Paying for Home Care in Cornwall: Costs, Funding & Financial Help
How much does home care cost in Cornwall? Learn about care fees, Attendance Allowance, NHS Continuing Healthcare and financial support available.
Arranging care at home for yourself or someone you love can raise plenty of questions. How much will it cost? Will Cornwall Council help? Are there benefits you can claim? And what happens if someone needs more specialist care?
The good news is that financial help may be available, even if you have savings or own your own home.
At Home Instead Mid Cornwall, we support families across St Austell, Bodmin, Wadebridge, Fowey, Lostwithiel and the surrounding villages. Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in April 2026, we understand how important it is for families to have clear information about both the cost of care and the funding available.
In this guide, we explain the main ways to pay for home care in Cornwall, including private care costs, Cornwall Council funding, Attendance Allowance, NHS Continuing Healthcare and other financial support.
How Much Does Home Care Cost in Cornwall?
The cost of care at home depends on how much support someone needs, how often they need it and the type of care provided.
For some people, a couple of hours each week might be enough to help with shopping, household tasks or companionship. Others may need daily assistance with getting up, preparing meals, taking medication or getting ready for bed.
At Home Instead Mid Cornwall, our visits are a minimum of one hour. This gives our Care Professionals time to provide practical help without rushing, while also building a relationship with the person they support.
As a guide, our current home care prices are approximately:
| Care arrangements | Weekly cost |
|---|---|
| 2 hours of care per week | £86.60 |
| 1 hour every day | £303 |
| 2 hours every day | £606 |
| 3 hours every day | £909 |
These are illustrative costs based on our standard hourly rate. We charge for the time spent providing care, not for travelling between visits.
Every person’s circumstances are different, and we will help you put together a personalised care plan based on the support you need and your budget.
But you may not have to meet all these costs yourself. There are several forms of financial assistance worth exploring.
Can Cornwall Council Help Pay for Home Care?
Cornwall Council may be able to help with the cost of care at home if you have eligible care and support needs.
The council will usually carry out two assessments:
- Care needs assessment: To understand what help you need with everyday activities, such as washing, dressing, preparing meals or staying safe at home.
- Financial assessment: To determine how much you may need to contribute towards the cost of your care.
How Much Can I Have in Savings?
In England, the upper capital threshold for local authority-funded social care is currently £23,250.
Broadly speaking:
- Over £23,250: You will usually be expected to pay the full cost of your care yourself.
- Between £14,250 and £23,250: You may qualify for financial assistance, although your income and an assumed contribution from your savings will be taken into account.
- Below £14,250: Your savings below this threshold are disregarded, but your income may still affect how much you contribute.
Importantly, if you receive care in your own home, the value of the home you live in is not included in the council’s financial assessment.
This means that owning your own home does not automatically prevent you from receiving help with home care costs.
Even if you expect to pay privately, it can still be worth requesting a care needs assessment to understand the support available.
For more information, visit Cornwall Council – Paying for Adult Social Care.
You can also contact Cornwall Council’s adult social care team on 0300 1234 131.
Personal Budgets and Direct Payments
If Cornwall Council agrees that you have eligible care needs, it will prepare a care and support plan and identify a personal budget.
A personal budget sets out the amount the council considers necessary to meet your eligible care needs. Depending on your circumstances, this may be managed by the council or through a direct payment, giving you greater choice over how your care is arranged.
For example, someone might prefer to receive support from a particular home care provider because they value continuity, longer visits or an established relationship with their Care Professionals.
Where the preferred arrangements cost more than the council’s personal budget, additional private payments may sometimes be possible, subject to the relevant rules and agreement with the council.
It is important to establish how the funding will work before committing to additional costs.
If you would like to use a personal budget towards Home Instead care, we are happy to discuss your circumstances and explain our service and fees.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Some people with significant ongoing health and care needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, often called CHC.
This is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS for adults whose assessed needs amount to what the NHS describes as a primary health need.
Unlike local authority social care funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare is not means-tested.
Your savings, income and property do not determine whether you qualify.
