Written by Oliver Wakefield-Smith. Reviewed for accuracy against the Homecare Association's 2026/27 minimum-price report and Age UK's 2026 factsheets. Numbers verified 21 June 2026.
Home care cost in South West, 2026
Self-pay hourly rates in South West in 2026 sit between £28-£34/hr[1]. Live-in care runs £1150-£1700/wk[1]. The Homecare Association's 2026/27 minimum sustainable price is £34.42/hr[1].
Regional context
Cornwall and rural Devon attract a recruitment premium; quotes can sit £2 to £4/hr above the regional headline.
Headline numbers
| Care type | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly visits (self-pay) | £28 | £34 |
| Live-in care (managed) | £1150 | £1700 |
| Weekend uplift (typical) | 1.25x | 1.25x |
| Bank holiday uplift | 1.5x | 2x |
Ranges from provider published rates and the Homecare Association 2026/27 modelling[1]. Council-commissioned rates are typically £6 to £10/hr below the self-pay range in this region[19].
Providers operating in South West
- Helping Hands: published headline rates, national directly managed.
- Bluebird Care: franchise network, quote-only.
- Right at Home: franchise, Outstanding-heavy.
- Elder: introductory live-in.
- The Good Care Group: managed live-in.