overnight care.
Book a Free Funding Guidance Call Today. At Ola Prestige care, we are not financial advisers, but we guide families through home care costs and funding options, support them in assessments, and connect them with trusted organisations such as Age UK, Citizens Advice, and Carers UK.
11. Practical Steps for Families in Dartford
- Request a Needs Assessment from Kent County Council.
- Book a financial assessment (to confirm if you qualify for funding).
- Check benefit eligibility (Attendance Allowance, PIP, Carer’s Allowance).
- Explore private live-in carers (we can arrange care in as little as 24 hours).
- Ask about respite options for emergencies or short-term needs.
- Demand transparency — clear fee structure, no hidden costs.
12. Conclusion
For Dartford families, the real question isn’t just “How much does care cost?” but “How can we arrange dignified, compassionate support that meets both financial and emotional needs?”
By combining council funding, benefits, and private support, families can create sustainable care that brings dignity, independence, and peace of mind.
Because at Ola Prestige, we believe:
Care at home should be simple, transparent, and filled with compassion — Prestige in Every Visit.