CHC can fund an appropriate package of care in your own home or in a care home, depending on your assessed needs and circumstances.
How Do I Apply for NHS Continuing Healthcare in Cornwall?
The first stage will usually be an NHS Continuing Healthcare Checklist.
You can ask a doctor, nurse, social worker or another health or social care professional involved in your care whether a Checklist assessment would be appropriate.
If the Checklist indicates that a full assessment is required, a multidisciplinary team will normally consider your needs using the Decision Support Tool (DST).
The assessment looks at several aspects of your care needs, including their nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability.
The final eligibility decision in Cornwall is made by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB).
If you qualify, the NHS is responsible for arranging and funding care to meet your assessed health and associated care needs.
Can I Choose My Own Care Provider Through CHC?
People eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare should be involved in planning their care and expressing their preferences.
Eligible individuals also have a right to a personal health budget, which can offer greater choice and control over how NHS-funded care is arranged.
The NHS remains responsible for ensuring that assessed needs are met, and any proposed arrangements must comply with NHS funding rules.
Families may choose to purchase genuinely additional private services separately, provided these are distinct from the services the NHS is responsible for funding.
If you are already receiving care from Home Instead Mid Cornwall and become eligible for CHC, we would encourage you to discuss continuity of care and your preferences with the NHS team.
Fast Track NHS Continuing Healthcare
There is also a Fast Track process for people whose health is deteriorating rapidly and who may be entering the terminal phase of life.
This allows an appropriate NHS-funded care package to be arranged without going through the usual full assessment process.
If you believe Fast Track funding may be appropriate, speak to the doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional responsible for the person’s care.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Contacts in Cornwall
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Continuing Healthcare Team
Telephone: 01209 832400
Email: ciosicb.chc@nhs.net
For national guidance, visit NHS Continuing Healthcare – NHS.
If you do not qualify for CHC, you may still be eligible for help through Cornwall Council, disability benefits or other NHS support.
Attendance Allowance: Financial Help for Older People
Attendance Allowance is one of the most important benefits for older people who need help at home, yet many families are unaware that they may qualify.
It is available to people over State Pension age who have a disability or health condition that means they need help with personal care or supervision to keep them safe.
You do not necessarily need to have a professional carer visiting your home to qualify.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect your entitlement.
For 2026/27, the weekly rates are:
| Attendance Allowance | Weekly amount |
|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70 |
| Higher rate | £114.60 |
The rate depends on the level of help or supervision you need.
Attendance Allowance can make a meaningful contribution towards the cost of private home care.
For example, the higher rate of £114.60 per week would cover more than two and a half hours of Home Instead care at our current standard hourly rate.
Even if you have substantial savings or own your home, it is worth checking whether you qualify.
Find out more or apply through Attendance Allowance – GOV.UK.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For people below State Pension age, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may provide financial help with the additional costs of living with a long-term illness or disability.
PIP has two components: daily living and mobility.
For 2026/27, the weekly rates are:
| PIP component | Standard rate | Enhanced rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living | £76.70 | £114.60 |
| Mobility | £30.30 | £80.00 |
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for one or both components.
PIP is tax-free and is not means-tested. Eligibility depends on how your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday activities and get around.
People who already receive PIP may be able to continue receiving it after reaching State Pension age, subject to the relevant rules.
For more information, visit Personal Independence Payment – GOV.UK.
Planning Ahead: Financial Advice for Care Costs
When care is likely to be needed for several years, planning ahead can make a considerable difference.
Some families pay for care from pensions and savings. Others may explore financial products designed to help meet long-term care costs.
Options can include:
- Using savings and pension income: Planning how to meet ongoing care costs while retaining a suitable financial reserve.
- Immediate needs care annuities: Financial products that can provide regular payments towards care costs in exchange for an upfront premium.
- Equity release: Accessing some of the value of a property, although this can have significant long-term implications and will not be suitable for everyone.
- Benefits and other entitlements: Making sure all available financial assistance has been considered.
