·12 min read·15 September 2026
How much does home care cost in Berkshire?
If you are arranging care for a parent or partner in Berkshire, the first honest question is usually the same: how much will this cost? You deserve a clear answer — not a vague “it depends” with no numbers attached.
No travel time charges
No PPE surcharges
No hidden fees
Written by Magdalena Zieba, Registered Care Manager · CQC registered
All VAT exempt
weekdays, also waking nights
£38/hr
£39/hr
weekdays
£32/hr
minimum 3 days
£2,000/wk
Headline “from” rates. A free no-obligation assessment comes first; you get an exact quote after assessment.
This guide sets out Visiting Angels Berkshire’s official 2026 Client Care Rates for visiting (hourly) care, sleeping nights, waking nights and live-in care. It also walks through what drives the weekly total, gives labelled example scenarios so you can see the maths, and explains what is included (and what is not).
We support families across Maidenhead, Windsor, Slough, Ascot, Bracknell, Marlow, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross and surrounding villages. Our caregivers live locally — not a remote call centre quoting a national average.
Windsor
Slough
Ascot
Bracknell
Marlow
Beaconsfield
Gerrards Cross
Every rate, on the table
Use them to estimate; your care plan and final quote are confirmed after assessment.
Whether sleeping or waking nights fit is a clinical and practical judgement we make with you at assessment — not something to decide from a price list alone.
What affects the cost of home care in Berkshire?
Two households on the same street can have very different weekly totals. These are the levers that usually matter most.
Hours per day / week
One morning visit is a different bill from three visits a day, seven days a week.
Weekdays vs weekends
Weekend hours are £39/hour rather than £38/hour.
Bank holidays
Fewer hours in the year, but higher rates when they fall on your care days.
Nights
Sleeping nights, waking nights, or no overnight cover at all.
Visiting vs live-in
Many short daily visits can eventually cost more — and feel more fragmented — than a live-in week.
Complexity of care
Medication support, dementia-aware routines, transfers or post-hospital recovery shape visit length.
How the week is patterned
Five weekday mornings only, vs a full seven-day rota including evenings.
Travel-time charges, PPE surcharges, or surprise admin fees. Care is VAT exempt. We would rather you see the working before you commit.
Example weekly scenarios
These are labelled examples only — not quotes. Final figures depend on the care plan after a free assessment.
These workings help you budget a range. For an exact quote after assessment, call us.
We do not surprise families with add-ons for turning up.
Discussed case by case: items you buy yourself — groceries the caregiver collects with you or for you, prescription charges, and equipment owned by the household.
How home care is often funded
Funding is personal. This section is an orientation only — not advice on your eligibility, and not a promise that any route will apply to your family.
Usually the fastest start, the most flexibility over visit times, and a direct relationship with the provider on caregiver matching.
Where needs are assessed as eligible, the council may arrange care or offer a Direct Payment. Eligibility is decided by the authority, not by us.
For complex, primarily health-based needs. Assessment follows a national framework — ask the discharge team, GP or NHS CHC team.
Whatever the funding route, a clear care plan and transparent rates still matter. We will be straight with you about what a package costs even while funding questions are being worked through.
Home care vs care home cost
A fair comparison looks at what is included, not just the headline number.
Home care is not automatically cheaper or more expensive than a care home — it depends on hours, nights and whether live-in is needed. It is often the option that preserves familiarity for longer. We will be honest at assessment if home care is not the right tool this week.
How to get an accurate quote
There is no hard sell on the first call. Many families just want a realistic weekly range before they talk to siblings. That is a good reason to phone.
01753 306187, or enquire online.
We listen to what a typical day and night look like, meet your loved one where possible, and look at the practicalities of the home.
Hours, nights or live-in recommendation with costs on the 2026 rate card.
Before care starts.
Needs change after hospital, a fall, or as dementia progresses; packages should move with them.
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure? Call 01753 306187 for a same-day conversation about a likely weekly range.
How much does home care cost per hour in Berkshire?
With Visiting Angels Berkshire’s 2026 rates, visiting (hourly) care is £38 per hour on weekdays, £39 at weekends, £44 on bank holidays and £76 on special bank holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day). Care is VAT exempt.
How much does live-in care cost in Berkshire?
Live-in care starts from £2,000 per week, with a minimum of 3 days. On special bank holidays there is an additional £150 per day.
Are there hidden fees, travel charges or PPE surcharges?
No. Our care is VAT exempt. There are no travel time charges, no PPE surcharges and no hidden fees. Exact quotes follow a free assessment so you can see the full weekly figure before you decide.
Is a free assessment really no-obligation?
Yes. The assessment is free and no-obligation. You meet us, we listen, and we provide an exact quote based on the care plan. You are not committed until you choose to start.
What is the difference between sleeping nights and waking nights on the bill?
Sleeping nights are charged from £32 per hour on weekdays (higher at weekends and bank holidays). Waking nights use the standard visiting hourly rates (from £38 per hour on weekdays). Which fits depends on how often overnight help is needed — we advise at assessment.
Can local authority Direct Payments or NHS Continuing Healthcare pay for care?
Sometimes, where you meet the relevant criteria. Eligibility is decided by the local authority or NHS under official rules — not by Visiting Angels. We can discuss practicalities if you already have (or are applying for) funding, and we will still be transparent about rates.
Do you cover Maidenhead, Windsor, Slough and nearby towns?
Yes — including Ascot, Bracknell, Marlow, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross and surrounding villages within our catchment.
How do I get a quote?
Call 01753 306187 or enquire online. We will arrange a free assessment and give you an exact figure based on your needs.
