Understanding the Cost of Home Care for Your Loved One: What You Need to Know

When a loved one requires home care, one of the most important factors to consider is cost. Home care can be a crucial lifeline, allowing your loved one to stay in the comfort of their own home while receiving the support they need. However, navigating the financial aspects of home care can be complex, especially with the variety of care providers available in Bedford. In this blog post, we’ll help break down the costs of home care and explain some of the options available to you.

The Different Types of Home Care Providers in Bedford

Here in Bedford, there are several different types of home care providers to choose from. Understanding the differences between these options is key to making the best decision for your loved one.

Framework Providers

These agencies work closely with Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire councils and provide care to eligible clients for council funding. However, framework providers often work off the volume of clients they handle, which can often lead to a lack of consistency and flexibility in care. With this type of care, clients may feel like they are just another case rather than receiving personalised, specialised attention.

Independent, Nurse-Led Agencies

Bloom & Care is a perfect example of a small, independent, nurse-led, and family-run agency. As a team of nurse-led and dedicated Community Care Assistants, we provide individualised care with a focus on building relationships and tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of each client. Independent agencies like Bloom & Care can provide a much more personalised and flexible approach to home care, allowing families to feel confident that their loved one is receiving the best care possible.

Franchised Businesses

These home care agencies are part of larger, often national, companies that have a standardised approach to care. Franchised agencies typically focus on growing their client base, which means they often work on a high-volume, one-size-fits-all approach to care. While this may be suitable for some, it often lacks the personal touch and tailored care that many families seek.

How Bloom & Care Can Help with Council-Funded Care

We understand that many families are concerned about the costs associated with home care, especially when they are eligible for council funding. Bloom & Care offers a solution for those who wish to receive care from our nurse-led, independent agency but also need to utilise council funding.

While we do accept council-funded clients, there is an additional charge for the top-up and mileage costs. This means that if you choose Bloom & Care as your preferred agency over another provider, you can still benefit from our high-quality, personalised care while receiving financial support from the council. The top-up charge covers the difference between the council funding and the cost of the care you would receive from our agency, and the mileage charge reflects the cost of travel for our Community Care Assistants to get to your home.

This option has been particularly helpful for clients who have specific needs and preferences for a smaller, independent agency but still want to take advantage of the council funding available to them. The flexibility and quality of care we provide at Bloom & Care make it a top choice for many families in Bedford, especially those who are looking for something more than what larger, providers can offer.

The Cost of Home Care: What to Expect

The cost of home care can vary greatly depending on the provider, the level of care required, and the frequency of visits. Here are some key factors that can influence the cost of care:

Hourly Rate

Many agencies charge an hourly rate for home care services. This rate can differ depending on the type of care required. Independent agencies typically offer more transparent pricing, with clear breakdowns of costs for 1-hour, 45 and 30-minute visits.

Top-Up Charges

If you are utilising council funding, you may be required to pay a top-up charge to cover the difference between the council's contribution and the actual cost of the care and mileage. This is where Bloom & Care’s flexibility comes into play, allowing you to choose our agency while still benefiting from council funding.

Mileage Fees

We cover the first three miles of travel each day, and any additional distance beyond this is subject to a charge, based on travel to and from our location at MK42 9NY. At Bloom & Care, we aim to keep these fees fair and affordable while maintaining the highest standard of care.

Why Choose Bloom & Care Over Other Providers?

When you choose Bloom & Care, you’re opting for a care provider that prioritises quality, consistency, and personalisation. As a small, independent, nurse-led, and family-run agency, we can offer a level of care that larger, franchised businesses or council framework providers often cannot match. Our team is passionate about creating tailored care plans that fit the individual needs of each client, and we build long-lasting relationships with both our clients and their families.

Many of our clients choose us because they prefer the individualised attention we provide and because we can offer flexibility that larger providers simply can’t. We understand how important it is for families to feel confident that their loved one is receiving the best care possible, and we are committed to delivering that care with compassion and expertise.

Navigating the cost of home care can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In Bedford, you have a range of options, from large, franchised businesses to independent agencies like Bloom & Care. While council funding can help cover some of the costs, there may still be additional charges, such as top-up fees and mileage costs, to consider. However, the investment in personalised, high-quality care from an independent, nurse-led agency like Bloom & Care can provide peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving the best care available.

If you are interested in learning more about our services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bloom & Care. We are here to support your family every step of the way, as one of Bedford’s leading home care providers.