Because these decisions can affect your finances, property and inheritance, it is sensible to obtain independent specialist advice.
The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) can help you find an accredited financial adviser with experience of later-life care planning.
Telephone: 0333 2020 454
Choosing the Right Home Care in Cornwall
Cost is important, but choosing home care isn’t simply about buying an hour of someone’s time.
A good home care service should help someone remain safe, independent and enjoying life in their own home.
At Home Instead Mid Cornwall, our approach is built around providing high-quality, relationship-led care.
Our Care Professionals are carefully recruited, trained and supported by our local office team. We personally introduce them to the people they will be supporting and aim to provide a small, consistent team wherever possible.
Our minimum one-hour visits mean there is time for practical tasks, but also for a conversation, a cup of tea or a little companionship.
We provide a wide range of services, including:
- Companionship and social support
- Home help, shopping and meal preparation
- Personal care, washing and dressing
- Medication support
- Dementia care
- Parkinson’s care
- Palliative and end-of-life care
You can read more about our specialist services:
Private Home Care in Cornwall
Home Instead Mid Cornwall is primarily a private-pay home care provider.
Most of our clients and their families arrange their care directly with us, giving them greater choice over the length of visits, the support provided and how their care is organised.
Some clients use Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or other financial support towards their care fees.
Where someone qualifies for local authority funding or NHS Continuing Healthcare, the arrangements will depend on the individual’s assessed needs, the relevant funding rules and the care package agreed with the funding body.
We are happy to discuss individual circumstances and explain how our service might fit alongside available support.
Our aim is to provide care built around the person, rather than expecting the person to fit into a rigid timetable of short visits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care Costs in Cornwall
Can I Get Financial Help to Pay for Home Care in Cornwall?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, financial help may be available through Cornwall Council, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or NHS Continuing Healthcare.
The different forms of support have different eligibility criteria. Some are means-tested, while others depend on your health and care needs.
Do I Have to Sell My Home to Pay for Care at Home?
No. If you receive care in your own home, the value of the property you live in is disregarded in the local authority financial assessment.
Your other income, savings and capital may still affect how much you are expected to contribute.
Can I Claim Attendance Allowance if I Pay for My Own Care?
Yes. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so you may qualify even if you pay privately for home care and have substantial savings.
Eligibility depends on your age, health condition and the help or supervision you need, rather than whether you employ a professional carer.
Is Home Care Cheaper Than a Care Home?
It depends on how much care someone needs.
For a person requiring a few hours of support each day, home care can cost considerably less than residential care while allowing them to remain in familiar surroundings.
For example, three one-hour Home Instead visits each day currently cost approximately £909 per week.
As the number of hours of support increases, the cost difference between home care and residential care may become smaller.
Cost is only one consideration, however. Many people particularly value being able to remain in their own home, surrounded by familiar possessions, neighbours, friends and community.
How Quickly Can Home Care Start?
Home care can often begin within a few days, depending on your needs, where you live and the availability of suitable Care Professionals.
We will first discuss the support required, develop an individual care plan and arrange personal introductions to the Care Professionals who will be providing care.
Can I Choose Home Instead if Cornwall Council Is Funding My Care?
You may have some choice over how your care is arranged, particularly where a direct payment is available.
However, any arrangement will need to comply with the council’s funding rules, your assessed needs and the agreed personal budget.
We are happy to discuss the options with you.
Talk to Home Instead Mid Cornwall About Care and Costs
Whether you are planning ahead, arranging support for a parent or looking for help following a hospital stay, we’re happy to talk through the options.
We provide personalised home care across St Austell, Fowey, Par, Lostwithiel, Bodmin, Wadebridge, Padstow, Rock and surrounding villages.
Our local team can explain our services, provide clear information about costs and help you decide what level of support might be appropriate.
There is no obligation, and sometimes a conversation is simply a useful place to start.
Call Home Instead Mid Cornwall on 01726 829312
Email: oncall@midcornwall.homeinstead.co.uk
Or visit Home Instead Mid Cornwall to find out more.